Early years news
What changed for nurseries in England and Scotland, what it means for your setting, and what to do about it.
Every story comes from an official source and is checked by the Hubba Training team. How we make the news
The week in early years: 12 to 16 October 2026
What changed for nurseries and childminders in England and Scotland this week, from the official websites, and the dates coming up.
England and Scotland··3 min readOctober 2026
12 articles
- Business and employment
Competition watchdog sends legal information requests to nurseries
The Competition and Markets Authority has asked a number of smaller childcare providers in England for information. If your setting is asked, you must reply.
England··2 min read - Safeguarding
Safety alert: only use baby sleeping bags with arm holes and no hood
A UK-wide Product Safety Alert tells childcare settings not to buy or use baby sleeping bags that lack arm holes or have a hood.
England and Scotland··2 min read - Inspection and regulation
Most providers say Ofsted's new inspections were respectful
The first findings from independent research into Ofsted's renewed inspections in England, including early years, were published on 9 October 2026.
England··2 min read - Funding and fees
You can now ask your council to pay your funding every month
From October 2026, councils in England must pay early years providers for the free entitlements every month if the provider asks. This includes childminders.
England··1 min read - Funding and fees
Funded places for eligible two-year-olds: Holyrood committee backs the order
A Scottish Parliament committee has recommended approval of an order that protects funded early learning and childcare for eligible two-year-olds in Scotland.
Scotland··1 min read - Funding and fees
Childcare from nine months old: Scotland plans to consult next year
The Programme for Government commits to childcare support from nine months old to the end of primary school.
Scotland··3 min read - Inspection and regulation
Ofsted to make 3,000 more surprise visits to nurseries
The Department for Education says the extra unannounced visits are part of its plan for safer nurseries in England.
England··2 min read - Frameworks and curriculum
EYFS 2026: the four changes now in force
The new early years foundation stage framework covers safer sleep, screen use, banned dog breeds and telling Ofsted about adults on domestic premises.
England··4 min read - Workforce and staffing
Funded ELC staff must be paid at least £13.45 an hour
The sustainable rates guidance sets the minimum for staff delivering funded early learning and childcare in private and third sector settings.
Scotland··2 min read - Safeguarding
Scotland's new restraint law covers schools, not nurseries
The Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Act 2026 defines a school in a way that leaves out nursery schools and nursery classes.
Scotland··2 min read - Inspection and regulation
HM Inspectorate plans at least 150 ELC inspections this year
The inspectorate, a separate body since March 2026, has published its programme for 2026 to 2027.
Scotland··2 min read - Business and employment
Childcare market study: final report due in May 2027
The Competition and Markets Authority is studying the early years education and childcare market.
England··2 min read
Keep your team ahead of the changes
Short courses for every change in the news, each ending in a certificate, for England and Scotland.