Early Years News Roundup | Why the Spending Review Still Misses the Start for Early Years

Must Read 🌟

Spending Review 2025: A Step Forward, But Still Missing the Start

The UK Government’s Spending Review, announced on 11 June, brought long-awaited updates to education, health and social care. But for the families we welcome every day at Babyzone, the review left some of the most urgent early years needs unmet.

Among the most headline-grabbing announcements were:

• £370 million for school-based nurseries, aiming to increase early education places

• £555 million in children’s social care transformation funding, intended to reduce late interventions and improve outcomes

• A £29 billion boost to NHS day-to-day spending, including commitments to expand GP access and digitise services

These are welcome and necessary. But for the youngest children - and the families raising them in increasingly pressured circumstances - the gaps are still significant.

Crucially, there was no clear uplift for Family Hubs or Start for Life, and no direct investment in universal, community-based support services for babies and parents. This is despite strong evidence that the foundations of lifelong health, learning and wellbeing are laid in the first 1,001 days.

At Babyzone, we see daily how a warm, trusted, no-barrier offer can transform outcomes. We’re not a childcare setting. We’re not a referral-only service. We’re something different and urgently needed.

As we continue to model what’s possible - with seven open Babyzones and more to come - we call on government to match words with action. If we want more children to be school-ready, resilient and thriving, we must start before school.

Disadvantaged Children Affected By Rising Early Years Costs, Survey Reveals

Early childhood programmes across the UK are facing mounting financial strain — a growing concern for many in the sector. Rising operational costs, including staffing, energy, and resources, are stretching already tight budgets. While initiatives like the 30-hour funded childcare scheme aim to improve access, funding levels often fall short of covering true delivery costs.

This shortfall places many nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders at risk of closure, particularly in disadvantaged areas where support is needed most. For Early Years professionals, this means increasing pressure to balance quality provision with financial viability — often at the expense of staff wellbeing and programme enrichment.

The potential fallout is significant: reduced access to affordable childcare could hinder child development outcomes, widen attainment gaps, and limit parental ability to participate in the workforce. Sector leaders are calling for urgent government action to address funding gaps and safeguard the future of Early Years provision.

Research & Insights 🔬

Tracking Brainwaves to Support Deaf Infants' Cognitive and Language Development

The University of East Anglia's research on tracking baby brainwaves is pivotal in helping deaf infants, particularly those born to hearing parents, access language early to boost cognitive development. By employing neuroimaging and eye-tracking, researchers aim to bridge communicative gaps, fostering improved academic readiness and language skills. This £1 million initiative offers vital insights and support for families during the crucial first years of a child's life.

Exploring Arts' Role in Enhancing Learning at Philadelphia Preschools

Ellie Brown's two-decade study reveals that creative arts programmes in preschools significantly enhance vocabulary growth and emotional regulation. This research underscores the critical role arts education plays in early childhood development, particularly for children in low-income settings by lowering stress levels and fostering a conducive learning environment. The insights have prompted an expansion initiative, KWEST Arts, to integrate such approaches into broader educational contexts.

Positive Evidence Supports Continued Investment in Head Start for Children's Well-Being

Head Start is a vital federal programme providing early learning and comprehensive support services to about 800,000 children and families yearly. Despite threats to its funding, research consistently shows its effectiveness, particularly for marginalised communities, at preparing children for school and reducing long-term education costs. Supporting educational equity, Head Start aids childhood development and offers financial efficiencies by decreasing special education needs and grade repetition.

Global Perspectives 🌎

Inclusive Early Childhood Education Centre Enhances Opportunities For Disabled Children In Brooklyn

A new annex at P.S. 6 in Flatbush will support pre-K to second-grade students with autism and other disabilities, combining general and special education in inclusive settings. The centre addresses increased demand for tailored education post-pandemic, supporting unique learning journeys and fostering parental involvement. This initiative ensures local, accessible education, highlighting the importance of specialised environments for lifelong success.

Equitable ECEC Access Urged as Report Highlights Childcare Deserts in Australia

Nearly 24% of Australians reside in childcare deserts, highlighting inequality in early childhood education access. Despite a 10% increase in childcare places, underserved areas persist, particularly rural and low-income communities. A new report advocates for needs-based funding and support for non-profit providers to ensure equitable ECEC access.

Play Fest Celebrates Childhood Through Learning and Play Across Romania

Over 10,000 children across Romania are taking part in Play Fest 2025, a nationwide celebration of the power of play in early education. Supported by UNICEF, the event spans 50+ locations and brings together educators, parents, and communities to spotlight play’s vital role in children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

The festival reinforces the importance of play-based learning — not just as a means of engagement, but as a key driver of child development. Through hands-on activities, collaborative games, and creative exploration, Play Fest champions the kind of rich, responsive learning environments that professionals strive to create every day. It also highlights the value of community and parental involvement in nurturing children’s growth, both in settings and at home.