|
Just a quick reminder that the Interim headcount window for the Spring term is currently open on the Portal and will close at midnight on Sunday (16th November).
Please ensure that you only enter your weekly hours totals and not the full termly total. The Actual headcount will then open the following week (17th November), where you will be able to enter the child level data.
Please follow the links below to access the Talking Training schedule for the Autumn term 2025 and booking form.
Talking Training Schedule - Autumn 2025
Talking Training Booking Form
This is your final opportunity to attend The Solihull Approach for under 1's on Wednesday 10th December 2025, from 10:00 to 12:00. If you work with our youngest children, this course is essential to understanding brain development and the importance of attachment, as taught through the Solihull Approach. Nadine Last from Shropshire's Parenting Team will be leading this training session.
To book a place please visit The Solihull Approach for under 1's Tickets, Wed, Dec 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Jacqui, and I am the Manager at Little Grubs Kindergarten. I am currently beginning my Level 5 Coaching in the Early Years training with Best Practice Network, accredited by ILM.
As Little Grubs is a small team, I’m seeking willing coachees from other early years settings who may be interested in taking part in the coaching process. This will provide me with a valuable opportunity to broaden my leadership and coaching experience, while supporting colleagues in their own professional growth.
I would be delighted to coach individuals at any level, from managers and SENDCos to trainees or volunteers. My approach is non-directive and person-centred, focusing on empowering others to reflect, grow, and take ownership of their development.
If you or anyone in your team would like to know more or feel this could be beneficial, please do get in touch — I’d love to have a conversation.
Kind regards, Jacqui Rowe Manager | Little Grubs Kindergarten Jacqui.rowe@littlegrubskindergarten.co.uk
 |
|
Please complete this Form to order some SEN packs and Dual Language books for your setting. All settings are eligible to order these extra Bookstart packs which are to be gifted to the families.
Please select which library you will be collecting the packs from. I will be in touch with you when they are available for collection.
|
Details of Ofsted's programme of webinars to help familiarise providers with the November 2025 education inspection framework changes.
Education inspection framework: engagement programme - GOV.UK
In September and October 2025, Ofsted hosted live webinars that set out the main changes to education inspections starting in November 2025.
The programme of webinars for early years, schools, further education and skills and initial teacher education settings were recorded and are available on our YouTube channel.
We have recently had some queries about powered Pram rockers, there are a number of health and safety issues relating to these products. As we know advice from the NHS Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS and The Lullaby Trust Baby product information | The Lullaby Trust is that babies and children are safest sleeping in cots. To aid good sleep routines and habits we do not recommend that these products are used either at home or in a setting.
Here is some guidance relating to other baby products that could pose a safety risk 10 baby products that could pose a serious safety risk.
The safeguarding training dates with links to book onto the training sessions are now available on the Shropshire Learning Gateway : Safeguarding in Education Training | Shropshire Learning Gateway,
 |
|
The Early Help and Support Tea and Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service are holding an 8 week You and Me, mum group course.
The course will help you understand how domestic violence impacts on you as a parent and how it affects your children.
|
The course objectives are to empower, support and develop further understanding of your role as a mother in addressing the needs of your children and young people.
To book and secure your place on this course please call 01743 250400.
Every Wednesday from:
Wednesday 14th January 2026 – Wednesday 11th March 2026
09:30-11:30am
Venue: Shrewsbury SY1
Facilitated by:
Early Help and Support Team with Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service.
 We are excited to share some valuable resources with you.
Please find a link to our new poster: 12_Sept__EY_thrive.pdf.
This poster contains important information that we encourage you to look at and share with your parents.
Additionally, we would like to highlight the website 'Health Practitioners for Safer Screens.' This site offers a wealth of resources tailored for education professionals and health practitioners. It’s an excellent place to find more information on this topic. Resources for education professionals - Health Professionals For Safer Screens
We also recommend watching the informative webinar available at the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN-2N1UDrtE . The webinar provides insights into how smartphone usage can affect young children.
