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9 April 2026

News & Events

DAF Application form 26/27

We have received requests from a number of providers asking for a copy of the 26/27 DAF claims form.

When sending an application and a copy of a childs DLA award letter, please ensure to include the page of the letter showing the date range which this has been awarded between.

The deadline for Summer term applications is 22 May

Disability Access Form

Change to Ofsted Inspections

Ofsted will begin inspecting early education and childcare providers more frequently from April 2026, in line with the DfE's Best Start in Life strategy.

The change to a 4-year inspection window is part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) and Ofsted’s shared commitment to provide parents with more up-to-date information and reassurance about the quality and safety of their child’s early education and care.

Each provider on the Early Years Register will be inspected at least once by March 2030 and then again within a 4-year period, replacing the current 6-year window. If Ofsted has concerns about a provider, inspectors will, of course, visit more frequently.

The change will also see the first inspection of newly registered providers happen more quickly. From next month, Ofsted will usually inspect a new provider within 18 months of registration, rather than the current 30 months.

The new inspection windows will be phased in gradually. Providers who have already been inspected under the previous arrangements will gradually transition to the new 4-year window before 2030.

The relevant guidance for early education and childcare providers will be updated shortly.

Dingleys Promise

Final registration deadline for free access to the 10 online training courses : 31st June 2026, it will be here in no time!! Once registered, you and your staff will have a 6‑month grace period to complete all courses at a personal pace.

This is a fantastic chance to deepen your knowledge, build confidence in inclusive practice, and support every child to thrive, completely free of charge.

Register now before the deadline passes!

Information and Consultations

Starting Reception

Kindred Squared has developed a suite of guidance materials to support families, early years settings, and schools with children’s transition into the Reception year. The resources bring together clear information, practical tools, and helpful guidance outlining what children may typically be able to demonstrate at the start of Reception.

For further information please visit the Kindred Squared website, resources include the Reception Transition Guide, Potty Training Information and Toothbrushing guidance.

Starting Reception | About

Screen time guidance for Early Years

In March 2026, the Department for Education published new national guidance on screen time for children under five. The guidance recognises that screens are a part of everyday family life, however balance is key. The guidance recommends no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 – 5 years, with less being better. The guidance also advises avoiding screens at mealtimes and before bedtime.

For further information visit Screen use by children aged under 5 - GOV.UK

Advice is also available through the Best Start in Life website, Baby and toddler screen time guidance - Best Start in Life,  which provides practical, evidence-based tips to help families build healthy screen habits and protect time for play, communication and sleep.

A Warm Thank You to Our Private Wraparound Providers

As we reflect on the significant progress made since the start of the of the national Wraparound Programme, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible work you’ve done to expand and enrich wraparound childcare. Your dedication has helped create a remarkable number of new places for families, contributing to the over 105,000 wraparound places delivered nationally and with places still growing.

But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the inclusive, high-quality provision you are building. You’ve ensured that more children can access enriching activities beyond the school day.

Your work alongside schools and the local authority has made this expansion possible. 

Your marketing efforts have helped families discover new childcare options, boosting take up and increasing access to financial support through Tax Free Childcare, making wraparound more affordable for families who need it. Thanks to you, parents can head to work knowing their children are safe, supported, and having fun every single day.

You’ve helped make wraparound feel less like a service and more like a community - warm, responsive, and built around what families really need.

As we transition out of the Childcare Works contract on 1^st April and move into the next phase, with additional investment going into local authority capacity, we want to continue building on this success together, supporting you to keep delivering high quality, accessible, inclusive childcare for every family.  We are working hard to ensure you continue to have access to the best practice resources and from the 1st of April, most of these resources will be available via your LA contact who will have access to the Early Years and Wraparound Knowledge Hub. 

For future Wraparound queries relating to the National Wraparound Programme grant, you should contact finance.wraparound@education.gov.uk.

Most of all, thank you for caring so deeply. Everything you’ve delivered so far is changing lives for the better, and it truly shows.

Coram PACEY's - Magic of Childminding campaign

Magic of Childminding campaign

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