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Good afternoon,
I am getting in touch regarding an upcoming research trial of the Positive Early Childhood Education (PECE) programme, funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and independently evaluated by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).
PECE is a professional development programme that supports early years practitioners to create warm, consistent and responsive environments that promote children’s emotional, behavioural and cognitive self-regulation. The programme combines a self-paced online learning element for educators with coaching support from a trained setting leader, and is designed to fit within everyday nursery practice.
We are currently inviting early years settings across England to take part in the trial. As part of the evaluation, participating settings will either:
- receive the PECE professional development programme and implementation support, or
- continue with their usual practice while contributing to the national evaluation.
We are contacting local authority early years leads to ask whether you would be willing to share this opportunity with nurseries and early years settings in your area, for example through newsletters, networks or direct communications.
Taking part offers settings the opportunity to contribute to important national evidence on supporting young children’s development. Settings allocated to receive the programme will also benefit from access to funded professional development and ongoing implementation support.
If helpful, we have included some suggested copy below that can be adapted for your communications.
Do let me know in case of any questions; settings can also contact the project team directly at EarlyYearsPECEproject@triplep.uk.net to find out more.
Many thanks in advance for your support.
Best wishes, Mari
Opportunity for nurseries to take part in an EEF-funded early years trial
Early years settings are invited to help shape national research on supporting young children’s development by taking part in the evaluation of the Positive Early Childhood Education (PECE) programme. PECE is a professional development programme that helps early years practitioners create warm, consistent and responsive environments that support children’s emotional, behavioural and cognitive self-regulation.
The study is funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and independently evaluated by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). Participation is free and financial contributions are provided to recognise staff involvement.
Day nurseries, pre-schools, nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools may be eligible if they have at least 16 children aged 3-4 attending at least 10 hours per week. Settings must also be able to:
- Nominate a setting manager or senior leader who is based within the setting and can undertake the PECE Coach Role
- Confirm that they are not taking part in another EEF trial involving 3-4 year olds during the same academic year (except the Maths Champions Scale-up programme)
- Confirm that they have not delivered the PECE programme within the last five years, and that they do not currently offer a Triple P parenting programme to parents in their setting.
To find out more, visit https://www.triplep-parenting.uk.net/uk/triple-p/pece-program-eef-trial/ or contact EarlyYearsPECEproject@triplep.uk.net. Likewise, if you are an eligible setting and would like to take part in the trial, you can express your interest here.
By completing this short survey, you can help us to shape and improve the Family Group Decision Making experience for families living in Shropshire.
Even if you have never had any help or support from or involvement with children’s services your views and ideas are important.
Please see poster - https://shropshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/EYCP/Shared%20Documents/General/Poster%20complete%20(1).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=oQNvBK
Barnardo’s Education Community (BEC) is a UK-wide online mental health and wellbeing programme for staff working in, or alongside, education settings supporting babies, children and young people.
Invisible Backpack Package
Every child brings more than we can see. The Invisible Backpack Package helps staff recognise the needs and experiences children carry with them and respond with empathy, structure and consistency.
The Invisible Backpack Package is a one‑day training package for individual schools/settings or individuals working with babies, children and young people (BCYP).
What the training covers:
- Part 1 - Consolidating Understanding
- Why relational approaches matter for BCYP and staff
- The Invisible Backpack metaphor
- The impact of early experiences on behaviour and development
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Part 2 - Approach and Environments, and Part 3 - Strategies and Action Planning
- Case studies and examples from UK schools/settings
- Practical relational approaches, environments and strategies
- Opportunities to reflect upon staff wellbeing
- Reviewing strengths and “even better if…” opportunities
- Creating sustainable whole‑setting change
Outcomes
Participants will leave with:
- A strong understanding of relational approaches.
- An understanding of how the Invisible Backpack metaphor can enable and support conversations about children’s needs and behaviours.
- A deeper knowledge of the research on the impact of early relationships and childhood experiences on BCYP.
- Identified whole setting/school strengths and prioritised focus areas to ensure provision and practice continue to develop and meet pupils’ needs effectively.
Training Options
Train the Trainer
- £495 per individual school/setting
- For leadership teams wishing to cascade the training to their whole staff.
- Includes slides, session plans, facilitator guide, 20 videos, and 26 printable resources.
Individual Professional Development
- For staff working in or alongside education settings who want to develop relational practice (i.e. early years practitioners, primary school staff, SENCOs and inclusion leads, family support workers, early help professionals).
Book your place today and be part of improving outcomes for your whole school/setting and the children, young people and families.
Kind regards,
The BEC Team
Little Poppet’s Nursery is seeking a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to join their friendly, family‑focused team. The role offers the chance to work in a supportive environment committed to high‑quality care and learning.
Full‑time or part‑time positions are available.
For more information or an application pack, please contact Louise or Jenna: 01691 622922 | 07949 411183 | littlepoppets@hotmail.co.uk
To reduce risks, the following guidance has been shared.
- Providers must obtain a reference for any member of staff (including students and volunteers) before they are recruited
- Leaders should follow due diligence and contact the referees by phone to ensure validity.
