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Estyn has published its latest sector report which provides an overview of early education practice in non-maintained nursery settings across Wales, focussing on aspects such as teaching and learning, care, support, well-being, and leadership.
A notable mention is made of the Mini Miner's Club in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, which was commended for providing a rich and stimulating learning environment. The club's leadership was praised for creating inviting spaces that ignited children's curiosity, featuring a balance of natural and man-made resources. Additionally, the article highlights the club's strong links with parents and carers, as well as its efficient use of funding to enhance children's learning and development.
You can read the full report below, including an overview of inspection recommendations, and examples of good practice within the sector.
Read the article here: Non-maintained nurseries – Adroddiad Blynyddol | Annual Report (gov.wales)
 We're thrilled to share a fantastic article from Estyn, highlighting exemplary practice in early childhood education. The article showcases the power of outdoor spaces in creating a quality learning environment. Congratulations to Cylch Meithrin Coed Duon for their outstanding work.
Read the article here: Stimulating and Enriching Exterior Inspires Children's Curiosity.
 I'm sure you will all join us in extending huge congratulations to Clare Wilkinson, the owner of 'Bobl Bach Clare', on her remarkable double victory at the prestigious Best of Welsh Business Awards 2024. Clare clinched the titles of 'Best Child Minding & Entertainment 2024' and 'Welsh Business Woman of the Year'.
Clare, your achievements are truly inspiring. Many congratulations.
You can read the full story here
 The Caerphilly Early Years and Childcare Service have been working on a series of short animations to highlight to families the various services and support we provide.
This latest animation showcases our Early Years Hub and the pivotal role it plays across the whole of our Early Years and Childcare Service.
You can watch the animation here
Payment Arrangements over the Easter Bank Holidays
With the Easter Bank Holidays approaching, we wanted to inform you of when payments will be made during w/c 1 April. Please note the following:
- Timesheets submitted on Wednesday, 27 March will reach providers’ bank accounts by Wednesday 3 April.
- Timesheets submitted between Thursday, 28 March and Tuesday 2 April will reach providers’ bank accounts by Thursday 4 April.
Thank you, The Childcare Offer Team
Application Window Changes
Local Authorities in Wales have recently been involved in discussions with Welsh Government to standardise on the number of days Childcare Offer applications will be open prior to the start of term. The result of the discussions was a consensus that Childcare Offer applications should open 75 days prior to the start of each term.
The digital platform will be updated to allow for this change from the 2024 autumn term intake. The autumn term across Wales begins on 2 Sept, which means the opening date for applications across Wales for that term will be 19 June.
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Please note applications for Flying Start childcare for eligible children with a date of birth 01/04/2022 to 31/08/2022 will open on 22 April 2024.
The preferred application window is 22 April to 10 May but applications can be made after this period.
Please encourage any eligible parents you are working with to apply.
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 The summer Caerphilly Early Years and Childcare training timetable is now available to view on our website. Click the link below for details and to access the training request form.
Book now
 As always, there is a very high demand for places on our scheduled Advanced Safeguarding Training and Paediatric First Aid Training.
In the event that you are not able to secure a place on one of our schedules courses, we recommend exploring alternative training providers or organisations.
For guidance on mandated training requirements, please refer to the following resources:
 On Saturday 3 February, the Caerphilly Early Years and Childcare Service hosted a Healthy Early Years Network Event aimed at setting staff involved in the HEY scheme.
The day featured a keynote speech from Mind, focusing on mental health awareness, followed by training sessions from Early Years Wales on physical literacy, Groundworks on outdoor activities, and Gaia Yoga on wellbeing practices. Attendees had the opportunity to network and attend various workshops relevant to the scheme. Mindful activities, such as using essential oils and lavender bags, were incorporated throughout the day.
The event received positive feedback, providing settings with practical ideas. Thanks to all who attended for making it an inspiring and informative day.
Welsh Words and phrases of the month:
- Sun cream – Eli haul
- Sunglasses – Sbectol haul
- Sunhat – Het haul
- Sunny – Heulog
- Sut mae’r tywydd heddiw? How is the weather today?
Suggestion of activities: Let’s be sun and shade detectives! Search for the most shaded spots in the setting and let’s talk about sun safety.
 A reminder of the Welsh Government Talk With Me website. Every month we signpost you to a link on the website – but you are free to explore this website whenever you need tips and advice on speech, language and communication.
The website was designed by Speech and Language Therapists joint with the Welsh Government. It has lots of helpful resources for practitioners and parents/carers.
This plan aims to find the best ways to help all children and families. It hopes to support everyone to understand the importance of speech, language and communication for children aged 0 to 4 years 11 months. We want parents and carers to understand how important it is to talk to and play with their children.
We encourage everyone spends some time exploring the website and using all of the helpful resources.
Here is the link to the website: https://www.gov.wales/talk-with-me.
The Welsh Government has published the Early Childhood Play, Learning, and Care (ECPLC) Plan, designed to nurture the holistic development of children aged 0-5 years.
Centred on quality provision, access, and workforce support, the plan aims to ensure high-quality, inclusive childcare and education opportunities for all children in Wales.
Early Childhood Play, Learning and Care (ECPLC) | GOV.WALES
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