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…
LEYF News and CEO Blog
Read the latest news and updates from our CEO and the wider LEYF team.
Why Social Enterprises Must Lead the Future of Childcare — And the Wider Social Care Economy
The Government’s Best Start strategy signals an intention to look again at Early Years business models and examine whether they can truly deliver for disadvantaged communities. It is a welcome…
Not So Sure that they are Bold Beginnings
Armed with some tea and a KitKat, I sat down to read the new Ofsted Report Bold Beginnings. As a child, I often…
Tolerance Needn’t Be A Drag
The common perception about those of us working with children is that we are nice but dim and we spend our time just playing. Nothing could be further from the…
Men in childcare
”What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation.” Cicero Five years ago, in August 2012, I wrote my…
The free childcare debate – an open letter
Dear Mr Goodwill Last week, as I watched the debate on thirty hours “free childcare” initiated by Ruth George MP sitting on…
A Pedagogical Postcard from Italy
On the 29 August three LEYF managers and I boarded a luxury Easyjet to attend the EECERA Conference in Bologna. Any of you who are kind enough to read my…
Celebrate Because We Are Worth It!
I do not subscribe to the L’Oreal line ”because you are worth it”. I reckon you have to earn that accolade. But at last weekend’s…
Encouraging Sixth Formers To Become the Next Entrepreneurs
I enjoy Desert Island Discs especially if I have been up long enough to have started doing something useful like baking. This week, I caught the words…
Come and Join the Ofsted Conversation And Put Your Mind At Ease
I am looking forward to the London OBC on the 19th of September at 2pm hosted by Bain London, 40 The Strand,…
Welcome Tracy Brabin, to the wonderful world of early years education!
On Friday 4th August at LEYF, we had our first conference in three years. We were joined by 450 staff who all came to catch up and reconnect whilst enjoying…
With a dash of imagination and a sprinkling of leadership…the recipe for Early Years success!
What do you do when you want to have the best cakes to eat at the annual LEYF Conference? You ask the chefs to bake them!…
Six Steps to Influencing and Creating a Strong Voice for Children
While dusting the other day, in true Mrs Beeton fashion, I came across my recent trophy for the NMT Award, “Most Influential Person in Early Years 2017”.
What’s in a Name?
Last week I chaired a Roundtable with policy advisers, local authorities, council organisations and child poverty campaigners about the implementation of the 30 Hours and the challenge of getting the…