Early Years Funding Consultation 2026
The Department for Education (DfE) has released a consultation on proposed changes to the early years entitlements funding system. We encourage all providers to review the proposals and respond to the consultation, as the changes could have a significant impact on the sector.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-the-funding-system-for-early-years-entitlements
The consultation remains open until 14 September 2026, providing the opportunity to contribute your views on the proposed changes.
Updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework
The DfE have published the updated EYFS for 1 September 2026: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - GOV.UK.
The main changes to both versions are updates on safer sleep, a requirement for providers to have regard to screen use, prohibiting childcare where banned dog breeds are present and other safeguarding clarifications. The group and school-based providers framework also requires providers of childcare on domestic premises to notify Ofsted or their childminder agency of changes to persons aged 16 or over living or working on the premises.
The DfE have also published a summary of changes to the EYFS: changes to the EYFS statutory framework from 1 September 2026.
New guidance to help early years settings manage screen use
The DfE have published new guidance to help you manage screen use in your early years setting and ensure it supports children’s learning and development.
The guidance includes information on:
- screen time recommendations for children aged 0 to 5
- the difference between screen use and screen time
- how to use screens safely and effectively in your setting
- choosing suitable, age-appropriate content
- supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- working with parents and carers to promote healthy screen use at home
- using screens and digital devices as part of the day-to-day running of a setting
By following this guidance, you can help support children’s healthy development while ensuring any use of screens is purposeful, safe and appropriate.
Generate Early Years Stronger Practice Hub vacancies
Warrington Primary Academy Trust has been appointed to lead the new Generate Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, which will support early years providers across Halton, Warrington, Cheshire East, and Cheshire West and Chester.
The hub is building a team to strengthen early years practice, support professional development, share evidence-informed approaches and improve outcomes for children across the region before activity begins in September 2026.
A number of exciting opportunities are now available - these roles are designed to be open to work flexibly with existing EYFS leaders and settings across Cheshire East.
Current vacancies:
-
Project Manager (0.8 FTE) – closing date: 27 July
-
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser Programme Lead (0.5 FTE) – closing date: 27 July
-
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser for Group Settings x4 roles (14 days per term) – closing date: 6 August
-
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser for Childminders x1 role (6 days per term) – closing date: 6 August
For more information and application documents, please visit: https://www.wpat.warrington.sch.uk/careers/vacancies/
For an informal discussion prior to submission, please contact:
Bernard Clarke on 07507 328269.
Birth to 5 Matters: non-statutory guidance for the EYFS – 2nd edition
The Early Years Coalition has published the second edition of Birth to 5 Matters, a non-statutory guidance document designed to support practitioners in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in England.
The Birth to 5 Matters website offers a free downloadable PDF, a web-based version of the guidance, and a range of additional resources.
For more information, visit: www.birthto5matters.org.uk.
|
