An obvious problem with interviewing a Government minister just after the announcement of a major policy review, but before it gets underway, is that the answer to many of the questions is that the review will provide the answers!
So children's minister Sarah Teather is quite justified in not second-guessing the outcome of Dame Clare Tickell's review of the Early Years Foundation Stage in her first major interview since taking up her post (see pages 10-11).
Nonetheless, it is possible to pick up clues about departmental thinking from Ms Teather's statements, not least the phrase about 'making children ready for school', which seems to be becoming something of a mantra for the Department for Education. 'Funding applications have to include something about getting them ready for school to stand any chance of getting money,' said one charity head gloomily last week.
And as a minister new to the joys of free entitlement funding, Ms Teather will need to get to grips with the problems quickly, with many providers frantic about their future sustainability under the extension to 15 hours a week in September. She has invited settings to send her evidence about their position - and rightly expects to be inundated!
Amid all the EYFS review fever, it was lovely to spend a day in the calm atmosphere of Canterbury Christ Church University at the Baby Room Project conference. Springing from Kathy Goouch and Sacha Powell's recent work with baby room practitioners, and including contributions from Peter Elfer and Jools Page on the need for emotional support for staff and 'professional love' in working with babies, it was a chance to reflect on the amazing task that early years practitioners undertake every day.