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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 18h

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed the core focus areas for its review of England's early years sector. The review is currently underway, with the final report scheduled for publication in May 2027. Read more here: buff.ly/LtQtK2h

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Learning Circle reminder: Wednesday 14th October - Online via Teams Webinar, 4.30pm-5.30pm- Spotlights with Learning Circle Members. Register to attend: buff.ly/VkYFuJA #LearningCircle #CREC #EarlyEducation #CommunityOfPractice

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Last week, trainees have received their academic content for the PGCE component of their training via Sheffield Hallam University. Find out more about our SCITT course here: buff.ly/LmQm8tk #CREC #SCITT #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

We are seeking an organised and proactive Business & Operations Officer to support the smooth day-to-day running of our organisation. For full information and how to apply: buff.ly/ArC8iEe #NewJob #BusinessOfficer #BirminghamJobs #CRECJobs #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The disadvantage gap for pupils in reception year grew further in 2025 and is now the widest since 2014, according to a recent study by the Education Policy Institute. Read the full report and its findings here: buff.ly/NcKKJF1 #EarlyEducation #Disadvantage #EarlyYears

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Our SCITT trainees are fully immersed in their Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks! They have been busy deepening their teaching knowledge through interactive seminars, observing expert colleagues in action across various school settings, and collaborating with their peers. 👨‍🏫 #SCITT #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

New research finds that heavy curriculum demands, rigid accountability rules, staff instability and split views on the value of play are major obstacles to supporting children’s learning through play. Read more here: buff.ly/wVixBVz #EarlyYears #EYFS #LearningThroughPlay #PlayBasedLearning

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Some news from CREC: It is with a mixture of pride and sadness we announce that, after 20 years of service, our dear colleague, friend and Co-Director, Sean Delaney, is moving to a new, exciting and well-earned role working for the city of Birmingham.

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The latest Parentkind National Parent Survey 2026 highlights a growing challenge for the early years sector: school refusal and attendance anxiety are taking root earlier than ever. Read the full report and share your thoughts below. buff.ly/SWRrHkG #EarlyEducation #Childcare #Survey #Parentkind

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Upcoming Event - our ever-popular Maths CPD day with Roy Broadfield is back! This is going to be popular - book your place now! buff.ly/XdV024q #CREC #CPD #EarlyMaths #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Start Strong helps UK governments give every baby and young child a fair start. This November a Citizens' Assembly will ask what governments should do to ensure that. Adults can share views via the national survey: buff.ly/22DYZro #EarlyYears #StartStrong #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Our part time programme is designed specifically for practitioners working in the early years sector and can be studied alongside and in support of your day-to-day role. Find out more and enrol now: buff.ly/CtNk1jT #MA #Education #EarlyYears #EYFS #EarlyYearsTeacher #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

"Keeping the EYFS central to leadership isn’t about improving Reception in isolation, nor is it about improving good level of development (GLD) outcomes. It’s about strengthening every stage that follows." Why every school leader should understand the Early Years: buff.ly/zaccCaS #EarlyYears

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

MA FAQs: Can I transfer postgraduate credits from another university? 🤔 YES - at the point of application with our validating partner, BCU, you can apply to have the credits transferred to our programme. 😁 Please see the attached for more information. buff.ly/4hVRMB8 #EarlyYears #CREC #MAEd

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

"Children do not develop in isolation. Their early development is shaped by the support systems surrounding them. When those systems become fragmented, developmental differences are almost inevitable." Read more on this here: buff.ly/INdhl0U #SpecialNeedsJungle #SchoolReadiness #EarlyYears

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

MA Ed (Early Years) FAQs:❔️ What are the entry requirements for the course?🤔 Ordinarily we ask for a relevant undergraduate degree and experience in the wider field of education and/or early childhood - or evidence of skill. Book a conversation with the course lead here: buff.ly/CtNk1jT #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

