Hannah Crown
@hannah-crown.bsky.social
Freelance journalist specialising in early years education and young people. Writes/commissions for Nursery World, CYPNow and others. Winner of the 2025 BASW Trade Press Award
We are back to the Victorian era , says @jandubiel.bsky.social if we think academic outcomes, such as ability to retain ideas and express knowledge, aren't important for all [email protected] #movingthebox conference today
March 20, 2026 at 10:35 AM
We are back to the Victorian era , says @jandubiel.bsky.social if we think academic outcomes, such as ability to retain ideas and express knowledge, aren't important for all [email protected] #movingthebox conference today
Home learning environment #HLE is now a core service for #FamilyHubs and charities such as @ncb.org.uk have been funded to do work on it by DfE. I wonder what work are early years settings doing on this?
Two-year-olds in England watch television, videos or other digital content for an average of two hours each day, according to the latest data from the Children of the 2020s study led by @ucl.ac.uk.
Read the full news item on the CLS website: bit.ly/49t73Kh
Read the full news item on the CLS website: bit.ly/49t73Kh
Toddlers spending two hours on screens a day | CLS
Two-year-olds in England watch television, videos or other digital content for an average of two hours each day, double the daily screen time recommended by the World Health Organisation for this age ...
bit.ly
March 17, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Home learning environment #HLE is now a core service for #FamilyHubs and charities such as @ncb.org.uk have been funded to do work on it by DfE. I wonder what work are early years settings doing on this?
Reposted by Hannah Crown
🌶️HOT OFF THE PRESS 🌶️ - new issue of EYE for April/May. Featuring articles on physical development from the National EY Active Start Partnership @youthsporttrust.bsky.social @lborouniversity.bsky.social and @literacy-trust.bsky.social on #boys reading with plenty more to come 👇
Early Years Educator: Vol 24, No 21
Early Years Educator (EYE) is essential reading for anyone working with children aged from birth to five-years-old.
www.magonlinelibrary.com
March 17, 2026 at 9:04 AM
🌶️HOT OFF THE PRESS 🌶️ - new issue of EYE for April/May. Featuring articles on physical development from the National EY Active Start Partnership @youthsporttrust.bsky.social @lborouniversity.bsky.social and @literacy-trust.bsky.social on #boys reading with plenty more to come 👇
The discovery of century old newspaper clippings from nursery founder Marion Blake (pictured left) led to a feature in March's @nurseryworld.bsky.social, featuring Angela Davis @sas-news.bsky.social and archive material from @faberbooks.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Going back to the roots of early years education - Nursery World
Newly unearthed archive material reveals how childcare first became recognised as a skilled occupation in the UK. By Hannah Crown
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
February 27, 2026 at 3:37 PM
The discovery of century old newspaper clippings from nursery founder Marion Blake (pictured left) led to a feature in March's @nurseryworld.bsky.social, featuring Angela Davis @sas-news.bsky.social and archive material from @faberbooks.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Reposted by Hannah Crown
Children may forget what we taught them, but they will remember how we made them feel, says Sarah Guscott, in this piece about memory and emotion, inspired by training to help those with dementia www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10....
Lessons from dementia-friend training | Early Years Educator
Children will remember feelings over actions, and educators have to respond with their emotional security in mind, says lecturer Sarah Guscot
www.magonlinelibrary.com
February 27, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Children may forget what we taught them, but they will remember how we made them feel, says Sarah Guscott, in this piece about memory and emotion, inspired by training to help those with dementia www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10....
