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We’re excited to announce that the Flying Start expansion is officially underway! Families in the newly added postcodes can now apply for places, with placements starting from January 2026. Decisions will be sent on 10 November. Please encourage families to apply and check their eligibility using our postcode checker.
Read more about the expansion in our press release.
All providers should now have received a promotional pack from us, which includes:
- 1 × Flying Start expansion poster
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1 × A5 window cling (suitable for display windows – simply peel the front off and stick)
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1 × A4 window cling (suitable for work-related cars to promote Flying Start)
Please display these materials to help raise awareness of the expansion. Your support is vital to ensuring families are informed and ready to benefit from this opportunity. Thank you!
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We are looking for a Flying Start childcare setting to volunteer for a short filming session to help us create promotional videos showcasing parents’ experiences of Flying Start Childcare.
If you also know a family who would be happy to be interviewed about their Flying Start journey, that would be even better. If you are interested in supporting us with this project, please contact our Marketing & Communications Officer at owenst@caerphilly.gov.uk.
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 Winston’s Wish is the UK’s leading childhood bereavement charity, offering specialist guidance, training and resources to help professionals support grieving children and young people. From practical toolkits and activity ideas to rapid-response training and direct advice via helpline, live chat and email, Winston’s Wish equips practitioners with the skills and confidence to have sensitive conversations and provide meaningful support.
🔗 Useful links for professionals:
 Applications are open for parents to apply for a Rising 3’s place for their child for both spring and summer terms 2026.
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The closing date for applications: Friday 31 October 2025
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Notification of Outcome: End of November 2025
Please can you encourage parents to apply for their place with you (or school) if that is their preference by visiting the council's website at https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
Please remind parents that they also need to submit a separate application to start Nursery in September 2026.
 Applications are now open for children turning 3 between 1st September 2025 and 31st August 2026 to apply for their nursery place.
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Closing Date for Applications: 13 February 2026
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Notification of Outcome: End of May 2026
Please discuss this with eligible families you are working with to ensure they apply. Also, remind parents that they will need to re-apply the following year for reception class.
Parent can apply here: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/schooladmissions
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In memory of Kerry-Anne a team will be taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 5th October to raise money for The Stroke Association.
We would appreciate any donations no matter how small to help us pay tribute to a lovely lady that we all still dearly miss. Thank you.
You can support here: Stroke Association - Team Caerphilly Early Years
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The Welsh Government is consulting on Childcare Sufficiency Assessments (CSAs), which help Local Authorities ensure there is enough childcare available for parents and carers in work or training.
They are seeking feedback, particularly from parents and carers, to make sure CSAs include the right information to support future childcare planning.
A short questionnaire, aimed at parents/carers, is included in the consultation document. Your input will help shape future childcare provision across Wales.
👉 You can find the consultation here.
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The updated Creating an Anti-Racist Culture in Settings Guide is now available. This practical toolkit is designed to help childcare, play and early years settings in Wales embed anti-racist practice and build inclusive environments.
👉 Access the guide here: DARPL – Creating an Anti-Racist Culture in Settings Guide
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The annual Caerphilly Early Years and Childcare training timetable is now available to view on our website. Some courses are starting in the next few weeks so please check the timetable and book on as early as possible.
Click the link below for details and to access the training request form.
Book now
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 Staff working with children in childcare settings and schools are encouraged to complete the ComIT Guidance training. This training provides a practical overview of the ComIT approach, designed to support children attending childcare placements or receiving early years education.
The training covers:
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Checklists for assessing the environment, adult-child interactions, and individual children
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Advice and strategies to support families of children aged 0–3 years 11 months
- Guidance on identifying and responding to concerns around speech, language, and communication development
It is recommended that the children’s checklists are completed for any child where you have concerns. The strategies provided can then be implemented within the setting and shared with families to support development at home.
Please note: While the training asks you to complete a pre-course questionnaire, this step is not required.
Request to join the ComIT EY SLC MS Team
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