As demonstrated by authors Rosie Walton and Susan Young - who co-authored a journal article stemming directly from Walton's practitioner-based research into children's musical play - the programmes on offer at CREC such as the CME and the MA Early Years open pathways to peer-reviewed publication

eecera.org

From practice to publication: the story of the Peppa Pig song - EECERA

by Rosie Walton and Susan Young I’ve often found that as soon as the article is written, reviewed, revised and accepted for publication – in EECERJ, hurray! – that I come across an idea which would…

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The new academic year is officially underway at CREC! 😁 Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new cohort of SCITT trainees. 🧑‍🎓 #SCITT #TeacherTraining #EarlyYears #EarlyYearsTeacher #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Balancing work and study is achievable with our part-time structure. 📚️ The CREC MA Ed (Early Years) combines online support sessions, tutorials, self-directed study, and 5 face-to-face days at our Birmingham base. buff.ly/CtNk1jT #CPD #EarlyEducation #EarlyYears #EYFS #PostgraduateStudy #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

There's a new addition to the CREC library: Being and Becoming a Froebelian Community of Evidenced Practice, edited by some wonderful academics 😉 This is the latest title in the European Early Childhood Education Research Association’s (EECERA) Towards Ethical Praxis Series. #AcademicText #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Register to attend: Thursday 10th September - Online via Teams, 4.30pm-5.30pm Dr Faye Stanley 'Early Childhood Studies; the journey from undergraduate student to post PhD.' buff.ly/3V14qQX #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #CREC #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Wishing all of our SCITT trainees past and present the very best as they start their first week of the academic year. You are going to make an incredible difference enjoy every minute!🤗 #SCITT #EarlyYearsTeacher #NewTerm #NewSchool

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Early Years Alliance to hold a series of Autumn sessions online, sharing a range of simple, playful ways to help parents and carers support their child’s early development. buff.ly/8K2qWY3 #EarlyYears #EarlyDevelopment #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The Department for Education has updated the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, strengthening safeguarding and operational requirements across all early years settings. Read the full guidance: buff.ly/6vki2Gh #EarlyYears #EYFS #EarlyEducation

help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk

Help for early years providers : Changes to the EYFS framework from 1 September 2026

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

As an new addition to our library we know this text will support students who are researching Rights within their own professional context. Interested in study and research with CREC? Find out more: buff.ly/v3tPAW0 #EarlyYears #Research #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Government figures from 2025/26 show that more than 3,700 students completed T-Levels in Early Years Education, up over 50% compared to the previous year: buff.ly/Cb935aB #TLevels #EarlyEducation #EarlyYears #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Two new library additions explore the benefits of a creative pedagogical approach: Your Brain on Art shows the Arts' impact on the brain; Creativity in the Early Years explains how to nurture creativity across early years contexts. More on our MA Ed via the link in bio. #EarlyYearsCreativity #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Thursday 10th September - Online via Teams, 4.30pm-5.30pm Dr Faye Stanley 'Early Childhood Studies; the journey from undergraduate student to post PhD.' Faye will reflect on almost 30 years of Early Childhood, the development of the sector, current challenges and opportunities. buff.ly/wIHCYSe

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

This new library addition offers deep insights and contributions from authors across policy contexts. We’re delighted to share hard copy with our students. For info on our MA Ed (Early Years) course, visit buff.ly/v3tPAW0 #EYFS #EarlyYears #Postgraduate #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

This Back to School Passport from TES is a brilliant transition activity for EYFS/KS1 pupils, designed to help children settle into their new classroom through exploration, curiosity and play: buff.ly/VEtOa1X #BackToSchool #EarlyYears #KS1 #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We’re adding Research Methods in Early Childhood - new ethical guidance and extra case studies students value - and Unlocking Practitioner Inquiry, focusing on lasting educational change. Find out more about our upcoming MA: buff.ly/v3tPAW0 #EarlyYears #EYFS #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

CREC Learning Circle 2026/27 dates for your diary; the first being Thursday 10th September - Online via Teams, 4.30pm-5.30pm Dr Faye Stanley 'Early Childhood Studies; the journey from undergraduate student to post PhD.' buff.ly/i1Cjsqp #LearningCircle #CommunityOfPractice #EarlyEducation #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY: We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to work on the research project ‘The Power of Loose Parts Play (POLLP): Exploring Children’s Experiences with Loose Parts Play to Support Early Learning and Development’. Find out more and apply buff.ly/qIIdpWD

