 SENDIF termly review forms have now been emailed to all settings currently receiving funding. In order for funding to continue, settings must complete and return their review form to the Early Years Inclusion Team.
Deadline for submission: 5pm on Monday 14 September 2026.
Please remember:
- One SENDIF+/SENDIF emerging review form should be completed and returned per setting
- Funding cannot be processed until the review form has been received
- Settings should reassess children's current level of need using the Portsmouth Profile of Need and provide detailed information on the impact of the funding and any barriers encountered
- Reviews are still required for children who are leaving to start school, as this information is needed for auditing purposes
We encourage all providers to complete and return their forms as soon as possible to avoid any delays to future SENDIF payments. If your setting has not received a review form and you believe you should have, please contact eyinclusion@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
 ATTN: EY SENCos - we would really appreciate your help and feedback about the ideas outlined in the survey at the button below for future Early Years SENCo/SEND training. We have the opportunity to work with the EP service to develop some training with a focus on Neurodiversity. Please could you comment with your thoughts on each of the learning ideas in the survey by Monday 20 July. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
 Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub newsletter
The latest Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub newsletter is now available to read. It includes updates on upcoming training, webinars, network meetings, professional development opportunities and practical resources to support early years practice.
Take a look to explore the latest opportunities and resources available to early years professionals.
Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) families newsletter
The latest CAPT families newsletter is now available and is packed with practical advice, seasonal safety tips and resources to help keep babies and young children safe.
 A MESSAGE FROM MILTON PARK PRE-SCHOOL
"Dear Early Years Providers,
Some of you may already be aware, but we would now like to officially let all providers know, it is with a heavy heart that we would like to advise you all that Milton Park Pre School will be closing its doors permanently on 20 July 2026.
We are following our Charity's Constitution and have already offered our resources to local Charities which follow the same constitution as ours. We would now like to offer the remaining toys, puzzles, games, some outside equipment, books, and various other resources to any other childcare setting in our local community to continue to be enjoyed by their children.
We will be holding two drop-in days for settings to pop by and take any resources or equipment that is still available. This will on Tuesday 21 July, 9am until 3pm and Wednesday 22 July, 9am until 12pm.
Unfortunately, there is no specific parking at our setting but there is parking in the residential streets around the area very close by.
If you are interested, please let us know by sending us an email to: miltonparkpreschool@hotmail.co.uk and let us know what day you would like to drop by and approximate time.
Thank you for taking the time to read and hope that some of our resources can continue to be used by children in our community and in lots of other settings.
We want to wish you all best wishes for the future from all at Milton Park Pre School".
As Milton Park Pre-School closes its doors at the end of this term, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many decades of outstanding care, learning, and support provided to children and families across Portsmouth. Your dedication has given generations of children the very best start in life, creating happy memories and lasting positive impacts within the community. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and committee members who have made such a difference over the years. Your legacy will live on in the countless lives you have touched. With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.
 The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have shared a Joint Statement regarding potential asbestos contamination in sand-containing consumer products and product recalls.
This statement outlines the risks relating to asbestos exposure, and the zero-tolerance approach to asbestos in consumer products taken in the UK.
Any products that have been found to contain asbestos are subject to a recall. To date, no asbestos has been identified in supplies of playpit sand, but several products with play sand, such as arts and crafts products, are affected. Although the risks to health are expected to be low, we recommend that settings review this and the OPSS guidance regarding asbestos in consumer products, including how to dispose of recalled products.
 Looking for fresh ideas, practical guidance and professional development opportunities? Childminding UK has shared a range of free blogs and resources designed to support childminders and early years practitioners. Their latest articles cover a variety of topics, including working with assistants, making tax digital, holistic development, early learning goals, and wellbeing support.
As the UK's national charity dedicated exclusively to childminders, Childminding UK regularly publishes evidence-informed content to help practitioners navigate the evolving early years landscape. They have also received the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award for their work supporting high-quality childcare.
Take a look at the latest blogs and resources at the button below and discover practical ideas to support your practice, professional development and outcomes for children.
The Lullaby Trust has created a short video with important safer sleep messages for families. Please share on your setting’s social media channels to help raise awareness and support parents with trusted advice.
