Centre for Research in Early Childhood
@crecuk.bsky.social
Through our research, consultancy work, postgraduate degrees and training & development programmes, CREC has been working to improve Early Years provision for over 25 years.
Falling childminder numbers as parents struggle to find childcare: buff.ly/Btbd8Lw
#Childminders #PVI #Childcare
#Childminders #PVI #Childcare
Search for childcare space is 'mission impossible', says mum
A charity says the sector is at "breaking point" and is calling on the government to intervene.
buff.ly
January 21, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Falling childminder numbers as parents struggle to find childcare: buff.ly/Btbd8Lw
#Childminders #PVI #Childcare
#Childminders #PVI #Childcare
It has been brought to our attention there’s a live Music Educators and Researchers of Young Children (MERYC) England copycat website and we urge everyone to please save and use the correct URL address for the organisation: buff.ly/fh8rAbo
buff.ly/kUxIWdF
#Fraud #MERYC
buff.ly/kUxIWdF
#Fraud #MERYC
Home | MERYC England
MERYC England is a registered charity committed to advancing the musical education of children aged 0 - 5 years in England. MERYC England is a forum for connecting and exploring the diverse world of…
www.merycengland.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 11:40 AM
It has been brought to our attention there’s a live Music Educators and Researchers of Young Children (MERYC) England copycat website and we urge everyone to please save and use the correct URL address for the organisation: buff.ly/fh8rAbo
buff.ly/kUxIWdF
#Fraud #MERYC
buff.ly/kUxIWdF
#Fraud #MERYC
According to the Department for Education, 175,900 youngsters in England were homeschooled by choice during the 2024/25 school year, up 15% from 153,300 the previous year. More details at buff.ly/g4YaawM. #HomeEducation #EOTAS
Number of children being taught at home increases by 15% in a year, report finds
More than 175,000 children were educated at home in 2024/25, up from 153,000 in the previous academic year, latest figures show. Experts say it is largely down to parents withdrawing their children…
buff.ly
January 20, 2026 at 11:46 AM
According to the Department for Education, 175,900 youngsters in England were homeschooled by choice during the 2024/25 school year, up 15% from 153,300 the previous year. More details at buff.ly/g4YaawM. #HomeEducation #EOTAS
You are warmly invited to an online seminar tomorrow.
Details below:
Presenter: Professor Chris Pascal, CREC
Date: 21/01/2026
Time: 3-4pm
Title: Understanding the new revised EECERA ethical code and the ethics of researching with young children.
To book on, please email m.Sybilska@crec.co.uk #BCU
Details below:
Presenter: Professor Chris Pascal, CREC
Date: 21/01/2026
Time: 3-4pm
Title: Understanding the new revised EECERA ethical code and the ethics of researching with young children.
To book on, please email m.Sybilska@crec.co.uk #BCU
January 20, 2026 at 11:24 AM
You are warmly invited to an online seminar tomorrow.
Details below:
Presenter: Professor Chris Pascal, CREC
Date: 21/01/2026
Time: 3-4pm
Title: Understanding the new revised EECERA ethical code and the ethics of researching with young children.
To book on, please email m.Sybilska@crec.co.uk #BCU
Details below:
Presenter: Professor Chris Pascal, CREC
Date: 21/01/2026
Time: 3-4pm
Title: Understanding the new revised EECERA ethical code and the ethics of researching with young children.
To book on, please email m.Sybilska@crec.co.uk #BCU
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has launched a new campaign to champion PVI settings. Find out more: buff.ly/GnPdKGt
#EarlyYears #PVI #Nursery
#EarlyYears #PVI #Nursery
Nursery: Where the best start happens - NDNA
Nursery: Where the best start happens - NDNA
buff.ly
January 19, 2026 at 11:46 AM
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has launched a new campaign to champion PVI settings. Find out more: buff.ly/GnPdKGt
#EarlyYears #PVI #Nursery
#EarlyYears #PVI #Nursery
A substantial £200 million project aimed at training educators for students with SEND. A new directive guarantees that all teachers are equipped to support pupils, as the government fulfills its pledge to enact changes eagerly awaited by families, the DfE announced today: buff.ly/VE5hEnr
#SEND
#SEND
£200 million landmark SEND teacher training programme
New requirement that every teacher receives training to support pupils, as government makes good on promise to deliver reforms families are crying out for.
www.gov.uk
January 16, 2026 at 4:14 PM
A substantial £200 million project aimed at training educators for students with SEND. A new directive guarantees that all teachers are equipped to support pupils, as the government fulfills its pledge to enact changes eagerly awaited by families, the DfE announced today: buff.ly/VE5hEnr
#SEND
#SEND
Parents of young children in England will soon receive official guidance on recommended screen time for their little ones, whether it's in front of the TV or using computers: buff.ly/sHXvXNt
#ScreenTime #Smartphones #EarlyChildhood
#ScreenTime #Smartphones #EarlyChildhood
High screen time limits vocabulary in toddlers, research finds
Children who spend the most time on devices or in front of screens find conversation and learning harder, the government says.
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Parents of young children in England will soon receive official guidance on recommended screen time for their little ones, whether it's in front of the TV or using computers: buff.ly/sHXvXNt
#ScreenTime #Smartphones #EarlyChildhood
#ScreenTime #Smartphones #EarlyChildhood
We’re asking for donations to create a small support fund to help out any struggling CREC student to stay the course and gain their qualification.
Thank you for your continued support; you can donate here: buff.ly/e8mbOoZ
#CREC #StudentSupportFund #StudentLife #EarlyChildhood
Thank you for your continued support; you can donate here: buff.ly/e8mbOoZ
#CREC #StudentSupportFund #StudentLife #EarlyChildhood
January 15, 2026 at 11:46 AM
We’re asking for donations to create a small support fund to help out any struggling CREC student to stay the course and gain their qualification.
Thank you for your continued support; you can donate here: buff.ly/e8mbOoZ
#CREC #StudentSupportFund #StudentLife #EarlyChildhood
Thank you for your continued support; you can donate here: buff.ly/e8mbOoZ
#CREC #StudentSupportFund #StudentLife #EarlyChildhood
Health visiting teams are providing vaccinations to children, ensuring families who face barriers like lack of GP registration, travel costs, or language issues receive essential care. #Vaccinations #EarlyChildhood
Families to have better access to childhood vaccinations
A new £2 million pilot will see health visitors reach families facing barriers to vaccines, to ensure more children are protected.
buff.ly
January 14, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Health visiting teams are providing vaccinations to children, ensuring families who face barriers like lack of GP registration, travel costs, or language issues receive essential care. #Vaccinations #EarlyChildhood
Last week, CREC and Titan SCITT trainees have been immersed in a series of seminars and deliberate practice sessions focused on effective questioning.
Find out more about our SCITT course here: buff.ly/BUKeY4e
#SCITT #TeacherTraining
Find out more about our SCITT course here: buff.ly/BUKeY4e
#SCITT #TeacherTraining
January 13, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Last week, CREC and Titan SCITT trainees have been immersed in a series of seminars and deliberate practice sessions focused on effective questioning.
Find out more about our SCITT course here: buff.ly/BUKeY4e
#SCITT #TeacherTraining
Find out more about our SCITT course here: buff.ly/BUKeY4e
#SCITT #TeacherTraining
How are early childhood education centers creating their climate action plans, and what elements should be included? Report by Hannah Crown.
buff.ly/1rNtQTl #EYFS #ClimateAction
buff.ly/1rNtQTl #EYFS #ClimateAction
EYFS changes part 3: Creating a climate change plan for your setting - Nursery World
How are early years settings going about devising their climate action plan, and what should they put in one? Hannah Crown reports
buff.ly
January 12, 2026 at 11:46 AM
How are early childhood education centers creating their climate action plans, and what elements should be included? Report by Hannah Crown.
buff.ly/1rNtQTl #EYFS #ClimateAction
buff.ly/1rNtQTl #EYFS #ClimateAction
An annual survey by the Department for Education has highlighted the increasing importance of schools and nurseries as providers of childcare and early childhood education. More details can be found at this link: buff.ly/EsO03o6
#EarlyEducation #NurserySchool #EarlyChildhood
#EarlyEducation #NurserySchool #EarlyChildhood
Schools' growing role in early education revealed
DfE research shows that school-based day nurseries are on the rise, and that schools have the most qualified staff
www.tes.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:46 AM
An annual survey by the Department for Education has highlighted the increasing importance of schools and nurseries as providers of childcare and early childhood education. More details can be found at this link: buff.ly/EsO03o6
#EarlyEducation #NurserySchool #EarlyChildhood
#EarlyEducation #NurserySchool #EarlyChildhood
CREC announces a landmark partnership with Norland through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance aims to enhance early childhood research, knowledge exchange, and academic growth. #Partnership #Norland #EarlyEducation #EarlyChildhood
January 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM
CREC announces a landmark partnership with Norland through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance aims to enhance early childhood research, knowledge exchange, and academic growth. #Partnership #Norland #EarlyEducation #EarlyChildhood
Join our upcoming Community of Practice Learning Circle:
Tuesday 20th Jan - Online via Zoom, 4.30pm-5.30pm
When: Jan 20, 2026 04:30 PM London. Register in advance for this meeting:
buff.ly/S3pZqBr
#EarlyYears #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #CREC
Tuesday 20th Jan - Online via Zoom, 4.30pm-5.30pm
When: Jan 20, 2026 04:30 PM London. Register in advance for this meeting:
buff.ly/S3pZqBr
#EarlyYears #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #CREC
January 8, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Join our upcoming Community of Practice Learning Circle:
Tuesday 20th Jan - Online via Zoom, 4.30pm-5.30pm
When: Jan 20, 2026 04:30 PM London. Register in advance for this meeting:
buff.ly/S3pZqBr
#EarlyYears #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #CREC
Tuesday 20th Jan - Online via Zoom, 4.30pm-5.30pm
When: Jan 20, 2026 04:30 PM London. Register in advance for this meeting:
buff.ly/S3pZqBr
#EarlyYears #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #CREC
Our very own Chris Pascal is quoted in this article: buff.ly/93zKs5g
#PostcodeLottery #Parenting #EarlyYears
#PostcodeLottery #Parenting #EarlyYears
How the 'postcode lottery' of parenting impacts young children
BBC Radio 4's Today will follow six parents for five years, chronicling the ups and downs of looking after a young child in modern Britain.
buff.ly
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Our very own Chris Pascal is quoted in this article: buff.ly/93zKs5g
#PostcodeLottery #Parenting #EarlyYears
#PostcodeLottery #Parenting #EarlyYears
Today:
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
CREC MA Information Session — CREC
Register for this virtual information session to talk to the MA Programme Lead about the course structure, application process and to discuss your research ideas.
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Today:
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
Early Years Maths CPD coming up with Roy Broadfield at CREC in 2026 - check it out and book your place - this is highly regarded CPD and great value: buff.ly/BR7ihAQ
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
Early Years Maths CPD Day at CREC — CREC
This one day event at CREC is designed for anyone wishing to learn about and improve teaching maths in nursery and reception classes.
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Early Years Maths CPD coming up with Roy Broadfield at CREC in 2026 - check it out and book your place - this is highly regarded CPD and great value: buff.ly/BR7ihAQ
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
Planning your CPD for 2026? Don't miss this - affordable and informative CPD at CREC with Debi Keyte-Hartland:
buff.ly/OGw5FNW
#CPD #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching #Arts #EarlyChildhood
buff.ly/OGw5FNW
#CPD #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching #Arts #EarlyChildhood
The Art of Learning: Strengthening Pedagogy and Practice in Expressive Arts and Design (EAD) for EYFS and KS1 — CREC
This professional learning day with international artist-educator Debi Keyte-Hartland is designed to support all EYFS and Key Stage 1 educators to deepen their understanding and enhance their…
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Planning your CPD for 2026? Don't miss this - affordable and informative CPD at CREC with Debi Keyte-Hartland:
buff.ly/OGw5FNW
#CPD #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching #Arts #EarlyChildhood
buff.ly/OGw5FNW
#CPD #Teaching #EarlyYearsTeaching #Arts #EarlyChildhood
The Best Start in Life Strategy, launched in July 2025, addresses challenges in early education and childcare. Key initiatives include enhancing recognition for early years educators and proposing a workforce registration system buff.ly/kcvQwLH
#BestStartInLife #WorkforceRegistration #EarlyEducation
#BestStartInLife #WorkforceRegistration #EarlyEducation
Workforce Registration: Building the Foundations of a Stronger Early Years Profession — Early Education and Childcare Coalition
Dr Nathan Archer and Dr Sara Bonetti explore what exactly a workforce registry is, why it is important and how it could work in the Early Years sector
www.earlyeducationchildcare.org
January 2, 2026 at 11:46 AM
The Best Start in Life Strategy, launched in July 2025, addresses challenges in early education and childcare. Key initiatives include enhancing recognition for early years educators and proposing a workforce registration system buff.ly/kcvQwLH
#BestStartInLife #WorkforceRegistration #EarlyEducation
#BestStartInLife #WorkforceRegistration #EarlyEducation
Seeking a new career in 2026?
"CREC is a wonderful place to study, I am so glad that I came across the course. You always worry if you’ve chosen the right place to study but with CREC I have never questioned that."
Interested? Find out more about our SCITT course: buff.ly/o4zfhSd
#SCITT
"CREC is a wonderful place to study, I am so glad that I came across the course. You always worry if you’ve chosen the right place to study but with CREC I have never questioned that."
Interested? Find out more about our SCITT course: buff.ly/o4zfhSd
#SCITT
January 1, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Seeking a new career in 2026?
"CREC is a wonderful place to study, I am so glad that I came across the course. You always worry if you’ve chosen the right place to study but with CREC I have never questioned that."
Interested? Find out more about our SCITT course: buff.ly/o4zfhSd
#SCITT
"CREC is a wonderful place to study, I am so glad that I came across the course. You always worry if you’ve chosen the right place to study but with CREC I have never questioned that."
Interested? Find out more about our SCITT course: buff.ly/o4zfhSd
#SCITT
Hear from current student Nicole about her experience on our current SCITT course. You can find out more about the course via the link below. Our next round of interviews is being held on January 14th. buff.ly/iUXadgS
#SCITT #TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
#SCITT #TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
December 31, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Hear from current student Nicole about her experience on our current SCITT course. You can find out more about the course via the link below. Our next round of interviews is being held on January 14th. buff.ly/iUXadgS
#SCITT #TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
#SCITT #TrainToTeach #GetIntoTeaching
Reposted by Centre for Research in Early Childhood
🚨 Wide gaps in waiting times for a SEND diagnosis by socio-economic background 🚨
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
December 30, 2025 at 9:30 AM
🚨 Wide gaps in waiting times for a SEND diagnosis by socio-economic background 🚨
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
Middle-class parents have shorter waiting times for formal SEND diagnoses than working-class parents, we have found.
Read our report on the SEND system 👇
www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
CREC MA Information Session — CREC
Register for this virtual information session to talk to the MA Programme Lead about the course structure, application process and to discuss your research ideas.
buff.ly
December 30, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Start the year right with our MA Information Session, perfect for all of you wishing to continue your Early Years research in a post-graduate course specifically designed for those working in the sector. Find out more: buff.ly/J6WeMiN
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
#MA #CREC #EYFS #PostGraduateStudy
The Education Committee has expanded its ongoing early years inquiry to examine how safeguarding can be strengthened in nurseries, for childminders and other early years settings. buff.ly/JLGGDPd
#Safeguarding #EarlyYears #EYFS
#Safeguarding #EarlyYears #EYFS
Education Committee expands early years inquiry to include safeguarding | www.eyalliance.org.uk
The decision follows recent high-profile cases in which early years staff have been convicted of abusing children in nursery settings
buff.ly
December 29, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The Education Committee has expanded its ongoing early years inquiry to examine how safeguarding can be strengthened in nurseries, for childminders and other early years settings. buff.ly/JLGGDPd
#Safeguarding #EarlyYears #EYFS
#Safeguarding #EarlyYears #EYFS
Early Years Maths CPD coming up with Roy Broadfield at CREC in 2026 - check it out and book your place - this is highly regarded CPD and great value: buff.ly/1ErPlb9
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
Early Years Maths CPD Day at CREC — CREC
This one day event at CREC is designed for anyone wishing to learn about and improve teaching maths in nursery and reception classes.
buff.ly
December 26, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Early Years Maths CPD coming up with Roy Broadfield at CREC in 2026 - check it out and book your place - this is highly regarded CPD and great value: buff.ly/1ErPlb9
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers
#Maths #EarlyYearsMaths #Numbers