CPD Offer
Enhance Your Practice: Training on Annual Reviews of EHC Plans
Empowering Professionals to Deliver Outstanding Support for Children and Young People with SEND
Are you responsible for conducting or contributing to annual reviews of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans? Would you like to ensure you are up to date with the latest statutory guidance and best practice?
This training is mandatory for all SENDCO’s but we will be rolling our further sessions which repeat this training should you not be available for this session.
Join Our Comprehensive Training Session
This essential training is designed for SENCOs, school leaders, local authority teams, and all partners involved in the EHC Plan review process. Our expert-led course will guide you through each stage of the annual review, helping you to:
- Understand the legal requirements and timescales for annual reviews
- Prepare effectively and coordinate with families and multidisciplinary teams
- Write clear, outcome-focused recommendations
- Address complex cases and avoid common pitfalls
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to the process
Why It Is Mandatory to Attend?
- Stay compliant with current SEND legislation
- Increase your confidence in leading and contributing to reviews
- Share experiences and practical tips with peers
- Receive course materials and resources to support your work
Training Details
- Date: 16th January 2026
- Time: 13:00-14:30
- Location: Delivered online via Teams
- Cost: Pre-paid
How to Book
To reserve your place, please contact https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1964833822856?aff=oddtdtcreator . Early booking is recommended as spaces are limited.
Empower yourself and your team to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) more effectively. We look forward to welcoming you!
Autism Education Trust (AET) - Good Autism Practice in the Early Years
Develop knowledge and understanding of good autism practice using this to support autistic children in your setting in a child centred way.
This module focuses on the importance of getting to know a child and how their autism affects them. We look at examples of distressed behaviours and how these can be supported through a range of strategies, approaches and reasonable adjustments.
The module guides delegates through how to gather information about an autistic child's interests, aspirations, strengths and differences and how this is information can be used when developing a Child-Centred Education Plan (CCEP).
We also introduce the AET Early Years Competency Framework so that delegates can develop and evaluate their good autism practice following completion of the module.
This course is run over three evening sessions (6pm to 8pm) and all three sessions must be attended
Our New Early Years SEND Support Officers
 |
|
Laura Taylor
|
|
Barbara Jones
|
|
 |
 |
|
Rachel White
|
Our new EY SEND Support Officers are available as outreach support for all group and school-based early years settings including childminders. Please use an EYIAF request for to request their support. These forms will be updated in due course to reflect this new offer.
They will also be involved in quality assuring use of EYIF awarded to settings and may ring to visit your setting and discuss how you have used your EYIF ahead of a review.
They may offer support as part of an access to education request to support you in meeting the complex needs of children who wish to join you setting.
 To access the newsletter, please select the link below.
Thrive Together Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Autumn 25 Newsletter
Starting Reception 2026 - Poster and QR Code
Best Start in Life Parent Hub (formerly known as Childcare Choices)
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
CPD Early Years and Schools | Shropshire Learning Gateway
Early Years Advice and Funding (SEND)
Early Years CPD
Early Years Information Pages on the SLG
Funding Diary Dates (headcount windows and payments)
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
Parent Declaration Form - 2025/26
Recruitment:
SEND and Inclusion Newsletter
Shropshire SEND Local Offer
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:
Dan Steele: Dan.steele@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 Years Inclusion Funding (EYI) - 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
Early Years Consultant
Education Improvement Service
Tel: 01743 254454
Email: beverley.jones@shropshire.gov.uk
Charlotte Percival
Safeguarding Officer
Tel: 01743 254147
Email: charlotte.percival@shropshire.gov.uk
Dan Steele
Senior Development Officer (Early Years and Sufficiency)
Tel: 01743 253913
Email: dan.Steele@shropshire.gov.uk
Admin Team (funding queries):
Beth Parry-Jones, Brydie Porter, Lauren Goodhead & Sarah Jones
Email: NEF@shropshire.gov.uk
|
