New guidelines launched on food and drink in early
For the first time, childcare providers have a nationally-recognised source of information about the foods they should offer young children, portion sizes, sample menus and recipes, advice on tackling fussy eating and involving children in food and cooking activities.
It follows an independent report in 2010 which flagged demand for clearer guidance from childcare providers and parents. Whilst many childcare providers are already doing good work in this area, research suggests that some are giving young children food which is more appropriate for older children and adults. This can mean children eat too little energy, carbohydrate and essential minerals such as iron and zinc, and too much salt and sugar.
Ofsted seeks views on the regulation of early years and childcare providers
Ofsted is consulting on changes to the way it registers and inspects early years providers, including nurseries and childminders, following the recent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The changes will coincide with the revised EYFS, which the Government intends to publish in September.
The proposals will raise expectations, with a greater focus on children’s personal, social and emotional development and the progress that children make in their learning. The proposed changes would also give those looking after children more freedom in managing their own service, while continuing to keep children safe by strengthening registration and maintaining rigorous enforcement for those who are not complying with requirements.
Ofsted announces scrapping of ‘satisfactory’ judgement
Ofsted announces scrapping of ‘satisfactory’ judgement in move designed to help improve education for millions of children. Ahead of a government summit on ‘coasting schools’ to be held at Downing Street on 16th January. Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has confirmed his intention to scrap the ‘satisfactory’ judgment for school inspections.
The move is designed to tackle the number of coasting schools that have remained stubbornly ‘satisfactory’ over a number of inspections, as highlighted in Ofsted’s Annual Reports over recent years. The proposals, which will be subject to consultation, would mean that any school that does not provide a good standard of education will be given a new “requires improvement’ grade.
Early Years Foundation Stage Review
The independent review has found that although the EYFS has improved quality of provision, it is too complex and elaborate.
http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/downloadableDocs/EYFS%20IA.pdf
My Family Care Survey
My Family Care, supported by Daycare Trust and the Fatherhood Institute, is running a survey with over 40 thousand working parents and carers to get a real picture of how flexible working works (or doesn’t) and what employees really need and want.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/flexible-working-survey-DCT
MP Graham Allen calls for early years intervention
Early intervention will improve the lives of vulnerable children and help break the cycle of “dysfunction and under-achievement”, a report says. The government-commissioned report recommends regular assessments of all pre-school children, focusing on their social and emotional development advice.
EYFS – too much time spent on paperwork and not enough on the children?
Criticism of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) tends to focus on the framework’s implementation, not its principles. The guidance has been maligned for a number of reasons, including its unwieldy and excessive paper work, and a too-strong frame work that puts needless burdens on the workforce of the EY. If those working with kids were given more trust, this rigidity could be relaxed, leaving them free to give the child space on occasion. This would allow the child to create his or her own world of learning during play, but with occasional challenges discretely offered by the staff to enhance it as well as permitting more time to be devoted to each child rather than to accompanying paperwork.
Universal Credit – we still haven’t been told who will lose
With the Welfare Reform Bill due this month, yesterday’s Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report on Universal Credit (UC) makes concerning reading. Despite the government’s plans to legislate within a matter of weeks the number of unanswered questions about how the new benefit will work is significant – meaning that it remains impossible to calculate who will gain and lose from its introduction.
Say no to more pressure on young children – petition
Sign the petition against school league tables for five year olds.
The UK government is proposing to introduce school league tables based on the achievement of 5-year-olds in their Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, which records progress against a set of early learning goals that ‘most children’ are expected to reach by the end of their reception year. The proposal shows a continuation of the previous government’s lack of interest in the broad agreement among educational experts, teachers and early years practitioners that some of the goals are set way beyond the reach of most. Insisting on trying to hit them means that most young children are effectively ‘failing’ at the age of 5. Even those goals which are reasonable for the majority are out of reach for some, so that all young children are likely to be ‘failing’ in some capacity.
Daycare Trust provide their reaction to the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review on Childcare?
Daycare Trust has analysed the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) to consider what the impact will be on childcare, and therefore on the millions of families who rely on childcare services. Their overall view is that families will find it harder to pay for childcare as a result of the CSR, particularly lower income families who rely on Tax Credits.