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 […]

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 […]

The independent childminder agency evaluation of the trials was commissioned by the DfE and carried out by Ipsos MORO and Ecorys. The report sets out the findings of the childminder agency trials, and aims to help organisations who wish to set up a childminder agency. The research was carried out with the 20 pilot agencies […]

The guide is aimed at those interested in setting up an agency, individuals that may find themselves working with agencies, and parents. From today, childminder agencies can register with Ofsted. Read full article…

It comes as findings from a survey carried out by the charity to coincide with the start of the school year, highlight the struggle parents face finding childcare arrangements to fit with their working patterns and school opening times. Challenges faced by parents include not having access to after-school clubs at their child’s school and […]

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 […]

Below are some useful links to related educational and childcare orientated websites. Oxford University Press Educational publisher of textbooks, software and online resources from Primary to FE available to buy online. global.oup.com Nursery World www.nurseryworld.co.uk The TES The largest network of teachers in the world. A place to find the latest education news, jobs, resources and to […]

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 […]