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Just a quick reminder that the Interim headcount window for the Spring term is now open on the Portal and will close at midnight on Sunday 15th November.
Please ensure that you only enter your weekly hours totals and not the full termly total. The Actual headcount will then open on Monday 16th November, where you will be able to enter the child level data.
On Friday morning between10-11am we will be offering a Provider Portal drop-in session over Teams, where NEF colleagues will be on hand to answer any headcount related issues/queries that you may currently be experiencing and hopefully will get them resolved to enable you to submit your headcount on time.
The headcount window that is currently open on the Portal is the Spring term Interim, so this will be an ideal time for you to raise any Interim related issues/queries ahead of the submission deadline at the end of this week.
If you are interested in attending the drop-in session, please send your email address to NEF@shropshire.gov.uk and we will send you a Teams invite 
The Parenting Team will be delivering free Understanding Your Child and Understanding Your Child SEND – from toddler to teens - groups from January 2027 (poster attached).
- We are continuing our offer of Understanding Your Child group specifically for parents and carers of children 0-5 years. This group will also focus on the challenges and importance of preparing, when children transition to nursery, school or the next development stage.
All the above groups are 10 weeks (one weekly session) and aim to:
• Promote understanding of children’s behaviour within the context
developmental issues
• Promote the development of parent/child relationship
• Increase confidence and self-esteem in both parents and children
• Give parents a strategy for repair when things go wrong
• Promote reflective, sensitive and effective parenting
We are offering free SLEEP TIGHT and Sleep Tight with SEND groups from January and February 2026 (poster attached) which cover:
• Recognising the role of sleep hygiene to improve sleep
• Identifying causes of sleep issues and appropriate practical strategies to try
• Completing sleep diaries and identifying potential sleep issues
Here are the links to our webpage with further information on free online courses and other offers from the parenting team.
The Parenting Team | Shropshire Council
The Parenting Team | Shropshire Council (Local Offer/SEND)
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
8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas
Gifts from unknown sellers on online marketplaces can come from anywhere in the world and can be dangerous. So, to help you shop safely online this festive season, we’ve highlighted 8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas. Are any of these on your Christmas shopping list?
8 dangerous gifts that could be a nightmare this Christmas
There are still spaces on the following training sessions in November , please follow the link and register if you wish to attend
Childminders DSL Refresher – 14.11.26 - 09:30-12:30 - Childminder DSL refresher training - 14.11.26
DSL refresher - 17.11.26 – 09:30-12:30 - Early Years DSL Refresher - 17.11.26
Safer Recruitment - 19.11.26 - 09:30-12:30 - Early Years Safer Recruitment Training
EY Committee members Safeguarding - 26.11.26 18:15-20:15- Early Years Committee Members Safeguarding and Protecting Children - 26.11.26
The EY SENCO programme includes flexible learning options, childminder-specific content and Saturday morning training sessions. Click on the link for more information.
Thank you to those who were able to join us for the Talking Twi's network. We focussed on how we can support families with the home learning environment. Please see the link to the slides here:
Talking Two's
 
Be sure to book yourself on to the upcoming face to face EY network.
17.11.26 Early Year’s Network
18:30 – 20:30 (Face to Face) Shrewsbury College - Main Hall
Pre-funded
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.
Please see the attached poster for the fully-funded Five to Thrive Training offer available to all!
Five to Thrive - for Childminders
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What Five to Thrive offers Early Years
Five to Thrive supports:
• a shared relational and attachment-aware approach
• confidence in responding to behaviour, distress and dysregulation
• consistent language across staff, settings and services
• reflective, regulated practice for adults working under pressure
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SSCP (Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership) would like to gather some information on how the resolution and escalation procedure works in practice. The procedure can be found here - https://www.shropshiresafeguardingcommunitypartnership.co.uk/media/3pspz1gv/05-escalation-policy-multi-agency-resolution-or-escalation-procedure-for-professionals-disagreements-or-concerns.pdf
This is the procedure to follow when there is a disagreement between agencies as to the appropriate course of action. If you have had the need to use the procedure this academic year, please complete this MS Forms (and for any future times). This will enable the partnership to review the procedure. Thank you.
Level 2/3 (Childcare / HASC or equivalent)
18 hrs per week (Monday & Wednesday) £13.50 per hour
Start Date February 2027 (can be flexible)
Lorraine’s childminding (based in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury) is looking for an enthusiastic friendly and outgoing assistant who has a genuine love for children and enjoys working in a fast-paced exciting childcare environment.
The role involves supporting the care, safety and learning and development of children in line with the EYFS (statutory framework.) Activities include indoor and outdoor play, with emphasis on nature exploration and exciting outdoor learning experiences.
The successful candidate must communicate effectively with parents and colleagues, work well within a small team of 2/3 adults, use their initiative and maintain a positive, flexible and professional approach.
A DBS check and active subscription to the DBS update service are required. Alongside a commitment to ongoing professional development (PPD) including annual safeguarding training and other relevant training as required. A minimum of 2 references will also be needed.
A full driving license and access to a vehicle is desired but not required.
Click here to email Lorraine for more information and details of how to apply.
Shropshire are a part of the Learn and Grow Together Stronger Practice Hub. As a part of this, we can access funded support for Early Years Settings (including Childminders). Please see the leaflet below for more information. The team will be at the upcoming EY conference if you want to find out more!
Childminders DSL Refresher
14.11.26 - 09:30-12:30 - Childminder DSL refresher training - 14.11.26
DSL Refresher
17.11.26 - 09:30 - Early Years DSL Refresher - 17.11.26
Safer Recruitment
19.11.26 - 09:30-12:30 - Early Years Safer Recruitment Training
EY Committee Members Safeguarding
26.11.26 18:15-20:15 - Early Years Committee Members Safeguarding and Protecting Children - 26.11.26
10.11.26 The Togetherness Approach for under 1’s
18:00 – 19:30 (online) https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/189a64a3-746c-4057-8e50-103992d47c14@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
Pre-funded
12.11.26 Childminder’s Q&A
18:00 – 18:30 (Online)
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a661ee5e-6cba-4899-b575-919169a4ee2e@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
Pre-funded
12.11.26 Talking Two’s Cluster
18:00 – 18:30 (online) https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a661ee5e-6cba-4899-b575-919169a4ee2e@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
Pre-funded
17.11.26 Early Year’s Network
18:30 – 20:30 (Face to Face) Shrewsbury College - Main Hall
https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/77ecb7f9-f6d3-4224-a3ee-efa7c0406a32@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
Pre-funded
Assessment Support – Formative Assessment
10.11.26 09:00-11:30 (Face to Face CENTRAL - Guildhall Frankwell - Shrewsbury Room https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/518374e4-bee5-4f35-bbfc-d9471be46f95@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
12.11.26 09:30 – 12:00 (Face to Face SOUTH - Ludlow Mascall Centre) https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c52f1f0f-14d8-4676-93d3-e70a43beda7a@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
13.11.26 09:00-11:30 (Face to Face - NORTH - Oswestry Alliance of Leading Learning Centre - Morda Road ) https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/295e32c7-1ef4-4d2c-a7a5-d57f4002141c@b6c13011-372d-438b-bc82-67e4c7966e89
Pre-funded
Early Help Sessions
Free sessions. You do not need a child to attend the sessions to access support for your family. Safe, comfortable, and informal space to talk. Early Help Family Support workers are available to chat every week.
Early Help November - What's On Newsletter
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.
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 Dairy Dates - 2026-2027 - Monthly Payment
Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
Parent Declaration Form 2026-27
Recruitment:
SEND and Inclusion Newsletter
Shropshire SEND Local Offer
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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