Nursery World - Editor's view - Feeling punch drunk!

For the past week or so, it has felt as though there has been a
hailstorm of initiatives and pronouncements, leaving the early years sector battered

The news that a baseline check is to be introduced for reception children, despite a clear rejection of this from respondents to the consultation, kicked things off.

The same day, another consultation began, combining questions on childminder agency regulation and the role of local authorities. 'Will anyone take any notice of the responses?' was the not unreasonable query from many.

Then the release of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage, to take effect in September this year, took everybody by surprise, appearing without any notice or fanfare. The changes are mostly relaxation of regulatory requirements such as the need for policies and staff appraisals (see our guide, page 8). Government will say it is trusting providers to do the right thing, but the overall effect may be detrimental to children's rights and needs.

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