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Bulletin 297

8 January 2024

Welcome to our Early Years and Childcare bulletin. Previous bulletins are available at: Cheshire East Early years and Childcare Bulletin

Business Support

Free Early Education Entitlement

Happy New Year from the FEEE Team - Jane Jones and Alison Bailey. We would like to introduce our new member of the team – Emma Barnett, who starts on Monday 8^th January 2024.

Contact details for the team are:

FEEE@cheshireeast.gov.uk

01270 685888

Annual DfE Early Years Census of Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) Providers and Children

The annual DfE early years census of private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) providers and children takes place on Thursday 18th January 2024. The census collects data on all children taking up free provision during census week (week commencing 15th January 2024).

In addition to the spring term data already submitted for children taking up a free place, PVI providers are required to complete the Early Years Census form which can be found on the ‘Forms’ tab of the Provider Portal. The census form will be available from Monday 15th January 2024.

Any PVI provider that has no funded children at the time of the census does not need to complete the form. Guidance notes for completing Section 3 of the form (numbers of staff and their qualifications) are available on our webpage.

A Privacy Notice for parents explaining how information about their child is used in early years providers is also available on our webpage. Please amend the form as appropriate and make your parents aware of the document.

The census form must be submitted by Friday 26th January 2024.

Closing date: Friday 15 January 2024 for Parents to apply for Reception school places for Primary 2024

Please note that the closing date to make an application for a child to start primary school in September 2024 is Monday 15 January 2024. Please can schools and Early Years providers remind parents of the deadline.  Wording for reminders and posters in alternative languages are available from the Admissions team.

Please can providers also follow Family Information Service on Facebook and Twitter and share reminders and advice.

https://www.facebook.com/FISCheshireEast and https://twitter.com/FISCheshireEast

Expanded entitlements from April 2024 onwards

From April 2024, the early education entitlement will be expanded for working families of younger children so they can access 15 hours per week, increasing to 30 hours per week by September 2025.

The expanded offer for younger children will be introduced in stages:

• From April 2024 - working parents of two-year olds can access 15 hours
• From September 2024 – working parents of children aged 9 to 23 months can access 15 hours
• From September 2025 – working parents of children aged nine months upwards can access 30 hours

Parents must work at least 16 hours per week and each parent must not earn more than £100,000 to be eligible for this expanded funding. Eligibility can be checked on the Childcare Choices website.

Applications for working parents of 2-year-olds will be accepted from 2nd January 2024 on the Childcare Choices website. To be eligible from 1 April 2024, children must have had their second birthday before 31 March 2024.

Childcare Choices have a new newsletter about the upcoming expanded offer from April 2024 which explains how and when to register for support with childcare costs. Please encourage parents to sign-up for these updates via the Childcare Choices website.

The current entitlement for 2-year-olds remains unchanged. Parents in receipt of certain benefits are able to check their eligibility for 15 hours funded childcare at any time via our webpage, or by contacting the Family Information Service on 0300 123 5033.  

Apply to claim government-funded childcare provision for 2 year olds

More parents and carers can now apply to claim their government-funded childcare provision for 2 year olds. This will give eligible working parents access to 15 hours of childcare per week from April 2024. We recommend that parents apply for childcare support between now & the end of February to get their code in good time. For more information and to apply, parents and carers should go to childcarechoices.gov.uk or call Childcare Choices on 0300 123 4097.

Expanded entitlements for ages 2 and under

The new 2 year old entitlement is not accessed in the same way as the existing 2 year old entitlement. Parents need to check eligibility through childcarechoices.gov.uk. Please see the link below for further information.

Early education and childcare: Statutory Guidance

The Department for Education have published the Early Education and Childcare statutory guidance for the administration of the existing and expanded entitlements.

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Focus on...

Providers must ensure that people looking after children are suitable; they must have the relevant qualifications, training and have passed any required checks to fulfil their roles. Providers must take appropriate steps to verify qualifications, including in cases where physical evidence cannot be produced.

Cheshire East Safeguarding Policy

The Cheshire East model safeguarding policy has been updated and is available on the link below.

The Cheshire East Safeguarding Children's Partnership Learning
Week: 05 - 09 February 2024

Each day will explore safeguarding implications relating to different ages/stages of a child's lifetime, tracking potential difficulties/risk from pre-birth to adulthood. Presented through the frontline lens' of local services, the child will always be central with lots of case examples and explicit links to young people's perspectives to reflect the Partnership focussed theme of: 'Voice of the Child and their Lived Experience'. Events will be delivered in a range of accessible formats: short on-line, in-person courses and 'how to…' workshops and on Wednesday 07 February 2024 a Spotlight On… in-person session - an ambitious drop in multi-agency networking opportunity at Macclesfield Town Hall. See link below for further information.

