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DfE are running a series of roadshow events for early education and childcare providers across the regions in England. These events offer a unique opportunity to engage with DfE directly and to share views on the entitlements expansion and other areas of early education and childcare policy.
The next events will be held at: 12th September – Plymouth (click here to register) 10th October – Liverpool (click here to register)
07th November – Newcastle (click here to register)
The event is targeted at group-based setting managers who have, or will have, a role or interest in providing additional places as a result of government’s childcare expansion. Please encourage providers to attend the event in your conversations.
If anyone from your LA wishes to attend they are welcome to, but please ensure that attendance is limited to one person per LA.
Further details will be sent upon registering, including confirmation of registration.
If you have any questions or queries regarding the Learning and Development requirements of the EYFS, please contact Beverley Jones on 01743 254454. These sessions will take place fortnightly.
Firstly, we wanted to acknowledge Sunday 1st September marked an exciting landmark as hundreds of thousands of eligible working parents of children from 9-months-old will begin to access 15 hours of government-funded early education per week, and new wraparound childcare places are now available for primary aged children before and after school, with more expected from January 2025. We are very grateful to local authorities and providers for their fantastic work to support this important milestone.
The expansion in government funded hours is just one step towards the Education Secretary’s vision of an early education and childcare system that supports children to build on strong foundations and start school ready to learn.
We also wanted to inform you about a change the government is making to the Ofsted inspection system.
Effective immediately, Ofsted will no longer provide a single overall grade of effectiveness when inspecting state schools. State schools will still receive the existing sub-judgements across different areas of school life. Early Years provision in maintained schools and academies for children aged 2 and above, and Maintained Nursery Schools are included in this change.
The government is committed to replacing single headline grades in all the remits that Ofsted inspects in time, including the entirety of the Early Years sector. This will include considering how this impacts CMA inspections. Until this change is made, all early years settings registered on the Early Years Register, including childminders and private, voluntary and independent providers will continue to receive a single headline grade of overall effectiveness alongside the sub judgements. There will also be no change to Childminder Agency (CMA) inspections at this time.
We recognise this means different parts of the early years sector are impacted differently during this interim period. The DfE and Ofsted will work in partnership with the sector over the next year to develop alternative inspection and regulation arrangements that maintain a strong focus on quality and standards, whilst responding to feedback on what needs to change. New arrangements will take account of the unique characteristics of the sector but will broadly reflect the report card approach that is being taken for schools.
We also recognise the hard work of frontline educators, providers, senior leaders, and the investment from local authorities and safeguarding partners, in improving practice and striving for better outcomes for children. What is most important is that experiences of children and families continue to improve.
A link to the Big Listen can be accessed here Ofsted Big Listen - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Autumn Actual Headcount Reminder
The Autumn Actual Headcount window closes next week on Sunday 15th September, so please ensure that you submit your claims on time.
If you have already submitted your completed headcount and need to make some changes, you can still do so up until it closes, but please remember to re-submit your claim so that the changes come through to us.
Validation of Expanded Hours Codes
Please can we ask that you validate any expanded hours codes that are passed to you by parents as promptly as you can, as the DfE are monitoring the percentage of codes that have been validated on a regular basis at individual LA level. You can validate an expanded hours code simply by running an eligibility check via the Portal.
Last term, Shropshire came in the top 10 in the whole country in terms of the percentage of codes that had been validated, so we want to try to keep our impressive score going! 😊 So far for the Autumn term, out of 2,207 codes that have been issued, 1,585 have been validated which is almost 72%. Thank you for all of your hard work in validating the high volume of codes so far, it's much appreciated. If you can ensure that any remaining codes are validated ASAP, that would be great 😊
A Shropshire childminder has finished childminding and she realises she has gathered a lot toys and resources! Please see below
I will put items up for sale etc up on my childminding Facebook page which is called 'Caroline Childcare Practitioner' .
focusses on children aged between 10 months and 24 months.
We have a team of facilitators but don’t have many parents/children for the second cohort which will start in October. It is an online programme so parents can come from anywhere in the county.
The programme is aimed at improving the quality and frequency of book sharing between parents and children and teaches parents book sharing skills and habits across 5 online 'skills sessions'. Parents will also practice book sharing at home, record themselves, and send up to 3 video clips to facilitators/early years practitioners for positive feedback.
Here is the recruitment video: https://youtu.be/kmVWMCOlXis!
Parents are gifted a set of 4 lovely classic hardback books
Can you share the flyer (a link to the flyer is below) with your parents and bring it to the attention of any parents you think fit the criteria.
Playtime with Books is a collaboration between the PEDAL research centre at Cambridge, Nesta, and Shropshire.
Link to flyer- Shropshire flyer_ oct.pdf
As a statutory safeguarding partner of the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership, Shropshire Council have a duty to monitor the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements within the local area. As part of this, we ask all Early Years providers and schools in Shropshire to complete an annual Safeguarding compliance monitoring questionnaire.
Please follow this LINK and complete the questionnaire.
- CPD programme and booking information for the Autumn Term
Further information on dates, costings and how to book onto the training courses and meetings can be found at: CPD Schedule and Booking Information: Autumn Term 2024 | Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net) Once you have submitted your booking form, the leader of the course / meeting will email you to confirm your booking.
- Dates for Network Meetings (online) in the Autumn Term:
- Tuesday 15th October 2024 (11am and 7pm)
- Tuesday 19th November 2024 (7pm)
- Wednesday 20th November 2024 (11am)
To book a place, please visit CPD Schedule and Booking Information: Autumn Term 2024 | Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net)
We know that early years children are at increased risk of abuse and neglect due to their dependency on those adults around them to meet their needs and protect them. Sadly over the 18 months in Shropshire we have seen a high number of early years children being harmed. To help us learn, develop our safeguarding practice for all children and to help identify where any professional may be able to take actions to support families and children and reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring Shropshire safeguarding community partnership complete rapid reviews and learning briefings to share areas of learning and highlight possible themes. The below learning briefings are all relating to early years children –
Non accidental injuries and Domestic Abuse
- Non accidental injury - Child F
- Aces and Injuries
- Non accidental Injuries- Child T
- Injuries in a four month old
- 'Do Something BIG’ Campaign – Advertising Vacancies on Find A Job
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.
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Job Advert for Baschurch Pre-School and Nursery CIC Please follow the link below to view the advert for the Deputy Manager vacancy at Baschurch Pre-School and Nursery CIC.
Job Advert
- Sharing Books with Under 3's
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
- Early Years Evidence Store Physical Development Module - Now Live
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.
- NPQEYL Information for Early Years and Childminders
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
- Ofsted Support for Practitioners
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)
- Preparing for Ofsted in the Autumn Term
Have you visited the pages on the Shropshire Learning Gateway? Ofsted | Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net)
Here you will find to related links to:
The Ofsted early years - news and updates on Early Years' Inspection.
An article on reducing paperwork and what you can do to help prepare your staff.
The EYFS MUSTs for Childminders and Group and School-based Providers.
Additional pages for:
Childminders and out-of-school settings
Group settings
School based settings and Reception
Look out for recent Ofsted inspection recommendations within the Childminder and Group-based settings' pages.
Recently revised Know How Guides are now available on the Shropshire Learning Gateway Babies and toddlers | Shropshire Learning Gateway (shropshirelg.net)
Know How Guide Working With Under 2's (August 2024)
Know How Guide Working With Two-Year-Olds (August 2024)
- Family and Community Hubs
Information to share with parents/ carers about all the Family and Community drop in’s across Shropshire, where parents/ carers/ families can get free information, advice and support on all aspects of family life.
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 Funding for Foster Children
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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