Early Years

Tuesday

11th Mar 2025

Where we’re going wrong with science in early years
Closing the attainment gap in science for disadvantaged young people will require a more nuanced approach in EYFS, argues Julian Grenier
Test tubes with building blocks
The 28 signs of ‘school readiness’
Trusts and charities call on the government to support the new Starting Reception definition of school readiness
A coalition of education groups is calling for an agreed definition of school readiness

Friday

7th Mar 2025

Early years: Teachers to be trained to supervise toothbrushing
School leaders warn government not to expect them to ‘fix all of society’s ills’ following supervised toothbrushing announcement
Headteachers leaders have warned against transferring parental responsibilities to schools after the government announced funding for a toothbrushing scheme

Sunday

16th Feb 2025

How to improve verbal skills in EYFS
The impact of developing confidence around talk is enormous, writes Julian Grenier – so how can we help our youngest learners in this vital area?
How to improve verbal skills in EYFS

Tuesday

28th Jan 2025

DfE announces new early years training routes
Ministers unveil a three-year early years teacher degree apprenticeship and a new experience-based training route
DfE announces new early years training routes

Tuesday

14th Jan 2025

How to meet the needs of left-handers in EYFS
The world is set up for the right-handed, writes Julian Grenier, so we need to champion left-handed children in the early years
How to meet the needs of left-handers in EYFS

Monday

30th Dec 2024

Problem solving in early maths: 3 simple teaching tips
Teaching strategies for problem solving is one of five approaches recommended by the Education Endowment Foundation to support young children’s maths development – and here’s how to do it
Problem-solving in early maths: 3 simple teaching tips

Tuesday

24th Dec 2024

EYFS: How ditching our maths scheme is transforming teaching
Prescriptive schemes may make teaching seem simpler, says Helen Pinnington, but they can disconnect staff from vital skills
Numbered cans bean bag

Thursday

19th Dec 2024

Stigma, safeguarding and social change: toilet training in early years
Staff report increasing numbers of children starting school without being toilet trained – but the issue is complex and requires careful consideration, writes Julian Grenier
Learner plate potty training

Tuesday

10th Dec 2024

Early years funding: all you need to know
The government has announced an uplift to the early years pupil premium and higher funding rates for 2025-26
Two children looking through magnifying glasses
Early years pupil premium rising by 45%
Government also announces a £75 million expansion fund for extra early education places and staff
Early years pupil premium rising by 45%

Thursday

5th Dec 2024

Starmer promises record number of ‘ready to learn’ five-year-olds
Prime minister shares concern that some Reception pupils are ‘struggling to speak’, while headteachers say focus on early years is ‘one of the nearest things to a silver bullet’
Keir Starmer