We post the latest industry news and blogs
May 2026 - National Childminding Week: Celebrating the Magic, Confronting the Reality
National Childminding Week is always a highlight in the early years and childcare calendar. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary contribution childminders make to children, families, and communities across the country.
May 2026 - JH Blog Series 3 of 5 - Using data frameworks to identify need, shape decision making, and drive real time change
Data has always been part of the early years landscape, but its role is changing. When it comes to data, insight, and workforce, The Best Start in Life strategy places new emphasis on data and evaluation.
April 2026 - JH Blog Series 2 of 5 - Leading and Inspiring the Workforce
The early years and family support workforce supplies the backbone for achieving the ambition to give every child the Best Start in Life.
April 2026 - How parents can help councils meet childcare sufficiency targets
If councils want to understand childcare sufficiency they should fully embrace the views of parents and work with them in partnership to solve problems, says Neville Ward of Coram Hempsall’s.
March 2026 - JH Blog Series 1 of 5 - From strength to strength - childcare sufficiency and the Best Start in Life
From strength to strength: Why childcare sufficiency and market management matter more than ever
By James Hempsall OBE
February 2026 - The parable of the two kettles
I once visited a Sure Start Children’s Centre (around 2002) and was being shown proudly around by the manager.
February 2026 - What was lost? Revisiting ‘Ellis and the Trap for Baddies’ and the implications for children’s writing in the EYFS
Many years ago, as part of the development of what was then the Foundation Stage Profile, (the precursor to the current EYFSP) a series of video vignettes was created to support the consistency of YR judgements.
January 2026 - Childcare Reform Isn’t Over - 2026 Is the Real Test
If 2025 was the year the early years and childcare system was tipped upside down and given a good shake, then 2026 is the year we find out what’s fallen out of the pockets.
January 2026 - Conference: How Moving the Box can raise levels of GLD
In Spring 2025 we proudly launched the Moving the Box programme designed to support early years educators in identifying and support children at risk of not achieving a Good Level of Development.
December 2025 - Playwork and wraparound training and consultancy
Our association and legacy with wraparound/playwork.
