If children's services are to deliver improved outcomes with declining resources, the sector must embrace technology, joint working and volunteers, says Pillars and Foundations, a radical paper from the ADCS.
With growing worries over a potential obesity epidemic, advocating a healthy lifestyle to children at the earliest opportunity is becoming increasingly important. Jo Stephenson finds out how one programme is tackling the issue.
A study from charity Playlink suggests that local authorities are deliberately designing unexciting playgrounds for children because they fear being hit by legal action if a child is injured while using the equipment.
Pregnant women on low incomes risk losing out on full maternity pay if they are off sick before they go on leave, a report by the charity Working Families has found.
The private sector is out of the loop in local early years partnerships and training, a study by theChildren's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has found.
The latest statistics on the Child Support Agency have confirmed the lack of progress on getting parents the maintenance they and their children are owed. But will the agency's proposed replacement shape up better? Tristan Donovan reports.
What's happening? Bromley-by-Bow Children's Centre was named runner-up for the Children's Centre Team of the Year Award in 4Children's Children's Stars Awards last month. The centre is deeply rooted in the local community and has helped a lot of parents into employment.
What is it? The workshops are part of a scheme called Climb Aboard, a participatory programme aimed at two- to five-year-olds, which provides an opportunity to learn through a mix of creative play and storytelling. Telford and Wrekin Council commissioned the theatrical education group The Playhouse to take Climb Aboard into early years settings and primary schools across North Telford and Newport.
The National Day Nurseries Association has published a book aimed at helping nurseries understand the childcare market and the issue of sustainability.
The Pre-School Learning Alliance has raised concerns about the sustainability of the nursery sector after it emerged that Kids Unlimited is likely to become the third major provider to be put up for sale in recent months.