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Bulletin 352

2 June 2025

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 (FEEE) data management system – volunteers needed!

From 1 September 2025, the FEEE data management system will change. All childcare providers delivering the early education entitlements will be set up with access to the new EYES establishment portal. Access will be given to FEEE administrators as recorded on the current provider portal – please check these details are up to date.

In the meantime, we are looking for childcare providers to test the new establishment portal. If this is something you could assist with, please contact the FEEE Team (feee@cheshireeast.gov.uk) for further information.

The Business Intelligence Team will be supporting the new system, they can be contacted via BI@cheshireeast.gov.uk. User guides and training will be provided closer to the go live date – please continue to monitor the weekly bulletins for further information and ensure that all staff with responsibility for data submission have access to the bulletin.

Updated parental declaration form

The new parental declaration form for autumn term 2025 is now available and reflects the changes to the form as included in Appendix B of the Contract for the Provision of Free Early Education Entitlement Places 2025 – 2026.

Please use the new form for:

• all new starters in September 2025
• any children who are changing their funded hours during autumn term.

For children whose claim remains the same for autumn term, please ask their parents to sign the continuation sheet of the current parental declaration form as is usual practice.

By spring term 2026 however, please ensure that new parental declaration forms are in place for all children in receipt of the early education entitlements.

Provider Portal – summer term 2025 data

The provider portal is now closed for the summer term. If you have any additional children to add, please send through the completed parental declaration form and we will add them to the portal to be included in your balancing payments. Any amendments to data, please email details to the FEEE team – FEEE@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Childcare Choices early years provider newsletter

Childcare Choices are releasing a new newsletter for early years providers that will begin in early June. Subscribers will receive the latest announcements, information and news from the Department for Education on how they are reforming early years education and supporting childcare expansion.

You can sign up by visiting the link below and clicking on the “Sign up to receive our provider e-mail updates” tile.

Safeguarding

Martyn’s Law - The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 and marks a significant step in enhancing public safety.

The act – named in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack – requires events and public venues, including education settings, to assess and mitigate against terrorist attacks, and aims to protect the public by promoting preparedness, training, and clear action plans.

There is a 24-month implementation period to allow settings to plan and prepare, with the Security Industry Authority overseeing compliance with the new legal requirements and who will also provide advice, guidance, and support to settings.

For more information, please refer to the Home Office’s Martyn’s Law Factsheet and Toolkit.

Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) Child Safety Week 2-8 June

Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s (CAPT) annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide. CAPT help families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children’s safety. Simply visit the resource centre and search by safety topic or type of resource to find the resources you need to spread the word.

Splash Safety Campaign

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK website are running a 'Splash Safety at Your Pad' campaign to highlight water safety. Please click the button below to read further information and download the free resources.

National Updates

Check an early years qualification service – available now!

Early years managers can now use the new check an early years qualification digital service to quickly verify whether staff qualifications meet the requirements for staff:child ratios in England.

The new service can be accessed at Start - Check an Early Years qualification

This free GOV.​UK tool allows managers to check a qualification’s approval status by entering key details such as:

• course start date
• level
• awarding organisation

At the end of the process, a clear outcome is provided, which can be printed for your records.

Why use the new service?

Using the new Check an early years qualification service:

• saves time during recruitment and HR processes
• supports workforce planning ahead of the September 2025 expansion of funded childcare entitlements
• reduces confusion when checking qualifications

The service is tailored specifically for early years managers. All other user groups (for example practitioners) should continue to use the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) to check qualifications, and contact our supplier Ecctis if they are unable to find the qualification on the EYQL.

The Check an early years qualification service is for qualifications achieved in the UK. Holders of non-UK qualifications should continue to contact our supplier Ecctis for an assessment.

If you need help using the service you can contact DfE.

Ofsted blog: How we look at the use of Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) in our inspections of early years settings

Ofsted have published a new blog following guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Education Endowment Foundation about Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) funding. It explains: 

• how they look at the use of the funding on inspection
• the sort of questions they might ask
• what you need to know if your setting has no children who receive EYPP 

Click the button below to read the new blog.

Ofsted blog: Applying to register with Ofsted: what you need to know

Ofsted have published a new blog about what you need to know when applying to register with Ofsted.

Whether you’re thinking about registering with Ofsted or are in the process of submitting your application, this blog post aims to help you understand the registration process and the actions you need to take.

Click the button below to read the new blog.

Access fully funded professional development for your staff

The Education Endowment Foundation is looking for early years settings to take part in a new research project that aims to find out how effective Early Talk Boost is at improving young children’s speech, language, and communication skills.

Developed by Speech and Language UK, Early Talk Boost is a nine-week, small-group programme designed for children who need extra help to develop these vital skills, so they can catch up with their peers and thrive.

By taking part, your setting could receive fully funded professional development for staff, along with support to deliver the intervention with groups of six to eight children.

Search your setting to be part of this important research.

Sensory food education

Sensory food education is a way for educators to help children engage with food in a healthy and positive way. It involves exploring food using all 5 senses and allows children to understand their own food preferences and experience new foods. This can lead to them trying and enjoying more healthy foods and encouraging lifelong healthy eating habits.

