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The King’s Speech (13 May 2026) offered a clear signal about the future direction of safeguarding across services supporting children.

And what could be the implications for local authorities?

Andy Burnham’s speech on 29 June offered an intriguing glimpse of a possible new political direction.

Amid the rise of pooled budgets and drive to reduce ringfencing in local government, now is the right time to think about how funding supports local authority early years sufficiency duties, says Neville Ward of Coram Hempsalls.

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.

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.

The early years and family support workforce supplies the backbone for achieving the ambition to give every child the Best Start in Life.

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.

From strength to strength: Why childcare sufficiency and market management matter more than ever

By James Hempsall OBE

I once visited a Sure Start Children’s Centre (around 2002) and was being shown proudly around by the manager.