Cannot get over these #columns. Who was the lovely genius who thought to brighten up a #railway platform with free art? #malvern #greatmalvern @gwr.com @greatwesternrailway.info
February 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Cannot get over these #columns. Who was the lovely genius who thought to brighten up a #railway platform with free art? #malvern #greatmalvern @gwr.com @greatwesternrailway.info
Are there people out there who are into columns? As in architectural? Cos Malvern Link station - man, column- lovers eat your heart out
February 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Are there people out there who are into columns? As in architectural? Cos Malvern Link station - man, column- lovers eat your heart out
New piece on #Ofsted inspections in @nurseryworld.bsky.social after speaking with experts, a setting, Ofsted and an #inspector: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
EYFS changes part 4: Reflecting best practice in the new-style inspections - Nursery World
In the final part of this series, Hannah Crown talks to a recently inspected setting and an inspector about what the new-look Ofsted inspections look and feel like in practice and how they provide a m...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:15 AM
New piece on #Ofsted inspections in @nurseryworld.bsky.social after speaking with experts, a setting, Ofsted and an #inspector: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Get some inspiration putting together your #climate action plan #CAP with some tips from Honeypot and Tops. Did you know all settings in England can get help drafting a plan for free? #climate #ambassadors tinyurl.com/4kwjsdxp
EYFS changes part 3: Creating a climate change plan for your setting - Nursery World
How are early years settings going about devising their climate action plan, and what should they put in one? Hannah Crown reports
tinyurl.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Get some inspiration putting together your #climate action plan #CAP with some tips from Honeypot and Tops. Did you know all settings in England can get help drafting a plan for free? #climate #ambassadors tinyurl.com/4kwjsdxp
As Clive Belgeonne of @genderaction.bsky.social says, we need both subject parity and gender equity in schools for more #girls in #STEM. Because "when boys feel comfortable to do dance and drama, girls are more likely to do physics and chemistry". www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
Awareness training improves pupils' recognition of gender stereotypes - CYP Now
Primary school students and teachers have benefited from taking part in a training and awards programme to encourage gender equity.
www.cypnow.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 10:11 AM
As Clive Belgeonne of @genderaction.bsky.social says, we need both subject parity and gender equity in schools for more #girls in #STEM. Because "when boys feel comfortable to do dance and drama, girls are more likely to do physics and chemistry". www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
@ofstednews.bsky.social inspectors will no longer spend large chunks of inspections in front of a screen typing, but will take down notes in longhand first as this is less intimidating. P1 of new series on #childminders changes www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
EYFS changes: How inspections for childminders are moving to a more 'collaborative' process - Nursery World
In part 1 of this series, Hannah Crown explores changes for childminders within the new inspection framework
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 10:10 AM
@ofstednews.bsky.social inspectors will no longer spend large chunks of inspections in front of a screen typing, but will take down notes in longhand first as this is less intimidating. P1 of new series on #childminders changes www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
We are 100, but we still don't know who was the first ‘editress’ of @nurseryworld.bsky.social Launched by Sir Geoffrey Cust Faber, of @faberbooks.bsky.social at 24 Russell Square London. One possible name is Mrs N Rieu. Who can help? @annetterawstrone.bsky.social @gabriellajoz.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 10:28 AM
We are 100, but we still don't know who was the first ‘editress’ of @nurseryworld.bsky.social Launched by Sir Geoffrey Cust Faber, of @faberbooks.bsky.social at 24 Russell Square London. One possible name is Mrs N Rieu. Who can help? @annetterawstrone.bsky.social @gabriellajoz.bsky.social
Campaigners are trying to make #play a statutory duty in England, but Parliament looks unlikely to pass a crucial amendment. Why? Wales already has this, Scotland and NI have protections @appgonplay.bsky.social @eugeneminogue.bsky.social
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
It's time to 'let play lead the day' - Nursery World
In the past children enjoyed far greater freedoms to play. Hannah Crown reports from an event which was a call to action to address this fundamental right.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Campaigners are trying to make #play a statutory duty in England, but Parliament looks unlikely to pass a crucial amendment. Why? Wales already has this, Scotland and NI have protections @appgonplay.bsky.social @eugeneminogue.bsky.social
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
What is your curriculum? Could you define it to a friend, a colleague, @ofstednews.bsky.social inspector?
Going through this process doesn't have to be complicated, provides excellent CPD focused on a cohort and helps in inspections: @profveritycb.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Going through this process doesn't have to be complicated, provides excellent CPD focused on a cohort and helps in inspections: @profveritycb.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
All about …devising your own curriculum - Nursery World
Where should a setting start when creating a unique curriculum? Hannah Crown speaks to some who have done it to ask why they took the step, and how they did it
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
September 8, 2025 at 9:40 AM
What is your curriculum? Could you define it to a friend, a colleague, @ofstednews.bsky.social inspector?
