 Linda Jones, known to many children and families as Nanny Lyn, retired last month after dedicating over two decades to childminding in Portsmouth since 2003. Throughout her career, Linda provided a nurturing, and loving environment where countless children were able to learn, grow, and feel truly cared for. Families have valued not only her reliability, but also the warmth and kindness she brought into their children’s lives every day. We extend our sincere thanks to Linda for her outstanding service and lasting contribution to the families and children she has supported over the years.
 With the uplift of the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) earlier this month, how can you make the most of this funding? The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) have published a new four-step planning tool to help you make the best spending choices. This planning tool introduces key findings from high-quality research to help you reduce the learning gap between children from lower-income backgrounds and others. It will help you prioritise, plan, and reflect on what’s working so you see the maximum impact from EYPP funds.
 Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub applied and have been successful in delivering the first phase of the Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor (EYSPA) programme. They are preparing to recruit four advisers to support group‑based settings and one adviser to support a cluster of four childminders.
The EYSPA programme is based on the previous Experts and Mentors programme, which focused on developing the skills of early years educators to reduce the effect of the pandemic on children’s development. This new programme will build on the foundations of this to support eligible settings to boost children’s development, improve outcomes and narrow the disadvantage gap.
Settings, including childminders, will be eligible to apply for support if they have received Needs Attention or Urgent Improvement in any area of an Ofsted report. Those settings who have received lower Ofsted reports under the old framework will also be eligible. Settings with high numbers of children receiving EYPP or the 2-year-old disadvantage offer or those who have a high number of children on roll with SEND will also be able to apply for support. A setting diagnostic will be completed, and the hub will be able to offer support from an adviser to provide direct, one-to-one coaching and mentoring across one term per setting.
Please find attached the recruitment advert along with the two expression of interest recruitment packs (Childminder and group based settings) for your information. We hope you consider applying for an adviser role!
 Take a look at training available from Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub at the buttons below.
 Two Sessions Available - Queen's Hotel, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 3LJ, Thursday 11 June 2026
Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub are delighted to offer two sessions in one day of their highly sought-after Moving to Write workshop – completely FREE!
Choose the time that suits you:
- Morning session: 9:00 – 12:00
- Afternoon session: 13:15 – 16:15
Before children can write, they need to move! The new DfE Writing Framework (July 2025) highlights that handwriting begins with the body — from core strength and balance to fine motor control and precision.
Join this lively, hands-on workshop to explore how movement, play, and physical development build the foundations for confident, fluent writing.
You will learn how to:
- Understand the physical skills needed for writing
- Create environments and activities that strengthen bodies and fingers
- Plan effective interventions, including supporting children with tripod grip
Expect practical ideas, active learning, and plenty of inspiration to take back to your setting.
 Practitioners are invited to attend this one-day PSCP training to understand, identify, assess and be upskilled to support, challenge and change in families with parental conflict. All resources and tools will be included. There will be three modules delivered over one full day:
- Understanding and recognising parental conflict - pre-birth to 19
- Assessment of parental conflict - impact and need
- Skills to support, challenge and change in families with parental conflict
Tuesday 23 June 2026, 9:30 - 16:30, Conference Room B, Civic Offices
 Keeping children’s and families’ information safe is part of providing high‑quality early years care. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has created clear, practical guidance to help early years practitioners protect their settings from common cyber threats - without needing technical expertise.
From strong passwords and safe use of devices to protecting personal data and spotting scams, this free resource explains what you need to do and why it matters. It’s quick to read, easy to understand, and designed specifically for nurseries, childminders, and early years providers.
 The DfE has published guidance to help you create and maintain safer sleep environments for babies and young children in your care.
This guidance has been developed in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust and supports planned updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026.
It includes information on:
- How to provide an appropriate sleep space for babies and children
- Safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags, including relevant British Standards
- How to supervise children while they are sleeping
- What to do when babies and children fall asleep while travelling, managing temperature, positioning and the use of comforters
By following this guidance, you can help keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements, while supporting consistent practice across early years settings.
Further information is available through NHS guidance on sudden infant death syndrome and from The Lullaby Trust.
 As part of the Government’s Early Years strategy, the Best Start in Life campaign brings together trusted advice and support to help families recognise how everyday moments support children’s development and build the skills they need for starting school.
Preparing for School - part of the wider Best Start in Life campaign - to support parents in preparing their child for starting school this September. The campaign highlights that being prepared is about developing everyday skills, not just having the right uniform.
At the heart of the campaign is the Steps for School song – a new music video featuring a rap by award-winning teacher-turned-rapper MC Grammar. The video highlights simple, practical steps parents can practice with their child to support their development and build confidence and independence.
 Home‑Start Portsmouth have launched new stay and play sessions to help support parents and children to learn together. These Big Steps for Little People Stay and Play sessions are running in family hubs across Portsmouth.
These free sessions support parents and children to learn together through play, with weekly activities including singing, stories and play‑based learning to support children’s development. Sessions will be delivered using the PEEP model.
Helping children to understand and manage their feelings
Tuesday 5 May, 1.00pm - 2.30pm, Somerstown Family Hub
Looking after ‘me’
Monday 11 May, 1.15pm - 2.45pm, Northern Parade Family Hub
Understanding and managing behaviour
Tuesday 19 May, 10.00am - 11.30am, Somerstown Family Hub
 The Department for Education is recruiting reception and primary teachers working in mainstream primary schools to participate in research.
Purpose of the research
To understand how special educational needs (SEN) are currently identified in schools and how support is selected to meet those needs.
What the research involves
1 hour Microsoft Teams call in May 2026.
You will receive a £50 voucher for taking part.
Who can take part
Reception and primary teachers working in mainstream primary schools.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact isobel.comley@education.gov.uk
 Date: Tuesday 5 May: 12.30pm – 1pm
Discover how the National Education Nature Park can support your EYFS setting in this practical webinar. Learn how to create meaningful outdoor experiences that support children's development while helping nature thrive on your site. They’ll share session plans and continuous provision ideas that link to all seven areas of learning and development and share how their regional team can support you every step of the way.
Perfect for early years educators looking to enrich their provision, connect children with nature, and make a positive impact on their setting.
(If you’re unable to attend the event, please register and they’ll send you the recording afterwards).
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