In this section you will find news, speeches and letters related to early learning and childcare.
Government to reward LAs for improving children's lives
Local authorities will be paid according to the prevalence of breastfeeding and the take up of free nursery care, under a new scheme being trialled by the Coalition Government.
Press notice 05 March 2012
Consultation launched on free early education
Free early education will be extended to 140,000 disadvantaged two-year- olds, and parents will be able to access the free entitlement more flexibly, under plans published by the Government today.
Press notice 11 November 2011
Michael Gove talks about the importance of Early Years
The Secretary of State talks about the importance of Early Years education.
Speech Michael Gove, 28 October 2011
Sarah Teather to the NCAS Conference
The Children's Minister talks to the National Children and Adult Services Conference.
Speech Sarah Teather, 19 October 2011
Free early education for disadvantaged two-year olds
Thousands of disadvantaged two year olds, and those living in care, stand to benefit from an extra year of free early education.
Press notice 19 September 2011
Parenting classes trialled for parents of under-5s
The Government today announced a trial to offer vouchers for parenting classes to mothers and fathers of children under five.
Press notice 19 September 2011
Supporting Families in the Foundation Years
Sarah Teather MP and Anne Milton MP write to local authorities about their new joint policy vision, set out in the publication 'Supporting Families in the Foundation Years'.
Letter 18 July 2011
Government sets out reform of early years education
Reforms include a slimmed down curriculum for 0-5-year-olds, more focus on getting children ready for school and free childcare entitlement to be more flexible for parents.
Press notice 06 July 2011
Dame Clare Tickell responds to an article in the TES
Dame Clare Tickell responds to a misleading article in the Times Educational Supplement about her independent review of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
News 01 April 2011
Early Years Foundation Stage to be radically slimmed down
Dame Clare Tickell recommends that the Early Years Foundation Stage is radically slimmed down to make it easier to understand, less burdensome and more focused on making sure children start school ready to learn.
Press notice 30 March 2011