Going through this process doesn't have to be complicated, provides excellent CPD focused on a cohort and helps in inspections: @profveritycb.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Going through this process doesn't have to be complicated, provides excellent CPD focused on a cohort and helps in inspections: @profveritycb.bsky.social www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
When did #nature become uncool? Scheme aiming to tackle #adolescent #mentalhealth, learning disengagement and #climate finds being seen to act environmentally is a challenge for teenagers. We must build this love from the #earlyyears
My piece for #CYPNow www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
My piece for #CYPNow www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
Outdoor learning scheme helps disadvantaged pupils experience nature - CYP Now
Thanks to funding from the Ernest Cook Trust, disadvantaged groups of students are able to undertake a residential visit that helps them become more connected with the natural world.
www.cypnow.co.uk
August 9, 2025 at 8:44 AM
When did #nature become uncool? Scheme aiming to tackle #adolescent #mentalhealth, learning disengagement and #climate finds being seen to act environmentally is a challenge for teenagers. We must build this love from the #earlyyears
My piece for #CYPNow www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
My piece for #CYPNow www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
An eye opening project using #theatre to drive home messages on #CCE. from @peelxo.bsky.social and Challenge Academy for #CYPNow magazine. www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
Child criminal exploitation project makes an impact - CYP Now
Programme combines drama, workshops and team-building to help children identify the warning signs of grooming, knife crime and criminal exploitation.
www.cypnow.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
An eye opening project using #theatre to drive home messages on #CCE. from @peelxo.bsky.social and Challenge Academy for #CYPNow magazine. www.cypnow.co.uk/content/best...
Govt's new and significant £500m investment in 'family hubs' means the remaining 65 or so councils which don't have them now will 'by April 2026', and 1000 total by 2028. (At its peak in 2010, Sure Start received £1.8 billion a year funding 3,600 centres.) www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
All about… family hubs - Nursery World
With Children’s Centres having declined by a third since their peak of 3,600,Hannah Crown asks to what extent the new family hubs build on the legacy of Sure Start
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
July 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Govt's new and significant £500m investment in 'family hubs' means the remaining 65 or so councils which don't have them now will 'by April 2026', and 1000 total by 2028. (At its peak in 2010, Sure Start received £1.8 billion a year funding 3,600 centres.) www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
How to apply the findings of #research #toolkits such as those from the @theeef.bsky.social to #EY practice? @juliangrenier.bsky.social has written a short series for @nurseryworld.bsky.social based on experiences in Building Blocks nursery, Tottenham: lnkd.in/ebF8rzHV lnkd.in/ePPiNZyN
Face-to-face professional development Part 1: Starting a new 'Early Years Conversation' - Nursery World
How one nursery used a research trial to help children's communication. By Julian Grenier, senior content and engagement manager, EEF
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
July 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
How to apply the findings of #research #toolkits such as those from the @theeef.bsky.social to #EY practice? @juliangrenier.bsky.social has written a short series for @nurseryworld.bsky.social based on experiences in Building Blocks nursery, Tottenham: lnkd.in/ebF8rzHV lnkd.in/ePPiNZyN
My son and I had fab day of #storytelling @ Barneskidslitfest
using nursery rhyme rap from @MrMCGrammar
#clay from @aardman and sensory storytelling from Vanessa Woolf @ londondreamtime nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
using nursery rhyme rap from @MrMCGrammar
#clay from @aardman and sensory storytelling from Vanessa Woolf @ londondreamtime nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
A fantastic event for young book fans and their families - Nursery World
Hannah Crown reports back from a day spent at the 2025 Barnes Children’s Literature Festival with her four-year-old son and explains why she is now inspired to ‘tear up the story time rule book at hom...
nurseryworld.co.uk
June 25, 2025 at 9:12 AM
My son and I had fab day of #storytelling @ Barneskidslitfest
using nursery rhyme rap from @MrMCGrammar
#clay from @aardman and sensory storytelling from Vanessa Woolf @ londondreamtime nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
using nursery rhyme rap from @MrMCGrammar
#clay from @aardman and sensory storytelling from Vanessa Woolf @ londondreamtime nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat... @nurseryworld.bsky.social
More #earlyyears settings are investing in personalised training - #learningjournals for staff - to overcome the difficulties of getting staff out of ratio for CPD. #fennies and #littlebarnowls tell @nurseryworld.bsky.social in detail how it works www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
Training Today: How to create and keep your leaders - Nursery World
Find out how two nursery groups are using mentors and innovative learning approaches to help develop individuals in their teams. By Hannah Crown
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 10:51 AM
More #earlyyears settings are investing in personalised training - #learningjournals for staff - to overcome the difficulties of getting staff out of ratio for CPD. #fennies and #littlebarnowls tell @nurseryworld.bsky.social in detail how it works www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/feat...