 Due to the Crime and Policing Act 2026, there is a change to regulated activity which will come into force on September 2026.
The change affects settings which rely on volunteers. This is because of the removal of the supervision exemption. From 1 September 2026, all volunteers engaging in regulated activity will need an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information. This also applies to holiday clubs and wraparound care.
 On 13 July 2026, updated EYFS frameworks for childminders and group and school-based providers were published, which apply from 1 September 2026. The main changes from that date are outlined below and represent strengthened safeguarding requirements. The safety of our youngest children is our utmost priority, and we continually monitor and review safeguarding requirements to make sure children are kept as safe as possible.
Both EYFS frameworks include updates which:
- Bring explicit wording on the safer sleep requirements into the main body of the EYFS, so that providers do not need to refer out to separate guidance.
- Prohibit the provision of registered childcare from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or is otherwise present.
- Require providers to inform Ofsted or their childminder agency (CMA) of allegations of ‘harm’ (instead of ‘serious harm’) by anyone living, working, or looking after children at the premises.
- Require enhanced criminal records checks for volunteers (including those who are supervised) and prevent new employees from commencing employment before receiving their check.
- Amend the requirements for what providers must tell staff they have to disclose, as part of information that may affect their suitability to work with children.
The group and school-based version also requires providers of childcare on domestic premises to notify Ofsted or their CMA of changes to persons aged 16 or over living or working at the premises. This aligns with existing requirements for childminders.
Other minor clarificatory changes have been made to both frameworks. These are mainly to make the existing requirements clearer for providers.
Children’s screen use in early years settings
Both frameworks also require providers to have regard to screen use guidance for early years settings published on 13 July 2026. The screen use guidance builds on the guidance for parents published in March 2026 and has been produced with contributions from sector experts including the Digital Standards Early Years Action Group and Early Years Screen Time Advisory Group.
Changes to registration requirements - in relation to banned dog breeds
In addition to the changes to the EYFS frameworks outlined above, the department has also updated registration requirements for early years settings as follows:
- Nannies will be prohibited from taking a banned dog breed onto a premises where they are providing childcare, and will be required to take reasonable steps to avoid banned dog breeds being present.
- All other voluntarily registered, Early Years and Later Years providers will be prohibited from providing registered childcare from any premises where a banned dog breed is kept or present.
Early Years Qualifications Requirements and Standards
The Early Years Qualifications Requirements and Standards document will also be updated from 1 September 2026, to clarify the Level 2 English requirements.
 Ofsted Early Years Blog
Ofsted has published a blog explaining how safeguarding, children's welfare and wellbeing underpin the September 2026 updates to early years inspections, including changes linked to the EYFS statutory framework.
Ofsted summary of changes guide
Ofsted has published a summary of the changes to the Early Years Inspection Toolkit, Operating Guide and Inspection Information that will take effect from September 2026, including updates relating to safeguarding, welfare and wellbeing.
Any providers who are due inspection soon and are worried about the changes should contact EYDelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk with their queries and concerns. An Early Years Quality and Sufficiency Officer will respond and support you to prepare for your inspection.
 The summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage families to download and use Portsmouth's free 50 Things to Do Before You're Five app. The app is packed with low- and no-cost activities that help children develop their communication, language, physical and social skills through play and exploration.
We'd love you to promote the app and share it with families through newsletters, websites and social media to help more children enjoy meaningful learning experiences over the summer.
Why not encourage families to try these summer-friendly activities?
- #5 - Squidgy Sand
- #8 - Bubbles
- #9 - Mini Beasts and Bug Hunting
- #18 - Dance!
- #23 - See it Live!
- #41 - Water Feature
 Applications are now open for the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL), delivered by HISP Teaching School Hub. The programme is designed for current and aspiring leaders in nurseries, maintained settings and childminding provision.
Scholarship funding may be available for eligible settings, but funded places are limited. Early years professionals are encouraged to apply by 9 October 2026 to maximise their chances of securing a funded place.
 Please share the attached school readiness poster with families whose children are starting school in September 2026. The poster highlights a range of free support available over the summer, including family events, parenting support and stay and play sessions designed to help children prepare for a positive start to school.
Please display the poster in your setting and signpost families to the available support.
|
