NEW: The popularity of new childcare entitlements could leave spending from 2026 onwards £1 billion higher than originally forecast. Read Christine Farquharson’s briefing on what the #SpendingReview means for childcare entitlements: ifs.org.uk/articles/popul…

Very striking this. Spending on new childcare entitlement is much greater than expected. What we don't know is whether this is because more parents have been tempted into work, or are just substituting for informal childcare Expanding the welfare state is an expensive business

Anaïs Fabre (Institute for Fiscal Studies) presents “The Geography of Higher Education and Spatial Inequalities” to identify the sources of spatial education gaps. (1/5) Stone Centre at UCL

In light of today's announcements on Family Hubs, this Institute for Fiscal Studies podcast is looking even more timely! A great discussion with Ed Balls and Paul Johnson on the benefits of Sure Start and the political economy of keeping early childhood programmes going.

I quite often get asked what I think about a wealth tax. A very good "elevator summary" of the economics of a wealth tax, from the indefatigable Stuart Adam, out today

It’s the end of an era @theIFS Today is Paul Johnson’s last day. He’s been a fantastic Director and will be greatly missed 🥹 To celebrate the handing over of the baton we have …

NEW PODCAST: Are the kids ok? The school years Are England’s school children thriving, or are too many being left behind? Helen Miller, Christine Farquharson & Sam Freedman assess the state of England's schools in our 'Are the kids ok?' series. 🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/are-k…

I’m having a blast recording these podcasts, and learning a lot! Do get in touch with your questions - I’m really looking forward to digging into them with Helen Miller.

We recorded this this morning (!) and I came out full of excitement! Helen Miller and I had a great conversation with Sir Philip Augar - covered the design of the post-16 system, the gulf between higher and further education, and even some tentative signs of hope. Do listen!

"There's been a really big increase in the share of children who are being identified as having special educational needs" Christine Farquharson details the rise in special educational needs and its effect on schools. 🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/are-k…

Thousands of working parents are now able to access 30 hours of childcare per week during term-time, paid for by the government. Christine Farquharson, from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, calls it the 'biggest expansion of the childcare landscape'. #R4Today

"A degree apprenticeship, that should absolutely have parity of esteem with somebody who's going and doing a degree" Christine Farquharson discusses the extent to which we need a parity of esteem between Further and Higher education. 🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/are-k…

NEW PODCAST: Are the kids ok? Family life Helen Miller, Christine Farquharson and Anne Longfield explore family life in the UK, rising child poverty and pressures on social care in our 'Are the kids ok?' podcast mini-series. 🎧 Listen here: ifs.org.uk/articles/are-k…

Great to chat Helen Miller Christine Farquharson on 'Are the kids ok?' podcast series Institute for Fiscal Studies. Give this episode and the whole series a listen on the link below 👇