 The early years team has been working with a randomly selected group of providers across the city for the past few weeks. We have done this in order to engage in conversations about the challenges we face due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We also have an ofsted inspector who joins us and who is able to advise on recent updates from the DFE and to support us during the pandemic.
Our Purpose
The Early Years and Childcare Reference Group (the Group) is taking place to support, challenge and guide the local authority's decision making process with regards to our early years Covid-19 response. This will be achieved through reflective discussion and the provision of supportive training on a cross-sector basis for senior practitioners within the market who are working in or who own early years and childcare establishments.
The Group will not operate in isolation and makes every effort to link with Portsmouth's re-opening of schools working group.
Outcomes expected from each meeting are:
1) Improved communication across the sector. We will share information or gaps in service provision. This will result in a proactive and joined up approach to early years and childcare. We will agree consistent approaches on key issues with a view to helping parents and the wider community to understand the rationale for the way childcare will be operating.
2) To consider how far the crisis provides an opportunity for, and requires, more radical thinking around consistent expectations of continuing support for critical workers, working parents and vulnerable children.
3) To consider the financial implications and sufficiency of the childcare market during this crisis.
4) To provide a strong voice to Government on what is needed
To date we have had discussions around school transitions, infection control, bubbles, and most recently we are looking to do a deep dive into managing the 'new normal' for providers from July. These notes will be sent out shortly for your information. If you have any concerns about your provision that you would like support with, please email to eyfunding@portsmouthcc.gov.uk and we will discuss these at our next meeting. We will send out updates from discussions each month or earlier if time sensitive. We hope this will provide you all with a continuous dialogue and support during these challenging times, and problems can be shared and where possible solved together.
|
