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13 January 2026

Funding

Spring term 2026 headcount

Headcount is now open for submissions and will close on Friday 16^th January.

Please note the office closes at 16:00 on Friday therefore, if you leave it until after then there will be no one to help with any problems/queries until Monday when headcount will be closed. 

Grace Periods and Mid-term funding

Funding cannot be started if the child is in their grace period unless they have accessed it in the term previously.

If any funded children haven’t started by the end of this week and are not on your headcount then they cannot start a funded place mid-term unless they meet one of the eligibility criteria set out via the adjustment form:

• A child starts due to the withdrawal of funding or closure of another provider
• A child moves into East Riding of Yorkshire after headcount.

Any other reasons or if unsure, please contact FISH before starting a child on a funded place.

News & Events

Celebrating Inclusive Excellence at Dingley’s Promise!

We are thrilled to share some incredible milestones in our journey toward inclusive practice. Ten of our East Riding settings have proudly achieved the prestigious Mark of Achievement, and we will be celebrating their success soon. This accomplishment demonstrates their unwavering commitment to creating environments where every child can thrive.

How to Achieve the Mark of Achievement

For Larger Settings (4+ Practitioners)

To qualify, at least 75% of your team needs to complete:

• The Inclusive Practice course
• Two additional courses of your choice

For Smaller Settings / Childminders

The lead practitioner simply needs to complete:

• The Inclusive Practice course
• Two additional courses of their choice

Once your training is complete, just email training@dingley.org.uk to let Dingley’s Promise know — and we’ll take care of the rest!

But that’s not all—over 600 new learners have enrolled with Dingley's Promise recently, joining a community dedicated to breaking down barriers and championing inclusion. This growth reflects the passion and dedication of our early years provisions, partners, and families who believe in the power of inclusive education.

These achievements are more than numbers—they represent real impact, real progress, and real promise for every child. Together, we’re building a future where inclusion isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a reality.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to continuing to make a difference, one child at a time!

Information and Consultations

Department for Education Updates

Early years qualification requirements and standards

Page summary: The qualifications that staff must hold to be included in the specified staff: child ratios at levels 2, 3 and 6 of the early years foundation stage (EYFS).

Change made: Removed ‘Early years qualification requirements and standards: until 1 January 2026’, which first came into effect on 4 January 2024. The requirements in the updated document come into effect on 1 January 2026.

Experience-based route for early years staff

Page summary: How early years providers can implement the experience-based route for staff who do not hold full and relevant qualifications.

Change made: Replaced ‘Experience-based route for early years: non-statutory guidance’ with an updated version, following changes to the law on 1 January 2026 to include the new Ofsted inspection framework.

Portage Workshop

Thursday 26th February 9.30am - 4pm, Thursday 12^th March 9.30am - 4pm, and Thursday 16^th April 9.30am - 4pm at County Hall Beverley (Room 1)

This is a certificated training course delivered by National Portage Association Accredited Trainers.

The Portage Workshop is an introduction to the Portage Approach to working with children with additional needs and their families. The workshop is suitable for early years practitioners who work in an early year’s settings (PVI or maintained), Children’s Centres, Childminders and parents/carers of children who are receiving Portage support.

Central to the course are the ‘Portage Principles’ and the ‘Three Circle Model of Portage’.  The NPA has set standards for minimum workshop content and length.  The Workshop has a core curriculum consisting of seven modules and must last a minimum of 2 full days plus a Follow Up session.

The workshop is designed to support parents who have children that are being supported by Portage, and practitioners working with children, to help support their learning and development and to understand the strategies and principles used by Portage Workers.   

Please scan the QR code to book a place on the Portage Workshop.

School and Community Teams update – parenting drop-ins

Our School and Community Teams have been working hard to set up Parent Drop-ins across East Riding, both in schools and community venues. Developed in partnership with local schools and settings, these drop-ins are tailored to the needs of each area and can be adjusted based on demand. 

The aim is to provide a welcoming space for families to discuss any concerns - whether about parenting, behaviour, mental health, or emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, a single conversation or some signposting can make all the difference. We now have 103 Parent Drop-ins running across East Riding: 25 in the West, 45 in the North, and 33 in the East. If your school would like to host a drop-in, please get in touch with your School and Community Practitioner. 

EAST Locality Drop In.xlsx

North Locality Drop In.xlsx

WEST Locality Drop In.xlsx

If you have any information you would like adding to the Mailout please send by email to fish@eastriding.gov.uk