Early Years News Roundup | DfE Expands Speech Support—20,000 More Children to Benefit

Need to Know 📌

DfE Expands Early Speech And Language Support To Benefit 20,000 More Children

Up to 20,000 additional children will receive earlier speech and language support through the Department for Education’s ELSEC programme, addressing the increasing wait times that now leave nearly 40,000 children awaiting therapy. With £3.4 million invested, early intervention aims to enhance attainment, social skills, and future outcomes, especially for those with SEND. This initiative responds directly to parental concerns and underscores the critical importance of timely developmental support in early education.

Early Childhood Educators Encouraged To Prioritise Self-Care During Appreciation Week

Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Week in Newfoundland and Labrador is a welcome moment of recognition—but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care in a demanding profession. The provincial association is encouraging educators to reflect on their own wellbeing, highlighting that looking after themselves is essential to sustaining the energy, empathy, and presence required in early years settings.

As educators continue to advocate for quality care and learning, the message is clear: their own health and happiness are foundational to delivering the best outcomes for children. Building a culture that values self-care alongside professional development is key to long-term resilience across the sector.

Insights & Impact 🔬

Quality Early Learning Unlocks Lifelong Benefits For Children And Their Families

High-quality early learning yields measurable long-term benefits, including improved school readiness, family income, and reduced crime rates, with every $1 invested returning $4–$9 in economic gains. Hawaiʻi’s expanding access to preschool ensures more children benefit during their critical developmental years. For readers invested in education and community welfare, this demonstrates why persistent investment in early childhood programmes is essential for societal and economic prosperity.

Birth Triggers a Sudden Surge in Brain Cortex Folding in Newborns

New research using the largest perinatal MRI dataset to date has revealed a striking surge in brain development immediately after birth, with nearly half of the brain's cortical folding occurring during this brief period. This rapid increase in brain surface complexity—known as gyrification—suggests that birth itself is a critical trigger in early neurodevelopment.

This finding underscores the importance of the newborn environment and early interactions. The sharp neurological transition around birth may influence how infants process sensory input, form attachments, and begin learning. Greater understanding of this developmental window could help inform more targeted support for children at risk of neurodevelopmental challenges.

Global Perspectives 🌍

Making Early Childhood Care And Education A Fundamental Right In India

Recognising Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as a Fundamental Right is critical for India, as research highlights that early years determine cognitive and lifelong potential. Despite reaching 9 crore children, the Anganwadi system’s focus remains on nutrition, leaving learning gaps; legal mandate and dedicated funding are needed to ensure equitable access and support national development.

Australia Expands Quality Early Childhood Education with Investment, Better Wages and Access

Australia’s early childhood sector is benefiting from a 15% educator wage increase, $1 billion in infrastructure funding, and the removal of restrictive access criteria, all improving workforce stability and service continuity. These reforms broaden access, foster quality, and build a more equitable early education system.

China’s Children Embrace AI Learning While Western Classrooms Lag Behind

China’s commitment to early AI education—beginning in kindergarten—establishes cognitive advantages for its next generation, while the US lags due to policy hesitancy and restricted classroom use. Neuroscience supports the impact of early exposure. Prioritising AI literacy from the start is crucial for future competitiveness.