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.
Ofsted Education Inspection Framework
Ofsted's new inspection framework for early years, schools and colleges comes into force in September 2019.
Closing the Gap
The latest news, features and views on closing the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children and the literacy gap.
Child Poverty
Figures suggest the number of children currently living in poverty in the UK is growing. We look at the reasons behind this, its impact on children and their families and explore what can be done.
Intergenerational Care
The co-location of nurseries and care homes is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. We look at the thinking behind intergenerational care, the latest developments and examples of best practice.
Apprenticeships
The latest news and features on apprenticeships, including the sector's first-ever Early years Educator apprenticeship standard, at Level 3.
Reception Baseline
The latest news and views on the Government's controversial decision to introduce the Reception baseline. Due to become law in September 2020, following a trial and a pilot in 2019, our coverage includes pros and cons from both sides of the debate.
Tax-Free Childcare
The Government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme was launched in April 2017 and allows working parents to claim back £2,000 a year on childcare costs. Follow the progress of the scheme.
T-Levels
The Education and Childcare T-Level is one of the first of three T-levels coming in from 2020. The new two-year vocational college-based course will be equivalent to three A-Levels.
Mental Health and Well-Being
A look at how mental health and well-being affects early years practitioners and young children.
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.
