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14 October 2021

Early Years and Childcare Service Newsletter

This newsletter contains the following items:

• DfE - new frequently asked questions on contact tracing
• Holiday Activities and Food Programme
• Changes to Allergy Guidance - including Natasha's Law
• Childminder Stay and Play Sessions at Redlees Park
• SEN Inclusion Fund - Key Updates and Reminders
• Key Guidance

DfE - new frequently asked questions on contact tracing

In response to recent queries, the DfE have updated the contact tracing ‘frequently asked questions’ which can be found on the early years document sharing platform here.

Updates have been made to several areas including advice on contacting the NHS Self Isolation Hub and where a child cannot attend their setting because they are reliant on a self-isolating adult for transport.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

This is a free, holiday activity and enrichment programme for disadvantaged children which includes food provision. The programme is funded by a grant to local authorities by the Department for Education based on the number of children eligible for benefit related Free School Meals in that area.

More information from the Government website on HAF programmes can be found here.

Applications have now opened for any childcare provider to apply for the funding to look after children aged 5 – 16 years for 4 sessions of 4 hours or equivalent over the Christmas period 20^th Dec – 3^rd January. Click the button below to find out the aims of the programme and what you would need to provide. The closing date for applications is 22nd October.

Application forms and detailed application guidance are available on our HAF webpage. If you need to discuss further please email claire.bridge@hounslow.gov.uk or phone 0208 583 5145

Changes to allergy guidance - including Natasha's Law

As you may be aware, from October 1 changes to the Food Information Regulations 2014 come into effect, adding new labelling requirements for food that is pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS). This applies to any food business that produces PPDS food, primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and nurseries that provide food. Please can we ask that you to take the time to read the guidance on the Food Standards Agency website and ensure that your food provision meets these requirements.

Childminder Stay and Play Sessions at Redlees Park

Childminder Stay and Play sessions have resumed on Thursday mornings at the Redlees Under Fives Centre from September 2021. The Play Team are happy to be welcoming back the well-established Childminder Stay and Play sessions at the Redlees Centre on Worton Road, Isleworth. They ask that you please come along especially if you would like the opportunity to network with other local childminders

SEN Inclusion Fund - Key Updates and Reminders

Key updates:

Please note the new deadline dates for submitting SEN Inclusion Fund requests for the next available SEN Inclusion Fund Panel (this will now be on the Tuesday before the SEN Inclusion Fund Panel takes place)

Reminders:

All requests for SEN Inclusion Fund should now be made via the Provider Portal. There is SEN Inclusion Fund Guidance available on the FSD ‘I am a professional section’ to help you with all processes relating to SEN Inclusion Fund. There are two parts to the process for requesting SEN Inclusion Fund:  Part 1 – Create a child record and Part 2 – completing a SEN Inclusion Fund Request Form

Ensure placement information provided is accurate i.e. whether child funded or non-funded and accurate hours of attendance. Supporting evidence should be loaded as jpeg or pdf formats only. 

A Provision Map should be completed for each term of funding (template available on the Local Offer – SEN Inclusion Fund Page)

Early Years SEN Team Drop in Clinics

Time slots are still available for the following Drop in Clinics

EHC Needs Assessment: Tuesday 16 November 2021 or Thursday 2 December 2021

Provision Maps: Wednesday 3 November 2021

If you would like to book a space please email eysenteam@hounslow.gov.uk and you will be notified of time slots that are still available.

Key Guidance

Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings

• This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week.

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 

• Updated 27 September 2021

Covid-19 - Actions for Out of School Settings

• Updated 27 September 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19

• Updated 27 September 2021