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…
Where does Early Years fit in the ‘British Values’ in Education Debate?
Mr Gove seems unable to avoid controversy and so began another educational debate when he decided that schools would need to promote ‘British values.’ As ever, Early Years education was…
The International Periscope : Learning About, Around and Seeing Obstacles
Returning from a week’s holiday on a crowded EasyJet flight from Milan, I glanced at my emails and despite the sterling work of my efficient EA, was…
Visiting the Farmer in his Den
Last week I visited Paddington Farm in Glastonbury Somerset of which I am Chair. It’s a lovely 43 acre organic farm which is run as a social…
What is teaching and who are the teachers in Early Years?
Recently, the Chief Inspector for Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw launched the Annual Report on Early Years 2012-13 with a fairly controversial speech. He threw down the gauntlet…
The #OfstedBigconversation – London
The London Big Conversation was hosted last week at LEYF and an informed and lively audience greeted three inspectors. Led by Debbie Jones, Regional Director for London and National…
The Power of Communication
Over the weekend, I was re- reading my leadership book with a view to updating it when I spotted this quote by Malaguzzi and thought just how apt it is.
If we want to improve the lives of poor two year olds, we need to have an intelligent Ofsted conversation
‘More nursery education should be carried out in schools to prepare children better for later education and help bridge the gap between rich and poor’ the Chief Inspector of schools…
An Invitation to the London #OfstedBigConversation
The London conversation will take place at 9.30 on Friday the 11th April at LEYF Head Office (121 Marsham St, SW1P 4LX). The aim of the ‘Conversation’ is to identify…
What would St Patrick say if he was a Social Entrepreneur?
This week, I had the opportunity to be featured on the BBC Sunday Politics Show as an example of a social enterprise. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03xjvvm/Sunday_Politics_London_16_03_2014/ (51.20 mins) Like anyone who ever…
An Oscar Speech for Early Years Practitioners
Last week I went to friend’s wedding and when it came to the speeches, she stood up and explained that as it was the day of the…
The London Men in Childcare Network Celebrates its Second Birthday and Launches its Video
‘Men in Childcare is women’s business’ said a colleague at the first official meeting of the London Men in Childcare Network for 2014 which was held last…
We need one early years voice to sing in harmony for good quality childcare.
On Saturday, I read a letter in the Guardian coordinated by Early Education calling on local politicians to protect quality provision for children in…