POLICY
In case you missed it…
We take a look at some of the key policy updates from the past month
Policymakers urged to formally recognise early years settings
New research has called on policymakers to formally recognise and fund early years settings for their role in providing additional support for families beyond early education and childcare.
Based on surveys and interviews with educators, Nurseries...a new frontier of the welfare state? found that settings act as ‘first responders’ to families by providing support including debt advice, supporting with family relationship breakdowns, toy libraries and community pantries.
Global data shows screentime affects child development
Research has concluded that significant screentime use can impact a child's learning and development. The study, which was led by researchers from the University of Calgary, examined data of more than 2.8 million children across 64 countries.
It concluded that significant use could affect areas including academic achievement, language development and emotional wellbeing. The research covered a variety of devices, including smartphones, televisions, social media, gaming and FaceTime calls.
Ofsted confirms full inspector accreditation success
Ofsted has confirmed that all eligible inspectors have achieved inspector accreditation. Announced in April 2025, the inspectorate committed to introducing inspector accreditation as a way of recognising and verifying inspectors’ expertise. It also aims to achieve "greater transparency about the standards inspectors are expected" and how Ofsted supports them to achieve this. In an update, Ofsted confirmed that accreditation has been certified independently by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Study highlights barriers for SEND provision
Research from the University of Exeter has warned that young children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can face a "lonely and uncertain journey" to find early years places.
The study included interviews with 11 mothers whose children were mostly aged between two and four, and 13 early years educators. It found that while an official diagnosis for children under five may help some families access provision and help settings to better understand a child’s needs, it can also create barriers where providers might be unable to accommodate a child with a diagnosed developmental condition.
National expansion announced for Healthy Babies programme
The government's Healthy Babies programme is to be expanded to every local authority in England. The programme aims to support parents with infant feeding, mental health and building strong bonds with their babies, and is delivered alongside health visits and midwifery care. This follows the government's commitment to roll out 1,000 Best Start Family Hub in every local authority by 2028.
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance