Early Years Alliance
@eyalliance.bsky.social
The largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England.
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch took part in a new podcast with the Food Foundation, discussing food poverty in the early years, why government must do more to support the provision of health meals and snacks in PVI settings and more.
You can listen here: foodfoundation.org.uk/news/podcast...
You can listen here: foodfoundation.org.uk/news/podcast...
Podcast: Just the Start: Nutrition in Early Years Settings | Early Years Series
Hannah Brinsden, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Food Foundation is with a panel of experts for a deep dive into the food provision in Early Years settings to make sure that all children can get a ...
foodfoundation.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch took part in a new podcast with the Food Foundation, discussing food poverty in the early years, why government must do more to support the provision of health meals and snacks in PVI settings and more.
You can listen here: foodfoundation.org.uk/news/podcast...
You can listen here: foodfoundation.org.uk/news/podcast...
A newly-published evaluation of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Early Years Financial Incentives pilot scheme has found that it failed to meet its objectives.
It found that the scheme had “no measurable increase in … the number of applicants per vacancy”.
Read more: bit.ly/4oLMI98
It found that the scheme had “no measurable increase in … the number of applicants per vacancy”.
Read more: bit.ly/4oLMI98
DfE evaluation finds early years recruitment bonus scheme failed to boost sector applications | www.eyalliance.org.uk
The DfE's evaluation of pilot recruitment scheme found that it had "no measurable increase in ... the number of applicants per vacancy"
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 12:51 PM
A newly-published evaluation of the Department for Education’s (DfE) Early Years Financial Incentives pilot scheme has found that it failed to meet its objectives.
It found that the scheme had “no measurable increase in … the number of applicants per vacancy”.
Read more: bit.ly/4oLMI98
It found that the scheme had “no measurable increase in … the number of applicants per vacancy”.
Read more: bit.ly/4oLMI98
The expansion of the government’s ‘funded’ early education and childcare scheme is at risk due to financial and staffing pressures, new statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) reveal.
Read more: bit.ly/3L91dFE
Read more: bit.ly/3L91dFE
New government figures highlight need for urgent action on the early years in the upcoming Budget | www.eyalliance.org.uk
The 'funded' early education and childcare scheme is at risk due to ongoing issues with staffing and finances, according to new figures
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 12:39 PM
The expansion of the government’s ‘funded’ early education and childcare scheme is at risk due to financial and staffing pressures, new statistics from the Department for Education (DfE) reveal.
Read more: bit.ly/3L91dFE
Read more: bit.ly/3L91dFE
Ofsted has today confirmed significant changes to how it will inspect education settings – incl. early years providers – going forward.
The changes, which will come into effect from 10 Nov, follow a recent consultation into proposed inspection reforms: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
The changes, which will come into effect from 10 Nov, follow a recent consultation into proposed inspection reforms: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
September 9, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Ofsted has today confirmed significant changes to how it will inspect education settings – incl. early years providers – going forward.
The changes, which will come into effect from 10 Nov, follow a recent consultation into proposed inspection reforms: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
The changes, which will come into effect from 10 Nov, follow a recent consultation into proposed inspection reforms: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
The Education Committee has launched an inquiry into the early years sector looking at issues around the sustainability of the workforce, families’ access to services and the quality of outcomes for young children.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
Education Committee launches new inquiry into early years sector - Committees - UK Parliament
The Education Committee has today launched an inquiry into the early years sector, looking at issues around the sustainability of its workforce, families’ access to services and the quality of o...
committees.parliament.uk
September 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The Education Committee has launched an inquiry into the early years sector looking at issues around the sustainability of the workforce, families’ access to services and the quality of outcomes for young children.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
The government has announced funding of £45 million to create a further 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries from September 2026.
However, the Alliance has called on government to place more focus on private and voluntary providers.
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
However, the Alliance has called on government to place more focus on private and voluntary providers.
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
Government announces next phase of school-based nursery expansion
The government is inviting more schools to bid for up to £150,000 of funding from a £45 million pot to create a further 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries from September 2026.
www.eyalliance.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The government has announced funding of £45 million to create a further 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries from September 2026.
However, the Alliance has called on government to place more focus on private and voluntary providers.
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
However, the Alliance has called on government to place more focus on private and voluntary providers.
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/09...
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch appeared on BBC 5 Live Breakfast earlier, discussing the expanded early years entitlement that comes into effect today.
Listen from 11 minutes here: bbc.in/3I3vAfj
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Listen from 11 minutes here: bbc.in/3I3vAfj
1/3
5 Live Breakfast - Rick and Rachel announce the winner of our Sportswoman of the Century vote - BBC Sounds
Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards with unique stories, and the biggest news and sport.
bbc.in
September 1, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch appeared on BBC 5 Live Breakfast earlier, discussing the expanded early years entitlement that comes into effect today.
Listen from 11 minutes here: bbc.in/3I3vAfj
1/3
Listen from 11 minutes here: bbc.in/3I3vAfj
1/3
The latest phase of the government’s early years recruitment campaign will focus on increasing the number of male educators working in early years settings, the Department for Education has announced.
Read more: bit.ly/3Hdjujm
Read more: bit.ly/3Hdjujm
New phase of DfE early years recruitment campaign encourages more men to join the early years workforce
The latest phase of the government’s early years recruitment campaign will focus on increasing the number of male educators working in early years settings
bit.ly
August 1, 2025 at 8:48 AM
The latest phase of the government’s early years recruitment campaign will focus on increasing the number of male educators working in early years settings, the Department for Education has announced.
Read more: bit.ly/3Hdjujm
Read more: bit.ly/3Hdjujm
The richest households in England will be eight times more likely to benefit from the full roll-out of the government’s funded early entitlement expansion than the most disadvantaged families, analysis by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has found.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
Wealthier families more likely to benefit from government-funded hours than most disadvantaged families, new analysis reveals
The richest households in England will be eight times more likely to benefit from the full roll-out of the government’s funded early entitlement expansion
www.eyalliance.org.uk
July 31, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The richest households in England will be eight times more likely to benefit from the full roll-out of the government’s funded early entitlement expansion than the most disadvantaged families, analysis by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has found.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
@ofstednews.bsky.social has today announced several measures to “reassure the education sector” about the rollout of the renewed Ofsted inspection framework in November.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
Ofsted outlines measures to aid start of inspections under new framework
Ofsted has today announced several measures to “reassure the education sector” about the rollout of the renewed Ofsted inspection framework in November.
www.eyalliance.org.uk
July 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
@ofstednews.bsky.social has today announced several measures to “reassure the education sector” about the rollout of the renewed Ofsted inspection framework in November.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/07...
84% of parents of under-fives support the introduction of a professional register for early years staff, new research commissioned by the @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and conducted by More in Common, has found.
Read more: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Read more: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Plans for professional early years register backed by sector and parents as a way to give educators the 'recognition they deserve' - Nursery World
The sector and parents have welcomed the Government’s plans to introduce a professional register for early years staff, but stressed it ‘must be more than just names on a list’ and inclusive of the wh...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 1:13 PM
84% of parents of under-fives support the introduction of a professional register for early years staff, new research commissioned by the @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and conducted by More in Common, has found.
Read more: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Read more: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Labour MP and chair of the Education Select Committee Helen Hayes called on the government to take action to ensure that early years settings aren’t forced to close as a result of the impact of high delivery costs and inadequate funding rates during a Westminister Hall debate on Wed:
bit.ly/4kuvfzy
bit.ly/4kuvfzy
Education committee chair calls for government action on early years funding
The Labour MP has urged government to take action to prevent early years closures
www.eyalliance.org.uk
July 10, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Labour MP and chair of the Education Select Committee Helen Hayes called on the government to take action to ensure that early years settings aren’t forced to close as a result of the impact of high delivery costs and inadequate funding rates during a Westminister Hall debate on Wed:
bit.ly/4kuvfzy
bit.ly/4kuvfzy
What does the public really think about childcare and early education, and what do they want the Government to prioritise next?
Join a free panel discussion with @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and the Alliance’s Shannon Pite on Wednesday 16 July at 12pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childcare-...
Join a free panel discussion with @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and the Alliance’s Shannon Pite on Wednesday 16 July at 12pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childcare-...
July 8, 2025 at 10:57 AM
What does the public really think about childcare and early education, and what do they want the Government to prioritise next?
Join a free panel discussion with @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and the Alliance’s Shannon Pite on Wednesday 16 July at 12pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childcare-...
Join a free panel discussion with @coalitionedcare.bsky.social and the Alliance’s Shannon Pite on Wednesday 16 July at 12pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childcare-...
The government has published a new strategy for early years care, education and support – entitled ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, including planned changes to funding, professional development and Ofsted inspections: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686bd6...
July 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The government has published a new strategy for early years care, education and support – entitled ‘Giving every child the best start in life’, including planned changes to funding, professional development and Ofsted inspections: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686bd6...
The Alliance has welcomed government plans to roll out up to 1,000 family support services in every local authority in England by April 2026.
Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...
Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...
Government revives family services, supporting 500,000 more kids
Up to 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs to be rolled out across the country to provide wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development.
www.gov.uk
July 6, 2025 at 7:40 AM
The Alliance has welcomed government plans to roll out up to 1,000 family support services in every local authority in England by April 2026.
Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...
Read more here: www.gov.uk/government/n...
The government has confirmed that roughly 4,000 new early years places will be delivered across 200 new or expanded school-based nurseries from this September, as part of the first phase of the previously-announced school-based nursery programme.
lnkd.in/e7Hi6XBZ
lnkd.in/e7Hi6XBZ
June 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The government has confirmed that roughly 4,000 new early years places will be delivered across 200 new or expanded school-based nurseries from this September, as part of the first phase of the previously-announced school-based nursery programme.
lnkd.in/e7Hi6XBZ
lnkd.in/e7Hi6XBZ
We're delighted to publish 'No child left behind', our new FREE essay collection where key early years experts reflect on the current sector challenges & outline their long-term vision of a system underpinned by fairness & equality.
Download your copy: bit.ly/3TKhTUE
Download your copy: bit.ly/3TKhTUE
June 25, 2025 at 8:31 AM
We're delighted to publish 'No child left behind', our new FREE essay collection where key early years experts reflect on the current sector challenges & outline their long-term vision of a system underpinned by fairness & equality.
Download your copy: bit.ly/3TKhTUE
Download your copy: bit.ly/3TKhTUE
If you’re an active Alliance member who wants to build early years sector that respects and values its workforce and puts the needs of children and families first, then you sound like just the type of person we want to join our Board of Trustees.
Find out more: bit.ly/3GeahXx
Find out more: bit.ly/3GeahXx
June 24, 2025 at 10:43 AM
If you’re an active Alliance member who wants to build early years sector that respects and values its workforce and puts the needs of children and families first, then you sound like just the type of person we want to join our Board of Trustees.
Find out more: bit.ly/3GeahXx
Find out more: bit.ly/3GeahXx
New analysis conducted by London Economics and commissioned by @savechildrenuk.bsky.social has modelled the cost of various changes to the current early years model which, if implemented, could “improve inclusion and quality” in the sector.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
New analysis estimates funding needed to improve early years quality and inclusion
New analysis conducted by London Economics and commissioned by charity Save the Children has modelled the cost of various changes to the current early years model which, if implemented, could “improve...
www.eyalliance.org.uk
June 17, 2025 at 4:44 PM
New analysis conducted by London Economics and commissioned by @savechildrenuk.bsky.social has modelled the cost of various changes to the current early years model which, if implemented, could “improve inclusion and quality” in the sector.
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
Following confirmation that the government's school-based nursery policy will be rolled out in full, the Alliance has called for primary schools that have forced PVI early years settings to leave their premises to be prohibited from applying for school-based nursery funding.
bit.ly/3FH4BoV
bit.ly/3FH4BoV
Alliance calls for ban on schools closing PVI early years settings to take up government school-based nursery funding
Primary schools that have closed private, voluntary or independent (PVI) early years settings on their premises to apply for school-based nursery funding should not be allowed to participate in the go...
bit.ly
June 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Following confirmation that the government's school-based nursery policy will be rolled out in full, the Alliance has called for primary schools that have forced PVI early years settings to leave their premises to be prohibited from applying for school-based nursery funding.
bit.ly/3FH4BoV
bit.ly/3FH4BoV
"If you saw it and lived it, you'd make different decisions."
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch spoke to the Famly Tiny Chair Podcast, where he spoke about his message to the Chancellor and how his own childhood shaped his own views on why early years matters:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hS...
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch spoke to the Famly Tiny Chair Podcast, where he spoke about his message to the Chancellor and how his own childhood shaped his own views on why early years matters:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hS...
June 12, 2025 at 8:52 AM
"If you saw it and lived it, you'd make different decisions."
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch spoke to the Famly Tiny Chair Podcast, where he spoke about his message to the Chancellor and how his own childhood shaped his own views on why early years matters:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hS...
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch spoke to the Famly Tiny Chair Podcast, where he spoke about his message to the Chancellor and how his own childhood shaped his own views on why early years matters:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3hS...
One in 10 early years settings in England warn they are at risk of closure in the next two years due to rising costs, according to a new poll conducted by @coalitionedcare.bsky.social
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
Early years settings to cap funded hours from September to cut costs, new poll finds
One in 10 early years settings in England warn they are at risk of closure in the next two years due to rising costs
www.eyalliance.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
One in 10 early years settings in England warn they are at risk of closure in the next two years due to rising costs, according to a new poll conducted by @coalitionedcare.bsky.social
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
Read more: www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2025/06...
We’ve recently joined forces with NDNA and Early Education – ahead of the conclusion of the House of Lords Communications & Digital Committee’s review into media literacy – to call for online safety and digital literacy to be added to the EYFS.
Call for online safety to be included in early years curriculum to protect under-fives - Nursery World
Early years organisations are calling for an explicit reference to online safety and digital literacy in be added to the EYFS, ahead of the conclusion of a government inquiry.
bit.ly
June 9, 2025 at 9:55 AM
We’ve recently joined forces with NDNA and Early Education – ahead of the conclusion of the House of Lords Communications & Digital Committee’s review into media literacy – to call for online safety and digital literacy to be added to the EYFS.
*** Don't miss your chance to have your say on the impact of NI and NMW arises! ***
@coalitionedcare.bsky.social has launched a new survey ahead of the Spending Review:
We're asking as many early years settings as possible to respond to the survey here: 7lhwgqj38fv.typeform.com/to/IV3auaYQ
@coalitionedcare.bsky.social has launched a new survey ahead of the Spending Review:
We're asking as many early years settings as possible to respond to the survey here: 7lhwgqj38fv.typeform.com/to/IV3auaYQ
June 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM
*** Don't miss your chance to have your say on the impact of NI and NMW arises! ***
@coalitionedcare.bsky.social has launched a new survey ahead of the Spending Review:
We're asking as many early years settings as possible to respond to the survey here: 7lhwgqj38fv.typeform.com/to/IV3auaYQ
@coalitionedcare.bsky.social has launched a new survey ahead of the Spending Review:
We're asking as many early years settings as possible to respond to the survey here: 7lhwgqj38fv.typeform.com/to/IV3auaYQ
Neil Leitch, Alliance CEO, will be speaking at the Westminster Insight #EarlyYearsWM conference on Thursday 10 July discussing ‘Delivering Reforms in Childcare and Early Years’.
Get your tickets and learn more here: bit.ly/4kldFPk
Use our code SPKR4451 for 20% off!
Get your tickets and learn more here: bit.ly/4kldFPk
Use our code SPKR4451 for 20% off!
Childcare and Early Years Reform Conference - Westminster Insight
Attend our online conference, to discuss next steps in raising standards in early years provision to ensure all children can thrive.
bit.ly
May 28, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Neil Leitch, Alliance CEO, will be speaking at the Westminster Insight #EarlyYearsWM conference on Thursday 10 July discussing ‘Delivering Reforms in Childcare and Early Years’.
Get your tickets and learn more here: bit.ly/4kldFPk
Use our code SPKR4451 for 20% off!
Get your tickets and learn more here: bit.ly/4kldFPk
Use our code SPKR4451 for 20% off!