Children who attend a pre-school setting go on to gain better grades at GCSE than those who do not, the latest findings from a major study show.

Researchers found that attending any pre-school, compared to none, predicted better results at GCSE overall, and higher grades in GCSE maths and English, as well as the likelihood of achieving five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C. The benefit of attending pre-school equate to 41 more points at GCSE, the equivalent to gaining […]

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In his first interview since taking up the role of childcare and education minister, Sam Gyimah talks to Catherine Gaunt about some of the big issues affecting the sector right now.

When the Prime Minister reshuffled the ministerial pack back in July, the sector was initially left wondering about the scope of the childcare role. While Sam Gyimah, the Conservative MP for East Surrey, claimed the childcare job on Twitter, further clarification of his responsibilities from the Department for Education (DfE) was not immediately forthcoming. So […]

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The DfE has been unable to say why it published the early years employers apprenticeship standard and then imposed its own contradictory qualifications requirements.

Last week, the Level 3 early years standard was published saying: ‘Employers who recruit candidates without English and maths GCSE at Grade C or above… must ensure that the candidate achieves this standard prior to the completion of the apprenticeship.’ But on the same day, the National College for Teaching and Leadership confirmed that these […]

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Useful Links

Below are some useful links to related motoring websites. Oxford University Press Educational publisher of textbooks, software and online resources from Primary to FE available to buy online. global.oup.com The Institute of the Motor Industry International body for those employed in the automotive industry and associated sectors. www.motor.org.uk Motorsport News Motorsport News is the voice of British […]

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Useful Links- Care

Below are some useful links to related Health and Social Care websites. Oxford University Press Educational publisher of textbooks, software and online resources from Primary to FE available to buy online. global.oup.com Care UK Care UK is a leading independent provider of health and social care. Working in partnership with local authorities, primary care trusts and […]

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A one-year stay of execution has been granted over maths and English GCSEs for apprentices.

In a move that will be welcomed by employers, the new level 3 apprenticeship standard published yesterday makes minimum GCSE standards an exit, rather than an entry requirement. The standard will be used to design apprenticeship assessments and was the result of an employers’ group working under the Government’s ‘trailblazer’ initiative. The move follows lobbying […]

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