News: Big Issues
Nursery World Big Issues give you a quick, easy way to find articles on important topics. New articles are added regularly to many of the sections, so do check back if you are following a particular issue.
Maintained Nursery Schools
Local authority maintained nursery schools' fight for survival amid underfunding and council cuts.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The topic of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, including the Code of Practice, legislation, support and funding.
30 Hours Free Childcare
From September 2017, working parents of three- and four-year-olds will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare. Follow the progress of the Government's flagship policy as it develops.
Level 3 Early Years Educator
We take a look at the latest on the Level 3 qualification, including apprenticeships, recruitment and the Government's consultation on the GCSE rules.
Child Obesity
With childhood obesity on the rise, we look at the research behind the headlines, what can be done to reverse the trend and the Government's obesity strategy.
Childminder Agencies
Launched in September 2014, we look at the thinking behind the introduction of childminder agencies and how they have progressed.
Free Early Education for Disadvantaged Two-year-olds
Twenty per cent of two-year-olds will become eligible for an early education place from September 2013, rising to 40 per cent in 2014-15. Follow the progress of the Government's programme.
Childcare Costs
Politicians, think-tanks, parents and those in the early years sector all want their say on how childcare can be made more affordable. Follow the story here as the Childcare Commission prepares to release its recommendations.
Children's Speech & Language
What are the problems and what action is being taken to solve them?
Free Schools & Academies
The free school programme has proved to be controversial. Will it add parental choice or disadvantage existing schools? Follow the Government's plan to establish free schools around the country.
Review of the Early Years Foundation Stage
News, views and advice as the Government reviews the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Men in Childcare
All the latest news and views on moves to attract more men to working with young children. Will fresh initiatives to increase the proportion of males in childcare have a significant effect?
Synthetic Phonics
Read the views of fans and critics of synthetic phonics as the Government insists on its rigorous use for teaching young children to read.
Fathers
News, tips and guidance on working with fathers, covering everything from paternity leave to ways to encourage Dads to join in at nursery
Cuts to Sure Start Children's Centres
As local authorities struggle to deal with budget cuts, children's centres around the country are at risk of closure.
Vanessa George Nursery Abuse Case
What should nurseries and practitioners be doing to protect children from paedophiles? We look at the issues surrounding the Vanessa George abuse case.