The charity TastEd provides free lesson plans and a training video for EY settings to get you started.

For more information on how to run sensory food education in your EY setting, visit the Help for early years providers : Sensory food education page and the TastEd website.

Safer mealtimes – packed lunch policy and updated nutrition guidance

Nursery packed lunches require careful thought to ensure meals are safe, nutritious, and enjoyable. 

NDNA experts have produced a packed lunch checklist that covers everything you need to think about to make packed lunches a positive and safe mealtime experience for your children whilst considering the risks and reducing these. 

Have you connected with your local Early Years Stronger Practice Hub?

Are you an early years practitioner or leader in England? Did you know there is a wealth of evidence-informed support, insights and inspiration available locally from an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub?

Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs provide advice, share good practice and offer evidence-based professional development for early years practitioners.

Funded by the Department for Education, the  Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme launched in November 2022 and is supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the National Children’s Bureau (NCB).

There are 18 Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs in England, with each Hub providing support and advice to improve quality in early years settings by sharing good practice and offering evidence-informed professional development for early years educators. The programme is funded until March 2026.

Find your nearest Hub by clicking the button below.

Earlier support for speech and language for 20,000 children

The Department for Education have shared a new press release around early support for speech and language. Up to 20,000 more young children, including those with SEND, will have their needs identified and supported earlier, breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Click the button below to read the press release.

Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) Employer Guidance

Following the publication of the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) Training Provider Guidance in April 2025, the Department for Education have announced the publication of the EYTDA Employer Guidance. Developed in collaboration with a sector-led Implementation group, this guidance aims to support employers in the early years sector to provide the EYTDA and support trainees to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). 

Training providers are expected to begin delivering EYTDA apprenticeships from September 2026, although some may be ready sooner. Employers are encouraged to look out for training providers beginning to promote their courses from late summer 2025 and check Find apprenticeship training if you're an employer - GOV.UK. 

The DfE encourage all employers in the early years sector to review this document to ensure they are fully informed about the EYTDA programme and its requirements. 

Click the button below to view the full EYTDA Employer Guidance document.

Childcare Works free webinars for Early Years settings 

Childcare Works are providing a live session for you to find out more about their Early Years Toolkit, covering:

• The free resources and information available to make sure your nursery, school or setting is ready for the roll-out of expanded early years entitlements in September 2025
•  Practical support and fast access to information on a range of topics including business planning and meeting the needs of children with SEND.

This informal and friendly session is for:

• Early years setting managers, leaders and owners
• School leaders who have, or are considering developing their early years provision
• Childminders
• Everyone who wants to learn more about how to start, grow and sustain an early years setting

Click on the link below to sign up:

Wednesday 11th June 2025, 12 to 1pm

For more information, click on the button below.

Childcare Works free webinars for Wraparound childcare providers

Join the Childcare Works live session for wraparound childcare providers and find out about the guidance and information available to support you and your out of school club or childminding business - including breakfast clubs, after school clubs, holiday clubs and playschemes. It's an opportunity for you to find out more about the Wraparound Toolkit, covering:

• practical support and fast access to information tailored for all kinds of wraparound childcare providers - whatever the size of your wraparound provision or setting
• a carefully curated collection of free resources to support your business planning and the sustainability of your provision or club
• free resources available to you on a broad range of topics including activity planning, providing food for children and meeting the needs of children with SEND. 

This informal and friendly session is for:

• childminders
• school leaders who have, or are considering developing their wraparound provision
• wraparound childcare business owners, managers and leaders
• everyone who wants to learn more about how to start, grow and sustain a wraparound childcare business.

The webinar will feature guest presenter:

• Craig Jones, Community Partnerships Director, Junior Adventures Group (provider of before, during and after-school activity clubs and holiday clubs)

Click on the link below to sign up:

Tuesday 10th June 2025, 7pm to 8pm

For more information, click on the button below.

SEND

SEND Drop-In session

The Portage, Quality and Inclusion Team are running SEND drop-in sessions for our Early Years settings the first Monday of every month. The first half hour will provide an overview of a current SEND topic. The next sessions are as follows: Monday 2nd June – SEND team EHCP’s Monday 7th July – Sensory OT SPOTTS service The second half hour is an open opportunity to ask questions regarding any area of practice and support, share good practice and ideas with other settings and develop links. Each will be held 17:00 – 18:00 on Microsoft Teams. Please join us for an informal session designed to support you. If you haven't already received the link, please email: earlyyearsandchildcareteam@cheshireeast.gov.uk to request the Microsoft Teams link if you are available to attend.

Transition Support – Summer Term Reminder  

As we approach the end of the academic year, it is essential to implement effective transition support for those children who will be moving to primary school.

We encourage all professionals to visit the Cheshire East Transitions Webpage and explore the Graduated Approach to Transition, a structured framework to guide your planning and support strategies.