- Ensure any references are from the applicant’s current employer, training provider or education setting and have been completed by a senior person with appropriate authority.
- Secure a reference from the relevant employer from the last time the applicant worked with children (if not currently working with children). If the applicant has never worked with children, then ensure a reference is from their current employer, training provider or education setting.
- Contact referees to clarify content where information is vague or insufficient information is provided.
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Establish the reason for the applicant leaving their current or most recent post, and ensure any concerns are resolved satisfactorily before appointment is confirmed.
BEST PRACTICE STEPS
- Advertise with safeguarding statements. • Shortlist carefully and verify all details. • Conduct structured interviews with safeguarding questions. • Complete all checks before appointment. • Keep records of checks and training up to date
Help for early years providers : Safer sleep
This guidance has been developed in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust and supports planned updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026.
It includes information on:
- how to provide an appropriate sleep space for babies and children
- safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags, including relevant British Standards
- how to supervise children while they are sleeping
- what to do when babies and children fall asleep while travelling, managing temperature, positioning and the use of comforters
By following this guidance, you can help keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements, while supporting consistent practice across early years settings.
Further information is available through NHS guidance on sudden infant death syndrome and from The Lullaby Trust.
The Early years provider agreement is now live.
The Department for Education (DfE) have asked us to put a provider agreement in place; this is a statutory requirement for all local authorities and is essential that we have this in place between us the local authority and all childcare providers. The agreement itself encompasses the already published statutory guidance from the DfE, with some more further detail in relation to Shropshire.
The DfE have given us very clear instruction. Providers must sign and agree the terms and conditions set out within the document. Failure to do so will mean we cannot pass on funded entitlements to settings.
Please can you ensure you review and sign by Monday 8th June at 3pm.
If you have not received an email asking you to sign the document, please reach out to Dan.Steele@shropshire.gov.uk
Name of Employer: Little Grubs Kindergarten
Job Title: Early Years Practitioner L2 / Educator L3
Closing Date: 22nd May 2026
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Location: Bromfield, Ludlow, Shropshire
Set Hours Required: Thursday and Fridays 8.15 am to 4.15 pm during term-time.
Contract Type: Fixed Term / Part Time (from 1
st September 2026 to 31st March 2027).
Benefits (post probation)
• Discounted childcare
• Ludlow Farmshop staff discount
We have a fantastic opportunity for the right person to join our friendly, small, motivated, and
caring team, who share a genuine passion for outdoor play and early childhood.
This role is designed to strengthen our team to better support children with emerging and
identified additional needs. You will be part of a collaborative, reflective team, helping to
create an environment where all children can access, engage, and thrive.
We are looking for someone who is warm, responsive, and thoughtful in their approach. You
will be able to tune into children’s interests, cues, and capabilities, supporting them within
the flow of the day through routines, transitions, and shared play, while contributing to
meaningful, inclusive learning experiences within our woodland-based setting.
You will work closely alongside supportive, qualified practitioners, contributing to a calm,
attentive, and responsive environment where every child is valued and understood.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an
enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose
any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
Little Grubs Kindergarten is an equal opportunities employer.
How to Apply: Request an application form email: info@littlegrubskindergarten.co.uk
Visits: We welcome visits to meet the team and see the kindergarten in action on the
following dates: 18th, 19th, 20th May. Please email to book.
Interviews: Wednesday 10th June 2026
Start date: Monday 1
st September and Tuesday 2nd September 2026 – Induction Days
We are encouraging all early years settings to make full use of the Early Talk Boost Tracker to strengthen children’s speech, language and communication skills across the provision.
The Early Talk Boost Tracker is a simple, effective tool that helps practitioners:
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Identify children who may need additional support with early language
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Track progress in key areas such as attention, listening, understanding and speaking
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Utilise the targeted support within the Talkboost programme
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Celebrate improvements in children’s confidence and communication
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Strengthen partnerships with parents by sharing clear, meaningful information about progress
Using the tracker consistently across the setting ensures that all children benefit from high‑quality language‑rich experiences, and that any emerging needs are identified early.
If you would like support in implementing Early Talk Boost or using the tracker effectively, please get in touch with the Early Years team.
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9th June 2026
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Babyroom - Opening the doors on our babyrooms - valuing and sharing the learning that happens
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10-11am
OR
6.30-7.30pm
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Online
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All
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https://www.eventbr ite.com/e/19853617 91563? aff=oddtdtcreator
https://www.eventbr ite.com/e/19853620 30277? aff=oddtdtcreator
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10th June 2026
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Communication and Language: Building emotional connection to language
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9.30-10.30am
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Online
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All
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https://lp.constantco ntactpages.com/ev/ reg/2a8h9vu
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12th June 2026
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Nurture Networks (SEND) Session 2
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10am - 12pm
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Online
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All
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https://forms.gle/LT qoBwqckZcjFYjK6
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22nd June 2026
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Outdoor Network The Physical Path to Literacy: Outdoor learning, physical development, and writing.
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5.30-6.30pm
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Online
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All
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https://lp.constantco ntactpages.com/ev/ reg/sqfj6pa
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Our Neurodiversity Practitioners can work alongside Early Years settings to support inclusive, neuro-affirming practice for all children. We aim to empower practitioners with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies needed to meet the diverse needs of children, including those who may be neurodivergent.
