Following cases of measles rising rapidly in some areas of the country, you are being advised to check your MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination status and get vaccinated if not up to date.
While the outbreak has not yet spread to Cambridgeshire, we need to be prepared in case this happens. Please make sure you and your family are protected by having both doses of the free MMR vaccine.
Measles is more than just a rash – it is an infection which spreads very easily and can cause serious complications in some people. Find out more about measles, including symptoms and how you can get vaccinated on the CPICS website. Please share this information where it is relevant to do so.
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The Ofsted early years Inspection handbook, which came into force on Friday, 19 January 2024, outlines the key activities that inspectors undertake during inspections of early years providers in England registered under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006.
The recent update reflects changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework by the Department for Education. This handbook serves as a guide for both Ofsted inspectors and childcare providers, ensuring awareness of inspection processes and procedures under the education inspection framework.
It is essential for early years providers to familiarise themselves with the summary of changes to enhance the quality of care and education for young children.
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The CambsEYC Data Pack 2023* has been put together to provide an overview of Cambridgeshire County data for the reception year for EYFS children.
We hope all early years providers will be able to use this pack to help inform practice. We have included some questions as prompts in relating the data to your setting or school. By looking at the county data, you can compare how your children are doing in the EYFS.
Please do not hesitate to talk to your Early Years Adviser for further support with using the data pack.
*[Size: 407KB File format: pdf]
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The early years PDPS is a register of council-approved early years and childcare providers who have expressed an interest in operating from council-owned premises. It will be used to advertise all upcoming opportunities including new premises, such as early years facilities within schools.
Providers who have not joined the PDPS at the time an opportunity is advertised will be unable to apply for it, even if you are currently running a childcare provision within the venue.
Applications to join the PDPS can be submitted up and until Friday, 8 March 2024. Thereafter, it will open annually within the spring/summer term.
For those who are thinking about applying, there are virtual events to provide you with information about the portal and tips to support you completing the application:
If you have any questions about the process, contact placeplanningreferrals0-19@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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Help support the Do something BIG - Childcare and early years recruitment campaign, that aims to raise the profile of the early years sector and showcase the important contribution early years practitioners and childcare professionals make in preparing young children for learning in school and beyond.
A new early years careers website has been launched that includes information on early years work, routes into the sector and real-life stories. It also directs people to Department for Work and Pensions’ Find a Job platform to search for early years roles in their area.
For help with listing any vacancies in your setting, watch the Find a job service - Employer help video tutorials on YouTube. Please use the term ‘early years’ in the title of your job adverts and select ‘Education jobs’ for the job category.
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CambsEYC is currently seeking practitioners who would like to apply for the role of Early Years Lead Practitioner (EYLP) working to support private, voluntary, or independent settings in Cambridgeshire.
The role is open to Early Years Educators / Senior Leaders who are currently working in an Ofsted rated Good or Outstanding setting.
This voluntary role provides excellent opportunities for professional development and will support career progression. If you are enthusiastic about working in the EYFS and want to share your knowledge and skills, or if you are aware of a practitioner who would be an ideal person to be an EYLP, please do get in touch.
To receive information on how to apply and to ask any further questions please contact Lucy Frain, Quality Improvement Co-ordinator via email lucy.frain@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or telephone 07468 766 412.
Please note, the cut-off for receiving applications is Friday, 1 March 2024.
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The Cambridgeshire Early Childhood Qualifications Centre (CECQC) have an exciting opportunity for early years practitioners to share their professional journeys with others considering entering the workforce.
They would love for their learners, observers, mentors, trainees to join them to develop mini videos sharing your early years journey.
It does not matter where you are in your journey, every story is personal and is worth sharing. Please get in touch and share a little bit about your journey, email eycqualifications@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
Did you qualify in 2023, or will you qualify in the coming months?
CECQC would like to celebrate their new early years educators and are looking to hold a celebration event in June 2024. If you wish to be included, please fill in this Microsoft Form.
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Recruitment for the final cohort of the Department for Education (DfE) funded Early Years Professional Development Programme, starting April 2024 is now open. Register now at earlyyearspdp.com.
There are less than 300 spaces left on Cohort 4 and DfE currently have no plans to offer any additional cohorts – Do not miss this opportunity to gain high-quality, free-to-access CPD to enhance your practice working with two- to four-year-olds.
For further information about what the course entails watch this video EYPDP at The Pines Preschool.
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Talking Together in Cambridgeshire is offering a final opportunity to attend the full Making it REAL two-day training free of charge in March 2024.
The Making it REAL program focusing on working with parents to build their knowledge and confidence, so they can support their children’s early literacy development by:
- Creating opportunities for children’s literacy development in the home environment
- Recognising and encouraging children’s milestones
- Interacting with children positively and supporting them through real-life literacy tasks
- Acting as literacy models, so children see parents using literacy in everyday life.
The course includes practical ways to support children aged two to five and their parents through simple but fun, low cost, and no cost activities.
The full two-day course will take place in Huntingdon on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 20 March 2024 from 9.15 am to 4 pm, and
- Wednesday, 27 March 2024 from 9.15 am to 3.30 pm
Please note, delegates must attend the course on both days.
To book your place, please visit Booking and Reservations for Early Years Workforce Development (BookingBug) ‘REAL.’
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Next week sees the start of the Festival of Stories, Wednesday, 21 February 2024 to Wednesday, 28 February 2024.
Families of children from birth to five are invited to join in with storytelling activities, which will them learn how to take better care of our planet, and help nature thrive.
A big focus for this year’s festival is three Rs of sustainability; Reconnecting with nature, Reusing household waste, and Recycling at home.
88 magical storytelling activities are taking place across the whole of Cambridgeshire - see the Festival of Stories Events page for the full programme of events in your area, including free online events via Eventbrite.
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Last month, the Department for Education (DfE), in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), launched the Better Health Start for Life 'Little Moments Together' campaign.
The campaign aims to educate parents and carers about the importance of brain development in the first five years of a child's life, and the crucial role they play as parents and carers, with advice and tips available on the Start for Life website.
The campaign runs until Monday, 18 March 2024, so partners can still get involved and promote the home Learning Environment in their area.
A range of downloadable resources are available on the Campaign Resource Centre which you can now access, including resources with a specific Family Hub call to action for the 75 commissioned areas.
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Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by schools, universities, and organizations.
The term neurodiversity encompasses various thinking styles related to conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s.
During this week, which takes place from Monday, 18 to Sunday, 24 March 2024, people worldwide are encouraged to recognize the talents and advantages of being neurodivergent. By celebrating these strengths, we can create more inclusive and equitable cultures that empower every individual.
Let us change the narrative and appreciate the diverse minds that contribute to our world.
For more information, see the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website.
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During Children's Mental Health Week, which took place this month, the charity Place2Be reached out to educators, parents and carers to support their children to express themselves and be heard to help boost higher levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy.
We want all children and young people, whoever they are, and wherever they are in the world, to be able to say and believe "My Voice Matters."
Here are some conversation starters:
- "Tell me about your day."
- "What was the best thing about today?"
- "What is the biggest stress / worry in your life right now?"
- "Who would you talk to if you were feeling worried?"
- "What can I do to help you?"
For expert advice on improving young children's mental health, the Help for Early Years Providers website has added new information and guidance on supporting babies and young children with their mental health.
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children and Young People's Health Services has a new online resource for parents and carers.
NHS Children's Health is designed with local families, 0-19 Healthy Child Programme and other NHS children’s services to provide easy access to children and young people’s health advice and support the diverse needs of families. Covering many topics including:
- Behaviour, emotions, and mental health
- Child development and growing up
- Common illnesses
- Feeding and eating
- Moving and being active
- Peeing, pooing, and toileting
- Sleep
- Speech, language, and communication
- Staying safe and accident prevention.
