Early Years News Roundup | 6 March 2025

Plus, Can Owning a Dog Stop Allergies? Science Says Yes.

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
March 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to The Early Years News Roundup, brought to you by Babyzone, an essential newsletter for everyone working in early years. Each week, we deliver the latest news from around the world because we believe in the power of shared learning and collaboration.

Spotlight 🌟

The documentary "Make a Circle," by Jen Bradwell and Todd Boekelheide, delivers a powerful examination of the U.S. child care system, exposing the financial strain on 25 million parents and the chronic underinvestment in early education professionals. Through Patricia Moran’s advocacy, the film highlights the transformative impact of investing in workforce stability, demonstrating how policy reform and financial support can drive long-term improvements in child development and societal well-being.

With an upcoming PBS screening set to spark national conversation, the film arrives at a critical moment, as pandemic-era funding dwindles and systemic challenges intensify. For early years professionals, it reinforces the urgent need for sustainable funding models, workforce development initiatives, and long-term investment in high-quality early education to ensure lasting benefits for children, families, and the economy.

In Conversation 🗣️

James Hempsall on LinkedIn: Let’s think again about school readiness - CYP Now

I had a really awful time at school. I was far from ready. I was unsocialised, anxious, and sensitive. As a summer born white working-class boy I had already been dealt a difficult hand of cards.

That’s why I am certain one of our important roles in early years and one of our key moral purposes is to prepare children for all aspects of school. We should be embracing ‘school readiness’ as a mission and goal for all the children we work with. But instead, too many of us are resisting this. We argue the nuances and distinctions of the term ‘school readiness’. We should focus our activity on outcomes and impacts instead.

Research & Insights 🔬

Emerging research underscores the health benefits of owning pets, particularly for young children. Studies reveal that living with two or more pets, such as cats or dogs, can significantly reduce the risk of developing allergies. A landmark study from 2002 showed that children with indoor pets were half as likely to develop allergies than those without. Furthermore, recent research from Japan emphasizes that exposure to dogs and cats can also lower the incidence of specific food allergies, including egg, milk, nut, wheat, and soybean, in children. This evidences a beneficial link between early pet exposure and immune health.

Global Perspectives 🌎

The US state of Oklahoma is leveraging early childhood education as a foundation for long-term academic and community growth, backed by a major federal partnership. The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness is championing learning from birth to age five, recognising its critical role in closing achievement gaps and strengthening future workforce development.

For early years professionals, this initiative underscores the far-reaching benefits of early interventions, from boosting academic success to driving long-term community impact. As states seek sustainable education reform, targeted investments in high-quality early learning programs will be crucial for ensuring equitable opportunities and long-term economic stability.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa calls for intensified efforts in early childhood education amid alarming literacy and numeracy revelations, with over 80% of Grade 4 learners struggling in basic reading. By prioritising curriculum reforms and inclusive education, these investments aim to fortify foundational skills, fostering community resilience and diminishing apartheid's enduring effects.

Community Spotlights 💡

Barnsley's provisional education outcomes show optimism, with pupils often outperforming national averages across key stages. Disadvantaged students excel, especially in phonics and mathematics, while efforts focus on reducing elective home education. The council's commitment to early development emphasises collaboration with schools to sustain progress and improve future educational results.

Sun West School Division will celebrate Multiculturalism Week (March 9-15, 2025) with student-led initiatives that promote diversity, inclusivity, and global awareness. Spearheaded by the Student Leadership Team, the event underscores the role of youth-driven engagement in shaping inclusive learning environments.

Beyond cultural initiatives, Sun West is also strengthening its 21st Century Skills programs and mental health education, reflecting a progressive approach to holistic student development. For early years professionals, this highlights the growing importance of integrating diversity, well-being, and future-ready competencies into education to support well-rounded learning experiences.

Early Years News Roundup with Babyzone is a Contentive publication in the Social Impact division