We offer guidance, coaching and training to help settings create environments where every child can thrive. Our approach focuses on understanding each child’s strengths, differences and individual ways of engaging with the world, rather than relying on a deficit-based model.
This academic year, we have been delivering the Early Years Good Autism Practice (GAP) Training, part of the National Education Network (NEN) (formerly the Autism Education Trust – AET). This training supports practitioners to develop their confidence in recognising and responding to the needs of autistic children and those with related needs.
As part of our offer, we can:
- Provide advice and support for inclusive practice
- Help adapt environments and routines to better meet children’s needs
- Support practitioners to reflect on and develop their provision
- Signpost to additional services where appropriate
We are keen to work in partnership with Early Years settings to build inclusive practice and ensure that all children feel understood, supported and able to flourish.
For more information, our brochure, ‘About Us’ flyer and referral forms, visit us at Shropshire Learning Gateway – NDPs Neurodiversity Practitioners | Shropshire Learning Gateway.
The first Childminder Q&A Session is happening on 20th May 2026 6-6.30pm. This will be an opportunity for childminders to come together, gain the latest updates from the Early Years team, and connect with other professionals working in the same field. This supportive, informal session will give you the chance to ask questions, share experiences, exchange ideas, and build a strong network with colleagues who understand the nature of childminding. Whether you’re newly registered or experienced, this is a valuable space to feel informed, connected and part of a wider professional community.
This event is on teams - please book via the link below.
We look forward to seeing you there,
Sarah and Laurie
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7e2725b6-d1b1-4a25-9421-65da09916afa@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
As an Early Years Team we are currently reviewing our CPD offer and we would appreciate your input. Please find below a link to a microsoft forms.
Early Years Settings and Providers in Shropshire – Fill in form
There are times when we may all need some additional help or support about something that is new or hard, the Early help teams across Shropshire offer coffee and chat sessions for anyone to attend. Here are details of the hubs taking place in the north of Shropshire over the next few weeks. Please share with families and staff.
SSCP Learning from Two Tragic Deaths in Shropshire
Learning from Two Tragic Deaths in Shropshire Families Webinars
Register now to secure your place and be part of this important discussion on safeguarding practices
Joint Training Multi-agency Training
Training opportunities for anyone working with or supporting children, young people or their families in Shropshire local authority area
Course schedule | Shropshire Council
Safer Sleep Guidance
Help for early years providers : Safer sleep has been developed in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust and supports planned updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026.
It includes information on:
- how to provide an appropriate sleep space for babies and children
- safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags, including relevant British Standards
- how to supervise children while they are sleeping
- what to do when babies and children fall asleep while travelling, managing temperature, positioning and the use of comforters
By following this guidance, you can help keep children safe and meet EYFS requirements, while supporting consistent practice across early years settings.
Further information is available through NHS guidance on sudden infant death syndrome and from The Lullaby Trust.
UKHSA advice for Early Years settings and recently vaccinated children
The Department for Education and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have become aware that some early education settings are temporarily excluding children who have recently been vaccinated, even if they feel well enough to attend. This statement from a UKHSA health protection expert explains why such policies are unnecessary and can have serious unintended consequences for children and the early years settings they attend.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
“Vaccinations are vital for protecting children against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. With measles outbreaks occurring in areas of the UK, it's more important than ever that children receive their routine immunisations on schedule.
While some children may experience mild side effects after vaccination, there is absolutely no medical reason to exclude a vaccinated child from a setting if they are feeling well. This practice could potentially discourage parents from getting their children vaccinated and therefore increase the risk of having outbreaks in nurseries and schools.
All medicines can cause side effects, but global health authorities agree that immunisation is the safest way to protect children's health. If a parent or carer feels their child is well enough to attend nursery or school after vaccination, they should be welcomed as normal.
There is no reason to exclude children who have been recently vaccinated as vaccine viruses cannot spread to others.
By supporting childhood vaccination and maintaining inclusive and evidence-led policies, early years and education settings play a crucial role in protecting not just individual children, but entire communities from preventable diseases.”
RSV maternal vaccine cuts baby hospital admissions by up to 85%
A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) study, Maternal RSV vaccination and reduced risk of hospitalisation for babies in England 2024/25, clearly shows the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme is providing over 80% protection for newborn infants. RSV can cause life-threatening chest infections for babies. Getting vaccinated in week 28 of pregnancy or soon after gives excellent protection to both term and preterm babies when they are tiny and most vulnerable to severe RSV. There are a range of materials to help organisations communicate the benefits of the maternal vaccine programme, including the RSV vaccine, on the Campaign Resource Centre.
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.:
Laurie Johnson: Laurie.Johnson@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.
Sarah Kynaston
Senior Education Quality Adviser (Early Years and Safeguarding)
Education Improvement Service
Tel: 01743 251298
Email: Sarah.Kynaston@shropshire.gov.uk
Laurie Jones
Quality Improvement & Learning Co-ordinator
Education Improvement Service
Tel: 01743 250626
Email: Laurie.Johnson@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
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