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Bulletin 403

1 September 2026

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

The Early Years and Childcare Bulletin is issued every week during term time and a condensed version during the school holidays.

National Updates

Reminder - Updated EYFS frameworks

The Department for Education's (DfE) updated EYFS frameworks for childminders and group and school-based providers applies from today, Tuesday 1st September 2026.

The main changes are outlined below and represent strengthened safeguarding requirements:

• Explicit wording on the safer sleep requirements into the main body of the EYFS, so that providers do not need to refer out to separate guidance.
• Prohibit the provision of registered childcare from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or present.
• Require providers to have regard to screen use guidance for early years settings.
• Require providers to inform Ofsted or their childminder agency (CMA) of allegations of ‘harm’ (instead of ‘serious harm’) by anyone living, working, or looking after children at the premises.
• Require enhanced criminal records checks for volunteers (including those who are supervised) and prevent new employees from commencing employment before receiving their check.
• Amend the requirements for what providers must tell staff they have to disclose, as part of information that may affect their suitability to work with children.
• The group and school-based version also requires providers of childcare on domestic premises to notify Ofsted or their CMA of changes to persons aged 16 or over living or working at the premises. This aligns with existing requirements for childminders.
• The Early Years Qualifications Requirements and Standards document has also been updated to clarify the Level 2 English requirements.

Updated early years operating guide, toolkit and inspection information

From today, Tuesday 1st September 2026, Ofsted will be using the updated early years operating guide, toolkit and inspection information when inspecting early years settings.  

Key changes include:  

• Providers must meet the grading standards as well as the relevant EYFS requirements to be graded at the ‘expected standard’. 
• Detail on safer sleeping arrangements and safer eating practices.
• Clarity on inspecting when there are no early years children on roll or present. 
• Inspectors will speak to SENCo and other relevant leaders with inclusion roles. 
• Information about children with personal education plans.  

  You can find out more about the changes by clicking on the buttons below.

Early years funding consultation 2026

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the early years entitlements funding system.

We encourage all providers to review the proposals and submit a response, 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 closes on Monday 14th September 2026. This is an opportunity for providers to share their views and help shape future early years funding arrangements.

Allergy and anaphylaxis training

The Department for Education (DfE) published its Allergy safety in schools statutory guidance in July 2026. Whilst this guidance is not statutory for early years settings, it contains valuable information and should be treated as good practice.

Although allergy and anaphylaxis training is not a mandatory requirement for early years practitioners, providers may wish to consider accessing training opportunities to help strengthen staff knowledge and confidence in managing allergies and responding to emergencies.

High Speed Training offers a free course ‘Allergy and Anaphylaxis Training for Schools’. Whilst the course is primarily aimed at school staff, the information on allergies, anaphylaxis, and emergency response is relevant and beneficial for all practitioners working with children.

Please click the button below to access the training.

Cheshire East Updates

We're excited to announce our first annual Early Years Conference on Friday 18th September 9.30am-3pm at the Canalside Conference Centre, Middlewich.

This is your opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the Early Years sector, discover innovative approaches to practice, develop new skills, and celebrate the incredible work taking place across our workforce.

Inspirational Keynote Speaker

We are delighted to welcome Stacy Mann, Chief Operating Officer at The Early Years Company, as our guest speaker. With over 20 years' experience supporting children, families, and educators, Stacy will deliver an engaging and thought-provoking keynote exploring how we can better engage boys in Early Years settings. Expect practical insights, fresh ideas, and plenty of inspiration to take back to your setting.

Interactive Workshops Designed for Real Practice

Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a range of immersive, hands-on workshops, including:

• I'm Regulated, Are You? - Practical strategies to support co-regulation, developed in partnership with Educational Psychology.

• Am I Ready to Write? - An Occupational Therapy-informed exploration of motor development and how we can lay the foundations for successful writing.

• Sensory Environments - Experience the power of sensory spaces through this immersive workshop delivered by SPOTTS.

• Emotional Literacy for Little Learners - Discover the 5 Point Scale and explore personalised approaches to supporting emotional wellbeing in young children.

Be the First to See Our New Offer

We will also be unveiling the newly developed Portage, Quality and Inclusion Team offer, showcasing how we can support you, your setting, and the children and families you work with.

Meet the Experts

Browse our professional marketplace and connect with a range of specialist services and professionals who will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions, share resources, and highlight the support available across your locality.

Why Attend?

• Network with fellow Early Years professionals
• Gain practical tools and strategies you can use immediately
• Discover local services and support available to you
• Be inspired by sector-leading expertise
• Celebrate the passion, commitment, and impact of the Early Years workforce

Whether you're looking to learn something new, build connections, or simply take time to reflect and be inspired, this conference is not to be missed. Join us as we come together to learn, connect, innovate, and celebrate Early Years excellence. We can't wait to see you there!

Book your place via the ChESS Early Years Training Hub. If you require any support please contact: Earlyyearsandchildcareteam@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Estimate payment autumn term

The estimate payment for the autumn term was paid on Friday 28th August 2026.

If we did not receive an estimate submission, you will not have received a payment.

Autumn term headcounts

The portal will be open to submit your headcounts for the autumn term from Monday 7th to Friday 18th September 2026.

Please check your live register is correct and any children who have left have been removed.  

Also accept any new children who have now started from your future starter register.

You can then submit your headcount, using the submission wizard in the early year’s menu of the portal.

Applications are now open for children starting primary school. Parents are strongly advised to apply for three preferences.

Applications must be submitted to the child’s home local authority by:

Friday 15th January 2027 for pupils starting primary in September 2027.

Parents still need to apply even if the child has a brother or sister already at the school or the child is attending a nursery/preschool attached to the school. Some faith schools may also require parents and carers to submit a supplementary information form/confirmation of baptism. Further information about this will be available on the school’s website.

Parents should consider how their child will travel to school when making preferences. Parents can find out about school transport at School transport.

To apply online and for further information please go to Application process for starting school in September (cheshireeast.gov.uk) or call 0300 123 5012.

For up-to-date information please direct parents to follow The Family Information Service – @FISCheshireEast or Family Information Service (Cheshire East Council) - Home | Facebook.

Let's Get Ready for School book bags are free to borrow from Cheshire East Libraries using your library card and have been specially designed to help children develop the skills, confidence and independence they need for starting school. Each bag contains carefully selected books, activities and resources that support early language, literacy, numeracy, physical development and school readiness.

They are a valuable resource for Early Years practitioners to use with children and families and can be particularly helpful for families whose children may be feeling anxious about, or finding the transition to school difficult. By sharing the books and activities together, families can support children to build confidence, nurture curiosity and develop a positive sense of belonging as they settle into school life.