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Ahead of the autumn term, and with the further expansion of childcare support for eligible working parents, we would like to remind EY providers to check and validate codes ahead of a child taking up a place.
This requirement is set out in statutory guidance. Providers should work with their Local Authority to follow this guidance and check codes are valid once received from a parent.
Why is this important?
Checking a code is valid via your provider/LA portal:
- Ensures the provider receives funding for that place
- Ensures a parent can take up a place for their child from September and understand their monthly childcare costs
- Provides an early indication of whether parents can find and take up a place
- Provides early indication of potential sufficiency issues within local areas.
The Do Something BIG recruitment campaign is ramping up again in early August.
This multi-million-pound broadcast marketing campaign promotes early years and childcare careers on a national-scale across multiple advertising channels. It highlights the huge difference early years professionals make to young children and how rewarding working in the sector can be.
The campaign directs potential applicants to use DWP’s Find a Job vacancy platform to search for early years roles in their area.
The DfE have asked for LAs to help ensure that as many early years providers as possible list their vacancies on Find a Job ahead of the next wave of the campaign.
Please refer to the ‘DWP Find a Job instructions’ for help creating an account and post any current or upcoming jobs in your setting.
Providers should use the term ‘early years’ in the title of the job adverts and select ‘Education jobs’ for the job category.
This service is free to use and will ensure vacancies are seen by a large pool of potential candidates.
Please follow the link below to view the advert for the Deputy Manager vacancy at Baschurch Pre-School and Nursery CIC.
Job Advert
Research shows that book sharing is a cornerstone of cognitive development during the formative years of a child's life. By reading aloud, parents, educators and caregivers not only introduce new words and concepts but also stimulate a child’s imagination and creativity.
Best books for babies 0-12 months https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-babies-0-12-months
Babies love snuggling up close with you and listening to the sound of your voice. Newborn babies in particular often love high-contrast images such as black-and-white patterns. As they get a little bit older, they are likely to be fascinated by photos of other babies and gentle rhymes.
Best books for 1-year-olds https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-1-year-olds
Toddlers at this age are often getting better at using their hands, so they will love board books with flaps and trying to turn the pages. They love listening to you, so why not try some silly animal noises and books with fun rhymes.
Best books for 2-year-olds https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-2-year-olds
Two-year-olds can often follow a simple story and love joining in with lively actions or guessing what will happen on the next page. Stories are a fantastic and a fun way to introduce toddlers to everyday activities too.
0-3 Year Olds EY Booklist
The Education Endowment Foundation has added a new theme to the Early Years Evidence Store as part of their ongoing collaboration with the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme. The content is designed to support early years educators to put evidence-informed approaches into practice.
The physical development theme explores how early years educators can support young children’s physical development and promote opportunities to be physically active.
It focuses on three approaches:
- Teaching the skills needed for movement and handling
- Promoting physical activity
- Teaching the skills for mark making and letter formation
Existing themes include communication and language, personal social and emotional development, early maths and early literacy. Do share and promote the link with those you think could benefit.
Stronger Practice Hubs can offer support on adopting evidence-informed practice in your Early Years setting, including how to use the Evidence Store. Contact your nearest Hub for more information (details here).
BBC Tiny Happy People, a service from BBC Children’s & Education, offers evidence-based activities and advice to support parents and carers in developing the speech, language, and communication skills of their 0–5-year-old children.
The content, rooted in academic research, is quality assured by experts in Speech & Language, Health Visiting, Midwifery, and Early Years. The website provides a wealth of FREE resources including activity ideas, tips and advice, child development facts, key talking tips for any age and more.
All designed to empower families with knowledge and techniques to support their child’s development at home.
To find out more about BBC Tiny Happy People, join one of the monthly free Champions Training sessions. This virtual 45min session will reveal everything you need to know to feel confident recommending this service to families that you work with.
Sign up for the monthly newsletter for regular updates and new content.
For the October 2024 cohort, scholarship funding for some NPQs is limited to those working in eligible high-disadvantage settings. All Ofsted-Registered Childminders and those registered with an Ofsted-Registered Childminder Agency, will be eligible for scholarship funding if they are accepted onto a place for NPQEYL.
Secure a funded place by applying early.
Please see the below flyer for more information.
NPQEYL Flyer
Recent videos released to support practitioners in their Ofsted inspection:
Childminder webinar: I’m new to Ofsted inspection, what do I need to know? (youtube.com)
How will the inspector provide feedback during the inspection? | Early years FAQs (youtube.com)
What if I have concerns about my inspection? | Early years FAQs (youtube.com)
How will the inspectors get the views of parents? | Early years FAQs (youtube.com)
Early Years Funding Code of Practice
Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for Childminders
Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers
Early Years CPD
Early Years Information Pages on the SLG
Early Years Resource Library
Funding Diary Dates (headcount windows and payments)
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
Parent Declaration Form (Summer 2024 to Summer 2025)
Recruitment:
Shropshire SEND Local Offer
Support Request Form (SEND)
Funding Claims, Free Entitlements, Eligibility Codes, Provider Portal etc.:
Admin Team: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
Job Vacancies:
Admin Team: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
Buildings, Premises, Accommodation, and any related issues including schools looking to adopt their local pre-school:
Andy Nicholls: andy.nicholls@shropshire.gov.uk
Wraparound Childcare Programme:
Rachel Reynolds: rachel.reynolds1@shropshire.gov.uk
School Sustainability Funding:
Jo Morris: Jo.morris@shropshire.gov.uk
Qualifications, Ratios, Staffing etc.:
Beverley Jones: beverley.jones@shropshire.gov.uk
Safeguarding and Child Protection:
Charlotte Percival: Charlotte.percival@shropshire.gov.uk
Early Intervention Grant - applications and admin:
Admin Team: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
Applications for EYPP and 30-Hour Entitlements for Children who are Looked After:
Admin Team: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
Applications for Disability Access Fund:
Admin Team: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
Information, advice and guidance in relation to SEND children:
earlyyears@shropshire.gov.uk
Any other queries that don’t fall into the above:
earlyyears@shropshire.gov.uk
Remember – we also have the MS Teams site:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a9e2862aae963406b9ffc01b034aae950%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=dd786852-0af3-4592-b069-7cf66e48df55&tenantId=b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
If you are not already a member of this group, then please email nef@shropshire.gov.uk and we will get you access.
Alison Rae
School’s Improvement Commissioner Adviser Early Years Foundation Stage
Education Improvement Service
Tel: 01743 254467
Email: alison.rae@shropshire.gov.uk
Beverley Jones
Education Improvement Service
Early Years Consultant
Tel: 01743 254454
Email: beverley.jones@shropshire.gov.uk
Charlotte Percival
Safeguarding Officer
Tel: 01743 254147
Email: charlotte.percival@shropshire.gov.uk
Sue Carroll
SEND Lead Early Years / Severndale case manager
Tel: 01743 254242
Mobile: 07458124424
Email: sue.carroll@shropshire.gov.uk
Judith Pilkington
Early Years Intervention Officer
Tel: 01743 254287
Email: judith.pilkington@shropshire.gov.uk
Admin Team (funding queries):
Beth Parry-Jones, Brydie Porter & Sarah Jones
Email: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
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