Teach-Early-Years-14.1

News New study highlights early education’s lifelong impact It won’t come as a surprise to advocates of the importance of early education, but new research has again highlighted the impact of early learning and development on individuals’ later academic success and, indeed, their employment prospects as adults. The NFER-led study (tinyurl. com/TEYnfbf) suggests that addressing cognitive and behavioural skills gaps that emerge in the early years may go so far as to support improved labour market outcomes, and consequently urges government to both incentivise and support schools to develop six “Essential Employment Skills” (EES): communication; collaboration; problem-solving; organising, planning and prioritising work; creative thinking; and information literacy – all highlighted by previous NFER research as being increasingly important for workers. As its starting point, the report holds that children’s cognitive and behavioural skills are precursors for their EES in early adulthood. It notes that “There is clear evidence that high-quality education right from the early years can impact the development of essential/transferable skills” and provides evidence that suggests “skills gaps in the early years are predictive of skills gaps at the end of childhood”. Commenting on the report’s findings, the programme’s principal investigator, Jude Hillary, said, “To deliver future skills needs and grow the economy, the government needs to adopt a ‘cradle- to-grave’ approach to skills development, promoting the development of a broad mix of cognitive, behavioural, and technical specific knowledge and skills, starting from the early years.” As part of this holistic approach, the report also stresses the importance of children’s home environment, which influences “not just their starting points when they enter school but also their progress through every stage of primary and secondary education”, and thus recommends supporting parents in disadvantaged areas, particularly during children’s early years. “Intervening at an early age to support young people who have low cognitive and behavioural skills is critical to improving their future outcomes.” JUDE HILLARY, CO-HEAD, UK POLICY & PRACTICE, NFER CHANGES AT NDNA In recognition of her 20 years as NDNA’s chief executive and services to early years education, Purnima Tanuku was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List. This news was followed by the announcement that Purnima will be taking up a new role at the organisation as its executive chair – a position that will see her leading NDNA’s strategic work, including managing vital relationships with government ministers and policy work across the UK. Tim McLachlan will take over as chief executive from 31 March, joining NDNA from the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. 45% INCREASE IN THE EARLY YEARS PUPIL PREMIUM; THE UPLIFT TAKES EYPP TO UP TO £570 PER ELIGIBLE CHILD EACH YEAR. Prioritise play The Raising the Nation Play Commission has called on government to increase school playtime, which has fallen significantly since the mid-90s – visit bit.ly/3QGPyxb Teachearlyyears.com 7