Urgent Winter Water Safety Message

RLSS UK offer safety advice for winter water safety, with simple steps to keep safe during the winter:  Never go onto the ice to play, to retrieve an object, or a pet Never enter the ice to rescue somebody, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service  What to do if you fall through the ice:  Keep calm and shout for ‘help’ Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you If the ice is strong enough, kick your legs to slide onto the ice Lie flat and pull yourself towards the bank If the ice breaks, work your way to the bank-breaking the ice in front of you anyway If you cannot climb out, wait for help and keep as still as possible. Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together. Keep your head clear of the water Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check up What to do if you see someone fall through the ice: Shout for assistance and phone the emergency services – call 999 or 112 Do not walk or climb onto the ice to attempt a rescue Shout to the casualty to ‘keep still’ and offer reassurance to keep them calm Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else which can extend your reach When reaching from the bank, lie down to avoid being pulled onto the ice If you cannot reach them, slide something which floats, such as a plastic bottle or football, across the ice for them to hold onto to stay afloat whilst help is on the way If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them. Wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring the casualty https://www.rlss.org.uk/winter-water-safety Winter water safety | Staying safe on our canals | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

National updates

Changes to the EYFS

The Department for Education have published new information on the changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework which came into effect on 4th January 2024. The changes are subject to parliamentary procedure.

These are the changes made:

• The creation of two versions of the EYFS: one for childminders and one for group and school-based providers.
• The creation of a new document setting out Early Years qualification requirements and standards.
• Removing the requirement for Level 3 practitioners to hold a Level 2 maths qualification to count within staff:child ratios and instead place this requirement on managers.
• Students and apprentices can now count in ratios at the level below their level of study if the manager believes they are competent and responsible to do so.
• Settings may provide opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in play and learning, previously this requirement stated this ‘must’ be done.
• Childminder assistants can hold the role of key person.
• Removal of the requirement for childminders to complete EYFS training before registration. Childminders will still be required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the EYFS.

For more guidance on supporting children in the early years, visit the Help for Early Years Providers website.

Foundation Years Vodcast: Changes to the EYFS

Watch the latest vodcast on the changes to the EYFS now!

This vodcast outlines the changes to the EYFS coming into force in January 2024, subject to parliamentary procedure, and answers some of the sector’s frequently asked questions. Topics discussed include changes to the Level 2 Maths requirement, changes to childminder training requirements, supporting children with SEND, supporting children with EAL, and supporting the workforce.

You can also read the updated EYFS frameworks in full ahead of the changes coming into force.

Universal Credit: information for families

The Department for Work and Pensions work related requirements for the nominated lead carer, of a child who turns 3, have changed. 

Please see link below for the changes - section 7 is particularly important as this impacts work related activity for the lead carer.

Apply for the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership

The National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) is free, flexible, and designed by sector experts to help leaders and aspiring leaders across the early years sector develop their skills. It trains leaders to support children impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as helping them to lead effectively through:

• creating and implementing a vision and policies

• improving staff recruitment, development, management and appraisal

• marketing their setting

• working in partnership with parents and carers

Read this blog to learn about the experiences of an NPQEYL facilitator and how they feel the course could benefit you.

The application window for the February 2024 cohort is open. Apply today at GOV.UK.

EYFS Learning and Development

SEND

SEND partnership briefing

A survey has been completed for all parents whose child is on the ASC/ADHD waiting list in the North locality and the following document shares the results.

This can be shared with all parents whose child is on the Pathway, in North Locality, by settings. 

This will also be on the My Mind website. My Mind :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

SENCO Networks

The new SENCo Networks are now availble to book on the training hub.

At these meetings there will be opportunities for discussion with other SENCO’s, networking, sharing of effective practice/materials, input from other agencies, updates on new legislation/initiatives etc. Attendance at each termly cluster is highly recommended to keep your SEND knowledge up to date. 

• 26th January 2024 10-11.30am (Teams)
• 29th January 10-11.30am (Westfields, Sandbach)

SENCo Contact Details

Please ensure that the SENCo contact details for your setting are up to date. If you have referred a child at your setting to the newly created Early Years Forum, the outcome of Forum will be shared with SENCos via the contact details held on the Provider Portal.

Please check the information held by the Early Years Team via the Staff section of the Provider Portal and add/delete SENCo details as required. Guidance notes are available.

