Early Years Reviews

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 5:49:33 AM

WhatsApp Exclusive for now. You heard it here first. 📚✨ I’m thrilled to share something I’ve been quietly working on for some time… I’ve written a series of self-published professional books for the early years, each one rooted in practice, reflection, and the heart of child-centred education. The first title in the series, Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child-Centred Way, will be out soon! It’s a book for everyone who believes school readiness shouldn’t mean schoolification, but instead should honour the child in the now, through relationships, play, and a strong sense of self. Each book in the series brings a different lens: • The Developing Child: Insights into child development from birth onwards • Moments of Meaning: Reflective practice in everyday interactions • Beyond Words: Exploring the voice of the child • The Early Years Educator: Real life, real issues, real joy These books are for educators, leaders, students and anyone who cares deeply about the early years. They’re accessible, grounded in real practice, and designed to inspire thinking and action. More soon… but for now, thank you to everyone who’s encouraged me to share these ideas in my own way. Let’s keep making early childhood visible, valued, and vibrant. 💛 #EarlyYears #StartingStrong #ChildCentred #SelfPublished #PlayMatters #EYFS #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ReflectivePractice #VoiceOfTheChild #CPD

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 4:18:33 AM

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/may/12/space-requirements-nurseries-england-overcrowding

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 4:42:02 AM

I won’t apologise for keeping children at the centre of what I do. Speaking out in the early childhood sector isn’t always comfortable. When you challenge dominant narratives, question policy directions, or advocate for relational, rights-based, and play-rich practice, you often find yourself pushed to the margins or ignored. But I didn’t come into this work to stay silent. I believe in calling things what they are. In standing up for what matters, even when it’s unpopular. If that means being overlooked or dismissed by those in the sector, so be it. Because I would rather stand with children than be applauded for saying nothing. Let’s keep speaking out, even when it’s hard. Let’s centre children. Let’s protect the magic of play. Let’s refuse to dilute the message of giving children the best start in life, which for me is what truly matters. #PlayMatters #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildCentred #RelationalPedagogy #EducationPolicy #VoicesForChildren #RightsBasedPractice #StandUpForPlay #EarlyYearsMatter #ChildInTheNow

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 4:22:29 AM

Attention Early Years Providers, Educators, and Parents! 🚨 The Department for Education is seeking your views on proposed changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) indoor space requirements. These changes aim to address the growing demand for childcare places following the expansion of funded childcare for working parents. Key Proposals: • Including “free-flow” outdoor spaces in the calculation of required space per child for those aged 2 and above. • Two options are under consideration: 1. Incorporating outdoor space without a cap. 2. Incorporating outdoor space with a cap to prevent overcrowding. Your feedback is crucial to ensure that any changes maintain the quality and safety of early years education. 🗓️ Consultation Deadline: 11:59 PM on 11 July 2025 📢 Have Your Say: Participate in the consultation here: 👉 https://consult.education.gov.uk/early-years-places-and-workforce-expansion-team/early-years-childcare-settings-space-requirements/ Let’s work together to shape the future of early years childcare in England! 🧒🏽👶🏼👧🏻

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 4:16:29 AM

https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news/sector-urges-pm-to-use-the-spending-review-to-invest-in-early-years/

Early Years Reviews

6/2/2025, 5:52:35 AM

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/01/sure-start-families-benefit-early-years

Early Years Reviews

5/31/2025, 5:35:40 PM

https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/features/book-extracts-finding-joy-in-working-with-children?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKoHS5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlc2EbjqzCNBTjWwxZvz7Wkxb_C8qCZOsQnCHJHrb5KSApDjvL4Mygwoymzk_aem_A1klf-5b0HCSz99C0F3AQg#Echobox=1748664438

Early Years Reviews

6/2/2025, 5:56:14 AM

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/may/30/future-of-world-renowned-childrens-centre-reform-uk-pen-green

Early Years Reviews

6/5/2025, 4:41:00 AM

Someone said to me recently, “You’re always smiling in your photos.” And it made me pause… then smile even more. 😄 This photo was taken mid-transit, tired but happy, we turned them into Lego pictures, because it’s where my brain took me back to my childhood. The Lego pieces, the joy, the dosxe to think, create, imagine and have fun. It captures something I deeply believe in: playfulness isn’t just for children. It’s a mindset. A way of being. A reminder to hold joy close, even in the busiest or saddesed of moments. In Early Years, we talk a lot about play, how it supports learning, wellbeing, relationships, and development. But playfulness? That’s the secret ingredient. It’s what makes environments feel safe, warm, and alive. It’s what allows us as adults to connect, with children, to imagine, to care deeply and lead with love and nurture. So here’s my gentle nudge: Don’t lose your playfulness. Not in the policies. Not in the paperwork. Not in the pressure. It belongs in classrooms, corridors, and yes, even in airport queues. ✈️💛 PS: I even loved getting a sticker. Even if it did say Transit on it because we got lost so everyone knew we didn’t know where we were going. Loved it 🤣 #PlayMatters #EarlyYears #Playfulness #JoyInLearning #LetThemPlay #EYFS #ChildhoodChampions #EarlyYearsLeadership #BalanceNotBattle