Early Years Bulletin 22 January 2018

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22 January 2018

Termly Briefing

Tuesday 6 February - there are two sessions 9.30am - 11.30am and 6.30pm - 8.30pm - book via the Services Network website. If you have any problems logging in please email eyworkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. You only need to attend one session as they both cover the same content. Each session is free and open to all early years providers and schools. Topics will include Ofsted inspection themes in Portsmouth, Sufficiency Update, EYFS Moderation, updates on Local and National initiatives, new Data Protection requirements, Workforce Development and more.

Public Health England have recently tweeted...

The recent #measles outbreaks in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Surrey are all linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. We’re urging anyone travelling this winter to make sure they are up to date with their MMR vaccines. More info is available here.

Various resources are available and most can be ordered free of charge from the Department of Health order line.

Training Workshop Evaluations

We are trialling a new system for the return of evaluations following training courses that you attend.

Delegates will be asked to complete a paper based evaluation at the end of the training workshop and return to their setting with it. The delegate should then share their evaluation with the setting manager and you can then upload it to the website. This process will support the implementation of new skills and knowledge from training directly back into your settings everyday practice. As a manager you can also use the opportunity to view evaluations to support staff supervision and sharing of best practice across the setting.

If you have any further questions about evaluations, please email into: eyworkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Portage Training

The Small Steps Approach to Learning for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The Portage Workshop for Early Years, a small steps approach to learning for children with SEND is on 8 and 9 February with a follow up day on 28 February. Places are still available.

To find out more and to book your place contact Sharon.Ensor@Portsmouthcc.gov.uk or visit the Portage Facebook page.

Fraud Gangs Targeting Childcare Providers

Please be aware that fraud gangs this week have been targeting childcare providers around the UK and in some cases have obtained thousands of pounds from them. Please be vigilant. The strategy used is similar to the one described in the newspaper article at link below. If you receive any calls asking for money to be transferred, refuse to carry out any transaction without further confirmation by email or in writing, then report to the police.

Read newspaper article

Early Years Conference

On Saturday 13 January the Early Years Conference was held at Portsmouth Grammar School. The conference theme was 'Nurturing Resilient and Determined Learners in Early Years'. We had delegates from both early years providers and schools who heard an inspiring keynote from Professor Sherria Hoskins, University of Portsmouth, discussing growth mind set, the research behind it and its use in practice. Our second guest speaker, Jenny Mosley, is a renowned author and had us all thinking about how children can become confident, resilient learners with a can-do attitude. Feedback from the conference has been extremely positive and we're looking forward to the next one in 2019.

Handouts from the conference will be available within the next week on the Services Network website for those who attended.

Following on from our Early Years Conference theme of nurturing resilience, please have a look at this website which enables you to access a free summit online.

Data Protection Reforms: May 2018

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will apply from 25 May 2018. Whilst many of the concepts and principles are much the same as those in the current Data Protection Act, there are some new elements so you may have to do some things for the first time and some things differently. We advise that you start preparing now to ensure that you are continuing to comply with the law and there is a range of information available to help you.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) have developed a checklist which will help you identify any changes you need to implement and a document outlining 12 Steps to take to prepare for the GDPR.

If you are not already registered with the ICO, click here to do so. This costs £35 per year and Ofsted inspectors often ask to see ICO registration certificates during inspections. If you feel you do not need to register you should have a letter from the ICO confirming this as strong fines and penalties exist for failing to comply with the Data Protection Act requirements, and from May, the GDPR. All information is on their website.

Some useful guidance on preparing for the GDPR has been produced, which is aimed at early years (you will need to log in/create a free account).

Guidance on preparing for the GDPR

Contact us...

We can be contacted on 023 9284 1974

Or by post at:

Early Years and Childcare

Portsmouth City Council

Floor 3, Core 6, Civic Offices

Guildhall Square, Portsmouth

PO1 2EA

Or contact a specific part of the team:

Early Education Funding team

This team deals with all work relating to early education funding, including; the local provider agreement, claims, payments, compliance and outreach support for families. Contacts to this team should be via eyfunding@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Contacts from parents or professionals specifically regarding 2 year funding should be via 2yroldfunding@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Quality and Sufficiency team and Family Information Service

This team deals with all work relating to childcare quality, sufficiency and sustainability of childcare. This includes business support, safeguarding, leadership and management and the quality of practice. In addition, the team also takes responsibility for the provision of information to families.

Contacts to this team should be made via eydelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

The Family Information Officer can be contacted via fis@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or by calling 023 9268 8830.

Inclusion Work, Workforce Development and EYFSP Moderation team

This team deals with all work relating to inclusive practice, EYFSP moderation, support for Year R practice and workforce development. Contacts to this team should be via eyinclusion@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Contact about training, workshops and other workforce development matters should be via eyworkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk