Toilet training – Time for Clarity, Not Blame
Why Are So Many Children Starting School Not Toilet Trained? More than a decade ago, I wrote about toilet training after the Association of Teachers and Lecturers reported that 71%…
LEYF News and CEO Blog
Read the latest news and updates from our CEO and the wider LEYF team.
Less Screen, More Story: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever
Last week, we were delighted to welcome Helen Hayes MP to the Upper Norwood Library Hub, where I have the privilege of serving as a Trustee. Helen is our local…
The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World
On the 17th of November, I was invited by the Royal Foundation, Centre for Early Childhood to a lecture by Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard University, who co-wrote the letter…
Margaret Horn Debate 2025
Is the government’s offer of childcare from nine months truly in the best interests of babies or more about boosting the economy? The annual Margaret Horn debate always tries to…
Talking Early Years: In conversation with Professor Sam Wass
We’ve Got It the Wrong Way Round I’ve just finished recording a podcast with Professor Sam Wass, and I’m still buzzing. He is Director of the Institute for the…
You Cannot Build a Sustainable Future Without Babies
Public debate about sustainability cannot continue to overlook babies and very young children. At the recent Decarbonisation of London conference, I heard many positive proposals for reducing carbon emissions…
Why Nature Must Matter for Children and Early Years Education
Take a look around– concrete high-rises dominate our skylines, and even the courtyards of upscale developments are often little more than hard brick and stone. Where, then, are children expected…
Good News: Apprenticeships are Back in the Spotlight
All three main parties used their conferences this year to talk about apprenticeships, which is good news for businesses like LEYF where apprentices are the rightful pipeline of future Early…
Talking Early Years: In converation with Catherine Lippe
Why Nursery Chefs Are Our Unsung Food Champions We talk endlessly about phonics, play, and pedagogy in Early Years — but how often do we talk about peas, pulses,…
All Change at Ofsted: Come and Hear from the London Team
Ofsted has responded to the Big Listen with changes to how future inspections are conducted. The report findings state that there was: A clear desire for more granular assessments of…
Childcare Expansion: Promise or Mirage?
Yesterday, amid much fanfare, the government announced the start of the expansion of funded childcare hours. It may sound like a win for parents but the reality is far less…
Building a Childcare System Rooted in Justice, Equity and Sustainability
According to organisational psychologist Adam Grant, the hallmark of a productive debate isn’t persuasion, but insight. In a good argument, you’re as motivated to learn as to convince. That spirit…