SEND Consultations

If you would like to book an SEND, PSED or Communication and Language consultation, please email: earlyyearsandchildcareteam@cheshireeast.gov.uk

You will be sent paperwork to complete, once that is finished and returned by secure email, including with a parent/carers signature, you will be offered a consultation slot.

Cheshire East Chatters

Cheshire East Chatters Talking Walk-in's

Please share the information below with parents. The Talking Walk-in's are opportunities for parents to speak with a Speech and Language Therapist to receive advice and guidance to support their child at home.

Cheshire East Chatters Training

Please see attached the Cheshire East Chatters Training flyer for January-March 2024.

The training continues to be run by Specialist Speech and Language Therapists and is offered free of charge!

Family Hubs

Continuous Professional Development

For Childminders - Owners and Manager session 

We will be repeating our November Owners and Managers briefing session on Wednesday 17 January 6.30-8pm on Microsoft teams. This is specifically for Childminders to attend. Please book on through the training hub.

Spring Term Training Brochure

The training for spring term is now available in a brochure, it is available on the link below.

Spring Term Training now available on the Hub

The Chess hub has been updated with lots of training opportunities up for the Spring term, please take a look and book on now!

Some training available in January:

What is my behaviour trying to tell you? - 10th and 17th January 2024 9.30-11.30am (Teams)

This is suitable for all practitioners who work in early years and will provide the skills and knowledge to develop your understanding of children’s social and emotional needs.

Basic Safeguarding Awareness - 10th January 2024 6.30-8.30pm (Teams)

This two hour training course will provide basic information and understanding about safeguarding children. It has been specifically written to address safeguarding in Early Years and Childcare Settings and covers practice and procedures used within Cheshire East.

Understanding the EIF and the Learning Walk - 16th January 2024 6.30-8.30pm (Teams)

This two hour online session will give providers an opportunity to consider Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework in the light of the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Introduction to Signalong - 23rd January 2024 9.15-12.30pm (Oakenclough Family Hub)

This course is aimed at all practitioners looking to adopt an inclusive approach to communication and learning. The emphasis is on the practical application of signing.

Difficult Safeguarding Conversations - 23rd January 2024 6.30-8.30pm (Teams)

This two hour training course aims to provide practical advice to enable practitioners to feel more confident in starting conversations about safeguarding concerns.

Step Inside the Baby Room - 25th January 2024 9.30-11.30am or 6.30-8.30pm (Teams)

This training is for anyone working with children under 2. It will cover how babies learn and develop in the first 2 years, how we can best meet their needs in all prime areas of development and build an environment and play resources that are right for babies.

WellComm - 25th January 2024 9.30am-3pm (Congleton Library)

Would you like to receive practical support on how to integrate WellComm activities into daily best practice within your setting? Or try out WellComm screening and activities from the Big Book of Ideas?

Don't Forget!

Cheshire East Key messages regarding infections including colds, flu and Covid-19

The key underlying public health message for respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 and flu is that if someone is too unwell to attend school or work and carry out their normal activities or if they have a raised temperature, they shouldn't be in the setting. They should stay at home until they are well enough to return.

Most people no longer have access to COVID-19 tests but, if they do and they test positive for COVID-19, then the current NHS advice is to try and stay at home for five days (three days for children) after the first positive test result. After this time, they can return even if they have a positive test result, if they are well enough.

A few people may have a positive COVID-19 test but have no symptoms. It is likely that they are infectious and so can pass on the virus, especially during the early stages, so the advice would be to try to work from home for five days if possible. If they are unable to work from home, then a risk assessment should be done to explore what options are available.

Actions for settings

• Manage each infection in line with the NHS/UKHSA advice
• Contact UKHSA if necessary
• Report cases via the online form – request call back if further advice needed
• Issue parent/carer letters re measles and advice re illness

Key links and contacts

Health protection in education settings

UKHSA – candmphu@ukhsa.gov.uk  or 03442250562

Cheshire East Cheshire East education settings infection reporting form

Early Years Training Hub – reminder to sign up

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to the new Early Years Training Hub. If you haven’t yet signed up, please do so now.  You can sign up by accessing this link:

Chess Early Years Training Hub (sla-portals.co.uk)

Then click on the SIGN UP link on the top right hand side of the login page.

The Provider Login button on our Early Years and Childcare Training Resources (cheshireeast.gov.uk) webpage will also give you access to the new Early Years training Hub.

Through our Training and Events page you can find information about the training and CPD offer available to Early Years practitioners in Cheshire East. You can access the Hub via the link on our training web page:  however you will need to request personal login details by signing up to the Hub.

Please note: If you already have access to the Schools Chess Hub you do not need to sign up again however please email us to request additional access user rights to the Early Years Hub.