Over the last few weeks we have seen a number of new announcements and publications from the DfE, Ofsted and other organisations which impact on practice in schools and settings. As both 2025 and the new academic term begin, we have put together a summary of some of the key headlines and related links, to help you and your team be as informed as possible.

DfE Updates

Early Years Qualifications Achieved in the United Kingdom – Updated 20^th December 2024

This is an updated list of the qualifications that meet DfE’s criteria for counting in the early years foundation stage framework staff to child ratios.  Read Early Years Qualifications Achieved in the United Kingdom here.

Updated List of Family Hub Sites – Updated 18^th December 2024

This is a list of each family hub location in England funded by government. Read the List of Family Hub Sites here.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024 – Published 17^th December 2024

The ambitions of the Bill are set out in seven key parts:

1. Making a child-centred government
2. Keeping families together and children safe
3. Supporting children in the care system to thrive
4. Cracking down on excessive profit making
5. Driving high and rising standards for every child
6. Removing barriers to opportunity in schools
7. Creating a safer and higher quality education system for every child

This bill has significant implications for all stakeholders in the education sector. Read the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024 here.

Funding for National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) – Update December 16^th 2024

This is updated information on funding for courses and educational settings to help teachers and leaders take NPQs for their professional development.  Read Funding for National Professional Qualifications here.

Childcare and Early Years Provider Survey – Published 12^th December 2024

Read the Childcare and Early Years Provider Survey results and feedback what you think about the way that results are published.

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile Handbook – Updated November 28^th 2024

This update includes a change to the profile to allow a child’s established or preferred mode of communication (including non-speaking communication, such as signing) to be used for all of the Early Learning Goals (ELGs), including the Speaking ELG.  The updated Early Years Foundation Stage Profile Handbook can be accessed here.

Early Years Funding – DfE Press Release – “Over £2 billion boost to secure expansion in early education” – Published 10^th December 2024

The Early Years Funding DfE Press Release includes information on the increase to Early Years Pupil Premium.

Ofsted Updates

Big Listen Action Monitoring Reports – Published 19^th December

This is Ofsted’s monitoring report on commitments made in the ‘Big Listen’ and its response to Dame Christine Gilbert’s independent learning review.

It includes information on actions which have been already taken and recommendations from Dame Christine Gilbert on urgent actions required, following the death of head teacher Ruth Perry.  

The report also outlines the structure of the Ofsted Academy, which is designed to raise the quality and consistency of the inspection process.

The full Big Listen Action Monitoring Report can be accessed here.

Sir Martyn Oliver will be questioned by the Parliamentary Education Committee early this month.

Ofsted School Inspector Training Materials – Published December 17^th 2024

With an aim to increase transparency, Ofsted has published 3 recordings of school inspector training materials. These follow on from the first collection published earlier in the Autumn 2024. The Ofsted School Inspector Training Materials can be accessed here.

School Inspection Data Summary Report (IDSR) Guide – Updated 12^th December 2024

The School Inspection Data Summary Report (IDSR) Guide provides an overview of the inspection data summary report (IDSR) for primary and secondary schools and gives guidance on interpreting the data.

Education Endowment Foundation Updates

The EEF have further developed their Early Years Hub.  There you will find information from the Early Years Toolkit, as well as guidance from the Early Years Evidence Store.

With many more anticipated changes over the next year, including a transformation of the Ofsted Inspection Framework, keep connected with Early Excellence to ensure that you have the most up to date information, and to support with strategic planning. Sign up to our updates at the bottom of this page.

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