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Our autumn term training for Year R staff will be on Wednesday 18 November at The Queens Hotel. This is a free event with 2 places for each school available.
We had very high attendance for our summer term training and hope to build on this with 100% of schools engaging in our termly profile training so that we can work together as part of the Best Start in Life community to improve outcomes for all of our children within the EYFS.
The Department for Education have provided assessment materials for Local Authorities to share with all schools. In this session we will explore what effective formative assessment looks like and how to embed a culture of strong EYFS practice within your Year R provisions.
By the end of the session, you will:
- Have even stronger formative assessment practice
- Understand how the Best Start In Life programme is supporting all of our Portsmouth children to secure the best educational outcomes
- Have had the opportunity to network with the Portsmouth EY Team and Year R colleagues from schools across the city
Come for either the morning or afternoon session. Both include a networking lunch:
- Morning session is from 9.00am to 12.00pm - (please arrive from 8.30am for refreshments. There will be a networking lunch from 12.00pm - 1.00pm)
- Afternoon session is from 1.00pm to 4.00pm (please arrive at 12.00 for a networking lunch)
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 In January, the Department for Education announced a £200 million investment in SEND and inclusion training to upskill educators across early years, schools and post-16 settings. The first phase of a new national training offer for early years has been launched with a new online training package now freely available to all early years practitioners. Funded by the Department for Education and developed and delivered by Dingley’s Promise, this training is designed for all early years educators working with children aged 0-4 years to strengthen inclusive practice and better identify and support children with SEND. The training offers learning across three purposely designed courses, providing practical information, strategies and reflective tools to improve inclusive practice across all early years settings.
These courses centre on three key themes of:
- Foundations of Inclusive Practice;
- Embedding Inclusive Practice; and
- Parent Partnership.
The training has been purposely designed to be accessed in a flexible way, to allow learners to work through and return to the training at times that are suitable for them. Courses are suitable for educators of all levels and in all types of provision including childminders and contain practical strategies, tools and resources that can be applied directly to everyday practice.
All courses are freely accessible at Early Years CPD Training - Dingley's Promise.
The second phase of the new Early Years CPD programme will launch in autumn 2027, offering further online learning as well as in-depth webinars and a new local support offer, to further develop the knowledge and skills needed to put inclusive practice into action.
 The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a Safety Alert warning parents to avoid baby sleeping bags with hoods or without arm holes, as babies can suffocate, overheat or die in them. Nearly 50 have been recalled since 2023. And far too many are still available to buy online. Sleep bags should be well-fitted (think neck and arm holes that fit well), so that your baby can’t wriggle down inside. And sleep bags with hoods or head coverings should be avoided. Please tell parents to stop using these products straight away.
 As the seasons change and families prepare for autumn activities, CAPT has shared its latest newsletter packed with practical advice to help keep children safe and well.
We encourage early years providers to share this valuable resource with families and carers.
 The latest Thames Valley Stronger Practice Hub Newsletter is now available, packed with useful information, resources and opportunities to support early years professionals.
The newsletter includes updates on current projects, professional development opportunities, evidence-informed practice, and resources designed to help strengthen outcomes for young children across the region.
 Join Nursery World's free webinar on Wednesday 21 October at 12.15pm. CCTV is becoming a major talking point in early years safeguarding. For nursery leaders, the debate raises important questions about protecting children, respecting privacy and maintaining the trust of staff and families.
Following high-profile safeguarding cases in which CCTV provided vital evidence, the government has launched a review into its use in early years settings. As the sector awaits the findings, how should you approach the decision for your nursery?
Join an expert panel, including security systems provider Verkada, to explore:
- The case for CCTV: its potential role in safeguarding and resolving incidents.
- The concerns to consider: privacy, staff confidence and parents’ expectations.
- The practical decisions: choosing and managing a system that supports your setting.
Whether you already use CCTV or are considering introducing it, this webinar is an opportunity to weigh the benefits and reservations, hear expert perspectives and put your questions to the panel.
 Practical guidance for designated safeguarding leads regarding The Prevent Duty has been updated. We recommend all early years DSL's have a read through to refresh their knowledge around this subject. It also includes links to useful resources and Prevent Awareness training for DSLs and practitioners.
 Do the children in your setting speak more than one language? CBeebies is inviting families of children aged 3 to 6 years to submit parent-recorded videos of their child speaking in their home or first language, with selected contributions potentially featured in CBeebies programming.
This community-led project is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate multilingualism and help children see that their languages, cultures and identities are valued. It sends a powerful message that children's home languages are welcomed, recognised and worthy of being heard and celebrated.
The success of this initiative depends on families getting involved, and early years settings can play an important role in helping to spread the word. We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with families in your setting.
By encouraging participation, you'll be helping children feel proud of the languages they speak and supporting greater visibility of the rich linguistic diversity within our communities.
Let's help ensure children's languages are seen, heard and celebrated by as many people as possible.
 Looking for inspiration to share with families this October half term? 50 Things to Do Before You're Five Portsmouth is packed with simple, fun and low-cost activities that help children learn through play while making special memories with their families.
Whether you're encouraging families to get outdoors, explore their creativity or enjoy quality time together, the free website and app are full of ideas to suit every age and stage. Families can browse activities, discover new ways to support their child's communication, creativity and development, and enjoy fun experiences together that build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.
Five activities to try this half term
#11 Making Connections
Children love connecting things together using tape, glue, clips or staples, as well as playing with jigsaws, building bricks and train tracks. These simple activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving and creativity. As children play, explore and experiment, they develop their thinking skills, imagination and confidence through hands-on learning.
#13 Shout and Shhh
Children delight in trying out the noises they can make themselves. A loud sound in the garden can sound very different in a tunnel. Explore how different places change the sounds your child hears and makes. Talk together about the sounds you can hear when walking under a bridge, exploring a woodland or visiting some of Portsmouth’s grand old buildings. Listening, talking and experimenting with sounds helps develop children's communication and language skills.
#20 Mini Artists
Let your child’s imagination inspire their artistic masterpiece. They will have lots of fun expressing themselves through each line they make and colour they use. Heading outside can provide even more opportunities to go big with their creations. Why not try using water or chalk on the pavement to create colourful works of art together?
#29 Pitter Patter
It rains... It pours... But we can still play outdoors! With October's changeable weather, there’s plenty of fun to be had when the rain arrives. Let your child pitter patter in the puddles and see how big a splash they can make. Talk about how the water changes and ripples as they jump, dance and play in their wellies. Wrap up in waterproofs to stay dry, or embrace the wet weather on a milder autumn day and enjoy all the sights, sounds and sensations that rainy adventures can bring.
#45 Wonderful Waiting Game
Waiting for transport, sitting at the doctors or waiting for food in a restaurant can sometimes feel boring for children. Why not play simple games to entertain each other, such as I Spy, while extending your child's vocabulary at the same time? Playing games when out and about encourages children to look around, explore their surroundings, answer questions and ask their own, turning everyday waiting time into a fun learning opportunity.
Download the Free App Today
The 50 Things to Do Before You're Five Portsmouth app is completely free and gives families instant access to all 50 experiences, helping them find new ways to support their child's learning, communication and development through everyday play.
Visit the website and download the free app at portsmouth.50thingstodo.org to start exploring new adventures this October half term and beyond.
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