There is also specialist information on topics such as sensory differences, physical skills development, communication skills, physical and mental health and more.
Please share this information and following website link with your families: cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk
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The Early Support Pathway aims to improve the delivery of services for children with a disability or significant and complex additional needs and their families.
The Early Support Pathway follows a child and family centred approach which aims to get the best possible outcomes for both children and families in Cambridgeshire and is a multi-disciplinary approach to meeting the individual needs of children who have a disability or significant and complex additional needs.
If you have a child in Reception (who will be moving into Year 1 in September 2024) that you would like to refer into Early Support, please note the cut-off date for this is Wednesday, 1 May 2024. It will not be possible to process any requests received after this date.
Please complete an Early Help Assessment in partnership with parents/carers to make a request for a child to be considered for the Early Support Pathway.
For more information, help and support, email early.support@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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Are your parents and carers aware of the SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)?
The Early Years (0-5 Years) Hub explains the Local Offer for Cambridgeshire and explains the support available to children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Most children with SEND will have their needs met by their early years setting. However, for children with complex needs that cannot be met by the support put in place by the setting, an Education Health Care (EHC) Plans may be required. New Hub pages are now available to support parents to understand the EHC assessment process and find information on where to find further help and advice.
Please share the link to the SEND Information Hub with your families.
Information specific for early years professionals can be found in the Early Years SEND Toolkit also known as the EY Toolkit.
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Cambridgeshire Child and Family Centres offer groups, activities, events, and courses in community locations for families with children aged 0-19 across the county:
- Play sessions and baby groups
- Parenting courses
- Group activities
- School holiday activities
- Information and advice for parents and carers
- Health services such as midwife and health visitor clinics
- Baby self-weigh service
- Ante natal programmes
- Infant feeding support and advice
All groups, activities, events and courses are promoted on the Cambridgeshire Online Directory, and will have specific contact details and venue information.
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The Cambridgeshire Fostering Service provide free, virtual, information sessions, once a month, to explain everything you need to know about becoming a foster carer, through an informal presentation. These events are perfect for prospective foster carers to learn more about fostering from experienced foster carers, along with fostering recruitment officers, and social workers.
You can book your free place through the Fostering Service Me Learning portal. The few next information sessions take place on:
- Tuesday, 12 March 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
- Friday, 12 April 12 noon to 1 pm
- Monday, 13 May 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
For more dates and details, please email fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, or telephone 0800 052 0078.
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The DfE provides additional funding for the support of children from Ukraine who are currently attending at an early year’s setting. Providers who have had children from Ukraine in the past, will have received a grant to support their work with the children and families.
If you have any children from Ukraine currently attending at your setting during Spring Term 2024 that you have not already made us aware of, please let us know about them by Friday, 16 February 2024.
Please email Sarah.storey@cambridgeshire.gov.uk with the child’s name, date of birth, and start date at your setting.
We are hoping to be able to offer a further amount of funding to continue this important support work and we do not want to miss any children out so please do let us know.
This funding is in addition to the normal early years funding that you claim in the usual way. If you have any questions about this, please do contact Sarah.storey@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or telephone 07917 228 126.
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As part of our ongoing offer of support and enrichment for children and families from Ukraine, we are delighted to offer places for families on our Forest School Experience during February half term:
- Tuesday, 20 February 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon
- Thursday, 22 February 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm at Milton Country Park, Cambridgeshire
The sessions are fully funded and each family that attend will also receive a lovely backpack of resources to encourage their love of nature and outdoor learning. Providers can support families to attend by using some of the Ukraine grant to help with transport costs should that be a barrier to participation.
The whole family are invited to join in including older siblings. However, parents must stay for the duration of the sessions.
If you have any families from Ukraine who would like to take part, please email Sarah.storey@cambridgshire.gov.uk to book a place.
Please do not hesitate to contact Sarah by email or telephone 07917 228 126 if you have any questions.
