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…
Do you really need GCSE Maths grade C to have a laugh or do a sum?
I am very pleased to be able to represent LEYF as a member of Professor Cathy Nutbrown’s Expert Panel. The…
Life can be perfect, so raise a glass of Bollinger to a world of Social Enterprises.
It wasn’t Big Society or social value that got Mr. Cameron out of Downing St to celebrate social businesses, it was money; or at least the draw…
Agent provocateur: leadership or lingerie?
I have been called many things, but being invited by the National College for School Leadership to be a provocateur was a novel invitation. I certainly know…
Budget 2012: baby steps for parents, but much more is needed
You know you have grown up when you know the date of the budget, the Chancellor’s name and that of the…
A little of what we fancy? Better qualified chefs please!
My Grandmother always said that a little of what you fancy does you good. Sadly, according to recent medical press, we are all too often unable to stop at a…
Cans of Coke and Curly Wurlys: enough for a leopard to change its spots?
Sensible organisations try and ensure that staff are involved in developing policies and practices at every level. Indeed, much is written about the inefficiency of top down approaches to making…
Cuba, philosophy and Angelina Jolie’s exposed right leg
In stark contrast to last Sunday when I sat in a warm Havana, sipping cocktails and enjoying live Cuban music, today I could only…
Don’t read this if you have a hangover
Apparently recent research called Lessons for leaders from the people who Matter undertaken by Harris Interactive found that employees from across the globe think…
Loneliness is the scariest thing we have to face.
According to Downing St, isolation and loneliness are more dangerous to our health than smoking. Well as the saying goes, tell me about it! But why do…
Failure of the Free Entitlement? No way.
The National Audit Office report Delivering the free entitlement to education for three- and four-year-olds has sent the press into pessimism overdrive, telling us the…
Growth in a downturn: a big ask, but the right question.
Where has the month gone? I am scared by the speed by which our lives pass; it seems we have so little time to make any real, lasting difference. As…
Ofsted is like Marmite, you either love it or hate it
Ofsted gets a mixed reaction from the sector. It can bring you out in a rash or a hot sweat, but it can also be a very helpful…