The Big Listen Reports!
The Ofsted Big Listen has reported. I have summarised the main thrust of the report. They will act using 7Cs but we need to engage and make sure we…
LEYF News and CEO Blog
Read the latest news and updates from our CEO and the wider LEYF team.
Is the Quality of New Staff Flashing Red?
The drive for the childcare expansion pushes on despite the worries about sufficient staff. However, while our concern about staff sufficiency remains flashing amber, our new flashing red is…
Raise the status of the Early Years
Will The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood raise the status of the Early Years? On Friday 18th June, The Duchess of Cambridge launched the Royal Foundation Centre for…
Talking Early Years with June O’Sullivan: In conversation with Trisha Lee
The Importance of Storytelling : In Conversation with Trisha Lee from Make Believe Arts I met Trisha many years ago when we were both involved in some…
Why Nature Must Matter for Children AND the Early Years Sector
We simply don’t listen enough to children! They have long realised the benefits of being in touch with nature, but we have done our best to reject this innate need…
Talking Early Years with June O’Sullivan: In conversation with Linda Greenwall
I recently recorded a podcast with Dr Linda Greenwall – founder of the Dental Wellness Trust which supports schools and nurseries to get children brushing their teeth.
Talking Early Years with June O’Sullivan: In Conversation with Julian Grenier
I was very pleased to talk to Julian Grenier, Headteacher of Sheringham Nursery School in Newham in this month’s episode of Talking Early Years. He and I have…
LEYF Launches NEW Level 4 Sustainability Qualification for Early Childhood Education
During lockdown last year, I began to think a lot more about the future. There was so much worry and panic and I wondered what message we were giving children…
Let’s Hear How the Mayoral Candidates Will Support Early Years in London?
On May 6th, we will be invited to vote in a new Mayor for London and 25 members of the London Assembly – one year later than planned. Together, they…
The London Ofsted Big Conversation: Keep Your Eye on the Ofsted Ball
Last week we hosted a good humoured (it was at wine-time, as chosen by you!) virtual London Ofsted Big Conversation, one year to the day from when inspections were suspended…
Have Feminists Failed Childcare?
To mark International Women’s Day (8 March), I ask, “Have Feminists Failed Childcare?“ The COVID-19 crisis identified the importance of childcare for both children and their families. Suddenly, the…
The London OBC and St Patrick Welcomes You!
On the 17th of March we usually celebrate St Patrick’s Day but this year we are inviting St Patrick to join the London OBC! In the days before Covid,…
It’s Tough Out There, So Let’s Lead by Being Kind – and it costs nothing
There is no doubt that the Early Years sector is currently experiencing a very difficult and anxious time – especially faced with the heightened daily risk of testing positive for…
Child Poverty Affects Us All: Don’t Pretend It Has Nothing to Do with YOU
Child poverty is back on the agenda. New reports highlight how we have made no progress improving the number of children living in poverty and how the COVID-19 pandemic, has…