#babies #schoolreadiness - As @danwuori.bsky.social said at @literacy-trust.bsky.social conf: "We want children to come to kindergarten age five ready to learn, as if learning doesn't take place before. But learning begins in the womb." My piece for @nurseryworld.bsky.social shorturl.at/io9y2
Training Today: Working with babies to provide close, secure relationships - Nursery World
How can settings equip staff with the skills they need to fulfil the essential and highly skilled role of being a baby room practitioner? By Hannah Crown
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
June 12, 2025 at 8:32 AM
#babies #schoolreadiness - As @danwuori.bsky.social said at @literacy-trust.bsky.social conf: "We want children to come to kindergarten age five ready to learn, as if learning doesn't take place before. But learning begins in the womb." My piece for @nurseryworld.bsky.social shorturl.at/io9y2
Reposted by Hannah Crown
Good grief.
Adult Social Care in Leicestershire now being run by a 22-year-old who doesn't believe depression is real...
And a 19-year-old student is in charge of the £200M children's services budget.
new.basw.co.uk/about-social...
Adult Social Care in Leicestershire now being run by a 22-year-old who doesn't believe depression is real...
And a 19-year-old student is in charge of the £200M children's services budget.
new.basw.co.uk/about-social...
Reform councillors aged 19 and 22 in charge of children’s and adult services at local authority
Social workers raise questions over clash of values and lack of experience of new lead members at Leicestershire County Council
new.basw.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Good grief.
Adult Social Care in Leicestershire now being run by a 22-year-old who doesn't believe depression is real...
And a 19-year-old student is in charge of the £200M children's services budget.
new.basw.co.uk/about-social...
Adult Social Care in Leicestershire now being run by a 22-year-old who doesn't believe depression is real...
And a 19-year-old student is in charge of the £200M children's services budget.
new.basw.co.uk/about-social...
Delighted to win a @basw-uk.bsky.social award last night for my piece for #CYPNow on the barriers to diversity in #socialwork - why are there only 11 directors of children's services from #BAME backgrounds despite 26% of social workers being from these backgrounds? www.cypnow.co.uk/content/feat...
June 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Delighted to win a @basw-uk.bsky.social award last night for my piece for #CYPNow on the barriers to diversity in #socialwork - why are there only 11 directors of children's services from #BAME backgrounds despite 26% of social workers being from these backgrounds? www.cypnow.co.uk/content/feat...
#Earlyyears research doesn't have to be complicated - one #EY practitioner used a simple research #toolkit to develop a project to ask children how they played in their garden, and used their responses to redesign the space to make it more meaningful for them www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/prac...
Research: How a new toolkit can help practitioners develop their own small-scale projects - Nursery World
How can early years educators use their own research in their practice? Frances Giampapa has developed a ‘Researchful Practice Toolkit’
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 10:53 AM
#Earlyyears research doesn't have to be complicated - one #EY practitioner used a simple research #toolkit to develop a project to ask children how they played in their garden, and used their responses to redesign the space to make it more meaningful for them www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/prac...
Confused about how T levels, apprenticeships and college courses intersect? Myself and #NCFE #Cache have devised a Level 2 to 6 guide in the annual Training Today supplement with ratio and english/maths changes explained @nurseryworld.bsky.social shorturl.at/wTfFh
Training Today: Finding direction through new qualifications pathways - Nursery World
Hannah Crown and NCFE CACHE provide a guide to early years qualifications, outlining current qualifications levels and key recent changes
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Confused about how T levels, apprenticeships and college courses intersect? Myself and #NCFE #Cache have devised a Level 2 to 6 guide in the annual Training Today supplement with ratio and english/maths changes explained @nurseryworld.bsky.social shorturl.at/wTfFh