A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Shropshire Early Years Conference 2026. It was fantastic to see so many practitioners, leaders, and professionals from across the county coming together to celebrate, share, and strengthen early years practice.

I'm sure you'll agree that our keynote speakers were truly inspirational, leaving us all feeling even more passionate about the vital role of early childhood education. The energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to giving children the best possible start in life was evident throughout the day.

Early Years Rocks!

Presentation slides have now been shared where permissions allow. Please note that not all presentations could be published due to copyright and speaker restrictions.

Thank you for helping make this year's conference such a success. We look forward to seeing you at future events.

Please see the link below to the slides from the Early Years Conference. 

Early Years Conference 2026

Best wishes,

Sarah, Laurie and the wider EY team

The Home Office has recently published interim guidance for frontline practitioners on identifying and responding to non-ideological extreme violence (NIEV), supporting safeguarding and risk management.

This guidance applies where there are NIEV-related concerns, but the person is not considered at risk of becoming involved in, or supporting, terrorism. 

People at risk of becoming involved in or supporting terrorism should continue to be referred to Prevent, even where no clear ideology is identified. Partners should follow Prevent guidance, including the Key Principles of Prevent and the updated Notice, Check, Share process, to inform referrals. 

David Shaw, Director of Children's Services

The dates and submission deadlines for Spring and Summer Term GSP panels can be found here  Graduated Support Pathway | Shropshire Learning Gateway

The current forms are also on this page, please replace any older versions of the paperwork that you have on file with these new ones.

Many thanks

Education Quality Advisors

Last week's Reception Improvement webinar is now available. The recording, Using your GLD Data Tool to Support Reception Improvement, is available to watch:

Using your GLD Data Tool to Support Reception Improvement

Further Reception Improvement resources, future webinar dates, and support for schools can be accessed through the Government's Reception Improvement Offer and via Local Authority Early Years support channels.

The West Mercia Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has commissioned a Serious Violence Needs Assessment and would value some honest views from school Designated Safeguarding Leads, along with opinions from Pupils (year 6 and up).

Attached are two survey links. Please could you complete the Safeguarding Lead survey and pass other survey link to Pupils (simply copy and paste the link). All feedback will be valuable. Click the link to access the survey, then press submit at the end. The survey will remain open until 28th November 2026. Any questions, please contact cheryl.mcdornell@westmercia.police.uk.

Serious Violence Safeguarding Lead Schools - for safeguarding leads

Serious Violence School Pupils - for pupils.

Quality Assurance of Non School Alternative Provision In Person Training, Monday 16th November at the Guildhall, Shrewsbury - Wilfred Owen Room.

Pre-funded training on applying the DfE guidance to quality assure Alternative Provision that schools commission for themselves.

Please register for a place through this link:

Quality Assurance of Non School Alternative Provision In Person Training

Following on from the presentation at our recent Early Years Conference, please take a look at the information attached around the fully-funded training offer for all Early Years practitioners with KCA. Booking is directly with KCA Training and all information is on the attached leaflets. Thank you!

FTT Shropshire EYIS 2026 (1).pdf

No Worries is a practical resource to reduce anxiety in primary and secondary children aged 7-16 years, through fun and experiential learning opportunities. The programme uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and includes 1.5 days training delivered by the Shropshire Council Educational Psychology Service, supported by an accompanying manual.

The training will take place on 20th and 27th January 2027 at Barnabas Community Church in Shrewsbury. The cost is £300 per delegate.

No Worries Booking Form 2027.docx

No Worries flyer 2026-27.pdf

Please see the link to the training brochure for CPD delivered by the Shropshire Neurodiversity Practitioner Service during 2026-27

NDP CPD Training Brochure & Flyers | Shropshire Learning Gateway

As part of the gambling harms prevention levy, Shropshire Council Public Health Team are exploring how harmful gambling affects our residents, particularly children, young people and families.

The Team would be grateful if DSL's could you complete a short (8-10 minutes) practitioner survey no later than the end of the Autumn Term. Your responses will help them understand what you are seeing in practice and awareness of gambling-related harms. Thank you!

Here is the link to the survey:

Shropshire Gambling Harms Stakeholder Survey - October 2026 

Public Health Team Officer contact:
Amanda Cheeseman (amanda.cheeseman@shropshire.gov.uk)

The Public Health Team are exploring how harmful gambling affects our residents, are particularly keen to understand the impact on our CYP and families, who may be more vulnerable and at greater risk.

They would be grateful if schools can complete a short survey (8-10 mins).  This survey is for anyone who works with CYP and their familes. Your responses would help Public Health to understand what you are seeing in practice and your awareness of gambling-related harms.

Survey link: Shropshire Gambling Harms Stakeholder Survey - October 2026 – Fill in form

We would appreciate your support in sharing our SEND Parent Carer Confidence Survey with all parents and carers of children on your school or setting’s SEND register and encouraging them to take part. We have received a positive response so far but would like to hear from more families, particularly those whose children receive SEN Support. Parents and carers who have recently completed the survey do not need to complete it again. Thank you for helping us reach more families and hear their views. The survey closes on 6th December.

Parent Carer Confidence Survey – Fill in form

Shropshire Council is currently carrying out a consultation into our draft Local Transport Plan and we're especially keen to hear the view of young people, families and school communities. If possible, please can you share the below information on your social media channels before the consultation closes on 16 November. Thank you.

Post copy follows:

How could journeys to school or college be better? Safer roads? Better buses? More ways to walk and cycle?

⚠️ We want to hear from young people, families and school communities as part of our Local Transport Plan consultation. Your views can help shape how people travel around Shropshire over the next ten years.

Tell us what would make a difference to your journey. There’s still time to have your say by the 16 November closing date. Just visit our website at Shropshire Local Transport Plan | Get Involved - Shropshire Council Consultation Portal

Shropshire Virtual School's Connect Team is pleased to offer a series of Connect Workshops for adoptive parents, special guardians and kinship carers across Shropshire.

These free workshops provide a welcoming opportunity for families to meet members of the Connect Team, learn more about the support available through Shropshire Virtual School, connect with other parents and carers, and share experiences in a supportive environment.

We know that raising children who have experienced adversity can bring unique rewards and challenges. These sessions are designed to help families feel informed, connected and supported, while providing an opportunity to build relationships with others who understand their experiences.

A range of face-to-face and online sessions are available across the county.

Please help us promote this opportunity by sharing the attached flyer with adoptive parents, special guardians and kinship carers in your school community.

For further information or to book a place, families can follow the details provided on the attached flyer.

Thank you for helping us reach families who may benefit from this support.