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

This lovely MA student had so much to say about their experience at CREC, we had to put it over several slides! If you'd like to find out more about studying an MA with CREC, or book a 1:1 chat with a course lead, you can do so here: buff.ly/JFdYMvP #CREC #MA #EarlyEducation #EarlyChildhood #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Early years funding: proposed changes to the entitlements funding system; consultation open until Sept 6th. Please have your say on proposed changes to the early years funding system associated with the current offer of early years entitlements. Consultation: buff.ly/UTvJKYk #EarlyYearsFunding

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The CREC MA combines online support sessions, tutorials, self-directed study, and 5 face-to-face days at our Birmingham base. The dates for the 2026-27 face-to-face sessions are now confirmed and spread across the year to match the academic cycle. buff.ly/ycmBR65 #CPD #EarlyEducation #EarlyYears

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The Department for Education has revealed details of its £200 million training package as part of the SEND reforms, commissioning teacher-training provider Ambition Institute to design and deliver a suite of online and downloadable resources. Read more - buff.ly/0hi69U9 #SENDReform #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Chris Pascal talks about the CREC MA Ed (Early Years) with other course leaders. If you're interested in our postgraduate course specialising in Early Years, and would like to find out more, you can book a call with a course leader on the CREC website - buff.ly/6TaFQs6 #CREC #MA #EarlyYears

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Think-tank founded by former Children’s Commissioner for England Baroness Anne Longfield urges new PM Andy Burnham to create a cabinet-level children and families unit to support rising numbers of disadvantaged children. Read more - buff.ly/rrIYInZ #EarlyChildhood #DisadvantagedChildren

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

New safe sleep guidance from the Department for Education says a baby’s room should be 16–20°C but offers no advice for higher temperatures, only that “providers should use their own professional judgement during extreme temperature”. Read more - buff.ly/U8S5L1a #DfE #Heatwave #ClimateChange

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

MA alumni Jen talks about being stretched by CREC, and connecting her academic experience to her professional role. Enrolment is still open for our upcoming cohort on the MA Ed (Early Years) course - find out more and apply now: buff.ly/6TaFQs6 #CREC #MA #EarlyYears #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

More DfE updates to be aware of - watch this Vodcast shared by The Foundation Years, where the new Safer Sleep guidance is discussed. buff.ly/MVF3SGr #SaferSleep #DfE #SleepGuidance #EYFS #EarlyChildhood

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Kate Comberti talking about about progression from CME (Certificate for Music Educators) to MA and the development of music and arts within EY Masters studies. Find out more: buff.ly/6TaFQs6 #EarlyYears #EarlyYearsMusic #MusicResearch #EYFS #EarlyEducation #MA #CREC

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Many congratulations to our MA graduates who celebrated last week - you have worked so hard and we look forward to seeing the impact you make on the world! Now relax and enjoy the summer. 🌞 #Graduation #Celebration #MA #EarlyYears #EarlyEducation

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

New guidance from the Department for Education supports early years providers, managers and childminders in implementing the EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements. Read more - buff.ly/eBE9rZO #DfE #EarlyChildhood #Safeguarding #EYFS

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Our most recent ongoing study in collaboration with @ucl.ac.uk: The Power of Loose Parts Play (POLPP) study: Exploring children’s experiences with loose parts play. Find out more: buff.ly/lV3mcVx #LoosePartsPlay #POLPP #EarlyEducationResearch

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Centre for Research in Early Childhood @crecuk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

🚨 Closes July 31st🚨 We are delighted to be working with Oxford Brookes University to plan an Early Childhood cohort within their 2026/2027 EdD programme. We aim to integrate CREC's specialist expertise into both aspects of the programme starting in September 2026. buff.ly/SUcmGZL #EarlyEducation

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