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CambsEYC would like to invite all our forest school leaders, trainees, and practitioners to our termly peer support network on Monday, 18 March 2024 from 5.30 pm to 7 pm at Priory Park Infant School, St Neots.
This will be a chance to share practice, refresh knowledge, collaborate and have fun.
We will be joined by Nell Seal, freelance forest school consultant, who will be talking about the Forest School Association (FSA) accreditation and becoming a recognised forest school provider.
Educators are encouraged to bring their own equipment so that they can practice freely but there will be a selection of equipment on site to use.
Spaces are available to book via Booking and Reservations for Early Years Workforce Development (BookingBug) ‘Forest Schools.’
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Monday, 25 March 2024 from 9.30 am to 12 pm at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon.
At present, time and access for babies and toddlers are limited, but the outdoor environment has so much it can offer to our youngest children.
This training hopes to enhance educators’ current knowledge of the benefits of outdoor and how Forest Schools can support younger children and babies. Throughout this session learners will have the opportunity to explore:
- The ethos and impact of Forest School practices, focussing on our younger children and babies
- Practical ‘hands-on’ Forest School experiences including sensory exploration, scavenger hunts and music creation
- How Forest School compliments the EYFS through a variety of practical experiences and discussion.
To book your place, please visit Booking and Reservations for Early Years Workforce Development (BookingBug) ‘Forest Schools.’
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The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge has recently been featured on the '50 Things to Do' website For Practitioners talking about how 50 Things to Do Before You're Five has complimented the work they do in the museum.
Discover how the museum and others in the British Isles are embracing 50 Things to foster connections with families and Unlocking the Power of Museums.
50 Things to Do seeks to help every child reach important health, learning, and wellbeing milestones, by providing low or no cost ideas for play to the people who care for them. Visit cambspboro.50thingstodo.org to find out more.
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Schools operate on vastly different playing fields when it comes to school food. Some boast state-of-the-art kitchens and ample resources, while others struggle with limited support.
Imagine what could be accomplished if all schools had the right support and resources, what that would mean to the success of every child?
The Good School Food Awards showcases the amazing things being done and recognises that there are many more unsung school food heroes who deserve some praise - these are the people who go the extra mile to feed our children good food and teach them about the joy of cooking.
Apply or Nominate the school food hero who deserves some recognition, even if that is you, by Sunday, 24 March 2024.
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Dialogic ‘Story Path’
Diana Church, Deputy Headteacher at ACE Nursery School, Cambridge, discusses dialogic reading, an interactive approach to storytelling that encourages children to actively engage with the text.
Unlike storytelling in the traditional sense, dialogic reading is interactive with a focus on encouraging the child to become the active storyteller; the adult scaffolds, supporting understanding and enjoyment. The child takes ownership and as practitioners it is our role simply to guide, through discussion and summarising.
For the staff and children at ACE Nursery School dialogic reading is the pedagogical tool that keeps on giving and they choose a different book to explore termly. Their most recent book, ‘Story Path’ by Kate Baker, has been magical. The tale begins, “Once upon a time there lived a….” and where you go after that is up to you.
Working individually or in small groups they encouraged the children to tap into their imaginations using the bold and quirky illustrations, by Madalena Matoso, to create their own characters, settings, and plots with each turn of the page.
Staff offered simple prompts such as, “Where will you go?” or “Who will you meet?” when needed. The children soon became adept at the process and quickly began producing their own illustrations while their stories became increasingly elaborate and wildly funny! They even super-sized their own ‘Story Path’ on a giant piece of paper for a dynamic group time activity.
Interactive engagement with books, like the one suggested above, stimulates a love of literature, extends vocabulary, and enhances communication as well as language skills.
Unlike traditional storytelling, where the adult takes the lead, dialogic reading involves asking questions, exploring unfamiliar words, and analysing story components. By fostering dialogue, this pedagogical tool enhances literacy skills, vocabulary, and communication, empowering young readers to become storytellers themselves.
Why not give it a go, and see where your story path will lead you?
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