Early Years News Roundup | Babyzone x BookTrust: Boosting Language & Bonding

Spotlight 🌟

Supporting Early Literacy Through Our Partnership with BookTrust

Babyzone is proud to celebrate its long-standing partnership with BookTrust, working together to embed the joy of reading into the everyday experiences of young children and their families. For early years professionals, this collaboration offers an invaluable tool for building strong foundations in language, literacy, and bonding.

Free Books That Fuel Development
Each family receives a free book pack with carefully selected titles that promote early communication, shared attention, and emotional connection—key building blocks for early development.

Inclusive, Language-Rich Environments
BookTrust also supplies our Babyzone sites with a wide range of books, including dual-language titles, helping practitioners create inclusive spaces that reflect the diverse communities they serve.

Storytime That Strengthens Practice
Weekly BookTrust Storytimes, led by Babyzone staff, offer a simple, structured way to bring families together, model storytelling techniques, and reinforce the role of books in everyday learning.

By integrating high-quality books and shared reading into our daily rhythm, this partnership supports early years teams in nurturing confident, curious young readers—and empowering the adults around them too.

Government-Funded School Nurseries Expand Access to Affordable Early Years Education

The UK government is accelerating its early-years agenda with targeted funding to expand childcare provision in local schools—benefiting communities like Burntwood and Fradley. As part of a broader initiative to open 3,000 school-based nurseries, this investment supports modernised, expanded facilities offering 30 hours of free childcare per week. The strategy aims to ease cost burdens on families while strengthening access to high-quality early education. For early years professionals, the rollout signals a significant shift toward integrated, school-led delivery models—underscoring the need for collaboration between educators, local authorities, and policymakers to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Community Spotlights 💡

Northumberland School Launches Nursery for Two-Year-Olds, Expanding Early Years Education

Mowden Hall School in Northumberland plans to open a nursery for two-year-olds, emphasising the importance of early childhood development. Set to open in September, the nursery will be operational 50 weeks a year, providing continuity until children transition to Reception. This initiative underscores the school's commitment to fostering curiosity and confidence from a young age.

Kids Planet Expands with Acquisition of POD Nursery in Cheshire

Kids Planet Day Nurseries' acquisition of The POD Nursery in Cheshire highlights the rapid success of this unique setting, established in 2022, which quickly became an imaginative haven for children. The transition offers promising future growth for Kids Planet, expanding its reach with over 230 locations across the UK. This move underscores the importance of creating nurturing environments for early childhood development, benefitting families and communities.

In Conversation 💭

Mark Your Calendar 🗓️

Reimagining Support for Early Years Families

Join our friends and colleagues at the Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action (CIVA) and pirkx.com, in partnership with NESTA, for a consultation event aimed at shaping a new digital platform to support families during the first 1,000 days and beyond.

🗓️ Friday 16th May 2025
🕑 2:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 NESTA, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS

This event invites early years professionals and service providers to share insights, explore collaboration, and help shape a new app offering advice, services, and support for families across the UK.

Research & Insights 🔬

Independent Outdoor Time Boosts Motor Skills in Children's Development

Balanced Diet Improves ADHD Symptoms Without High Costs For Families

London nutritionist Diana Badare suggests that affordable, balanced diets can significantly improve life for children with ADHD, enhancing their concentration and behaviour. This approach includes varied foods such as meats, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables, which support brain function and development. Evidence from a Welsh breakfast club shows improved attention and academic results when nutrition needs are met.

Early Media Multitasking Tied to Cognitive Delays in Preschoolers

New research shows that screen media multitasking before age three—such as using multiple devices or switching between apps—is associated with executive function challenges and lower cognitive performance in preschoolers. These findings carry important implications for early years professionals. Promoting mindful screen use, modelling positive digital behaviours, and prioritising caregiver-child interaction can help counteract these effects. As digital exposure becomes more embedded in young children's lives, this evidence reinforces the need for early intervention strategies focused on balanced technology use to support long-term cognitive and emotional development.

Global Perspectives 🌎

Harnessing Technology to Enhance Early Childhood Education in India's Balwadis

The Vipla Foundation is setting a new benchmark in early childhood education by integrating its Umang app across Mumbai’s Balwadis. Designed to monitor attendance, classroom activity, and developmental milestones, the app enables real-time insights that tackle persistent absenteeism and support educators in adapting instruction. This tech-enabled approach strengthens foundational learning by ensuring children stay engaged and educators are better equipped to intervene early. The initiative demonstrates how low-cost, scalable technology can be harnessed to drive measurable improvements in access, engagement, and developmental outcomes across underserved communities.

Canada’s Manitoba Launches Universal Early Reading Screening for Kindergartners to Grade 4 Students

The Canadian Manitoba government is launching universal early reading screening tools for kindergarten to Grade 4 students to identify those at risk of reading difficulties. This initiative aims to provide targeted support, ensuring all students have the skills necessary for academic success. By implementing these screenings province-wide from 2026, Manitoba underscores its commitment to elevating literacy standards and enhancing educational outcomes.