 Key Actions for This Term:

• Continue to identify children who may benefit from an Enhanced or Personalised Transition.
• Assess individual needs to ensure the appropriate level of support is in place.
• Collaborate with families and receiving settings to create a consistent and supportive transition experience.

 Resources Available:

• Transition Guides – offer valuable resources to support a smooth and successful transition process.

Let’s work together to ensure every child has the best possible start in their next phase of education.

Cheshire East SEND Transition Team contact details:

Rachael Pickles – Transition Team Manager: rachael.pickles2@cheshireeast.gov.uk 07816 144386

Cheshire East Chatters

Family Hubs

Healthy Start Community Champions training

Many eligible families across Cheshire East are missing out on the NHS Healthy Start scheme which provides financial support to buy fruit, vegetables, milk, milk powder and pulses. It also provides access to free vitamins. 

Community and Voluntary Services Cheshire East (CVSCE) have an online training course called Healthy Start Community Champions training. This training is free to complete and is open to anyone working with families.

If you are working with expectant Mothers who are 10 or more weeks pregnant or families who have children under the age of 4, this training course could help you to help them.

The course is split into three sections:

• Introduction to the Cheshire East Food Alliance and Healthy Start
• Applying For Healthy Start
• Increasing Uptake of Healthy Start

For more information and to sign-up please click the button below.  

Continuous Professional Development

Summer Term Training available on the Early Years Training Hub

The ChESS Early Years Training Hub has lots of training opportunities for the summer term. Please take a look and book on now!

Upcoming training next week:

Staff Wellbeing Workshop – 9th June 2025 9:30 - 11:30 (Microsoft Teams)

Join us to explore staff wellbeing, delivered by an Educational Psychologist. Join our interactive online workshop designed to enhance wellbeing and empower you with practical strategies to support the healthy development of wellbeing practices. This session will suggest ways to manage stress effectively while fostering a positive and resilient mindset. Together, we will explore ways to create a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing. Don't miss this opportunity to focus on your wellbeing and promote a culture of self-care and balance.

Good Autism Practice – 10th June 2025 9:30 - 15:30 (Oakenclough Family Hub)

This is an Autism Education Trust (AET) training course. This course will support you to develop knowledge and understanding of good autism practice, increase expertise in using practical strategies and approaches that support autistic children, develop knowledge about autism and the individual to inform child-centred planning and help you to reflect on and improve practice in working with autistic children. This training focuses on the importance of getting to know a child and how their autism affects them. We look at examples of distressed behaviours and how these can be supported through a range of strategies, approaches, and reasonable adjustments. The training also guides you through how to gather information about an autistic child’s interests, aspirations, strengths and differences and how this information can be used when developing a Child-Centred Education Plan (CCEP).

Trauma and Attachment in Early Childhood – 10th June 2025 18:30 - 20:30 (Microsoft Teams)

Join us to explore trauma and attachment in early childhood, delivered by an Educational Psychologist. This training will cover attachment theory related to early childhood, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and what they are, the impact of trauma on young children and attachment awareness and trauma informed practice in early years settings.

Positive Handling – 11th June 2025 14:00 - 16:00 (Oakenclough Family Hub)

Join Damien Sweeney, Headteacher and Hannah Leighton, Assistant Headteacher from Cornerstone Academy for a session on Positive Handling. We understand that it can be difficult for staff working with young children to have the confidence to work with dysregulated children when positive handling may be required. As part of our outreach service, we offer to deliver training on how to confidently and effectively use positive handling techniques. The training is delivered by qualified tutors who have had first hand experiences of using positive handling within a school setting. During the training, we will explain the laws and legislations around positive handling and teach how to safely use positive handling.

DSL Cluster – 11th June 2025 18:30 - 20:30 or 12th June 9:30 - 11:30 (Microsoft Teams)

These virtual sessions are intended to further develop your DSL's understanding, knowledge and skills. Childminders are the DSL for their setting. At these meetings there will be opportunities for discussion with other leads, networking, sharing of effective practice/materials, input from other agencies and updates on new legislation/initiatives. Attendance at each termly cluster is highly recommended to keep your safeguarding knowledge up to date.

Introduction to Signalong – 12th June 2025 18:30 - 20:30 (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. Participants will learn core vocabulary signs, methodology of Signalong and how the use of Signalong can aid children’s communication and understanding. The Education Inspection Framework focuses on interactions between staff and children. Signalong can support practitioners in looking at interactions from a different perspective to be inclusive of all children.

Physical Development in the Early Years – 13th June 2025 9:30 - 12:30 (Monks Coppenhall Family Hub)

“Physical development is crucial for children’s overall progress. It enables children to engage with the world around them and lays the building blocks for their later physical capabilities and health” (EEF, 2024). Physical Development is the growth and development of both brain and body and involves developing control of muscles and physical coordination. Progression towards this control is not defined by the child's chronological age, but by the opportunity to acquire skills. Join us to explore how to promote Physical Development in the Early Years and how to offer fine and gross motor opportunities for children aged 0-5. This training will explore in depth the impact Physical Development has on children's holistic learning and development, and we will share good practice and provision ideas to inspire you as Early Years providers to get children moving.