Cancelled - Provider briefings
In issue 17 (published 17/5/24) we advised of some forthcoming provider briefings regarding the claim process for under 2's which were scheduled to be held on 18 and 19 June.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances we will have to postpone both sessions. We will advise you of the new dates as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.
FREE-EY SENCO training
Tuesday 7 July 2024 6:00-7:30pm via MS Teams
The EY SENCO team will be holding a virtual online workshop for practitioners who are new to the role of SENCO or require a refresher update.
Topics covered in the workshop include referrals to EYSENIS service and how to prepare for a consultant’s visit. It will also provide current information around EY Forum and how to access SEN Inclusion Funding (SENIF).
Click the link below to complete the form; the deadline for registration is Monday 1 July at midday. You will receive the link to the workshop once you have registered your interest.
Update-Expression Of Interest to create childcare
Thank you to all providers that have completed an Expression Of Interest (EOI) to support the expansion of funded entitlement places; and the Wraparound Childcare Programme. We have received an extremely high number of EOIs, which will take time to review.
The projects vary in size, scope, cost and location. We are now reviewing each EOI and will contact providers as soon as possible with further information on potential applications. It is likely that some providers / schools will be invited to apply, some will not be invited, and others may be invited based on whether specific changes could be implemented for the application. Those that are not invited to apply will be able to submit future alternative applications.
Decisions will be made by the early years team based on:
- Meeting the general criteria of the project(s)
- Value for money (cost of LA contribution per place created)
- Sufficiency of childcare – is the provision needed?
- Quality
- Consideration of risk and feasibility of projects
Future timescales cannot be guaranteed as application forms are being devised and legal advice is being obtained to develop funding agreements. Our intention is to be able to issue application forms by the start of July.
If you have any queries, please contact eeac@staffordshire.gov.uk so that your query can be directed to the relevant person.
Tax Free Childcare
HMRC is developing a new IT solution to help parents with primary school-aged children access Tax Free Childcare (TFC). This solution will facilitate a smoother customer journey for parents to pay for wraparound care via cashless payment systems, if schools use them.
This is due to be delivered in September 2024. Further information about the IT solution will follow shortly, but in the meantime:
Schools and childcare providers can click the link below to sign up so they are ready to receive TFC payments directly from parents.
Please share the link below with any eligible parents so that they can use TFC to pay for eligible school-run wraparound childcare.
Changes to the EY Qualifications List (EYQL)
A new post-September 2024 tab has been added to the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL), following the publication of the new Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria, which is effective from September 2024. No qualifications have been removed.
The “Guidance” tab of the EYQL has also be updated with information on what the new tab means. In summary, to count as a full & relevant (F&R) qualification, enabling the holder to count within staff:child ratios at L3 in EY settings:
- Qualifications started on or after 1 September 2024 and before 1 September 2025 must be listed on either the post-Sept 2014 tab or the post-Sept 2024 tab.
- Qualifications started on or after 1 September 2025 must be listed on the post-Sept 2024 tab.
Click the link below to take you to the updated EY Qualifications List.
Safeguarding training
FREE Graded Care Profile 2 Training (Masterclass) Tuesday 25 June 2024 9:30 – 16:30
To enable front line staff working with children and families in their home environment with the tools and techniques to identify and assess neglect in children through a comprehensive, practical, evidenced-based assessment tool for evaluating levels of parental care. The tool uses a graded scale (1-best 5-worst) to capture levels of physical and emotional care and can be used alongside existing tools.
FREE Learning from Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews–Child I Monday 1 July 2024 9:30 – 12:30
To deliver the most up to date learning, actions, and impact against this CSPR, we have invited Lead Reviewer Allison Sandiford to speak on the background, process and learning within her report and how this developed through the review to the recommendations. To accompany Allison, we also welcome Review Team members on behalf of their agencies to deliver what has changed as a result of this review against the learning identified.
Please check Training costs - Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board before booking onto SSCB training. Click the link below for more details and to book your place on any of the above training.
PVI Manager Network Meetings
Monday 8 July 2024 at 1:00–2.30pm via Microsoft Teams
The manager network has been running termly over the past year and these sessions are becoming well established with settings across the Staffordshire districts. We are aware that some settings in the sector are stand alone and do not necessarily have access to support networks. These sessions are intended not only to deliver updates, but to be a forum to share good practice, share challenges and use collective knowledge and experience to solve problems.
This term we are delighted that Debbie Nash Family Hubs – Continuous Improvement Partner, will be joining us to discuss the Staffordshire Family Hub model.
- Family Hubs are being developed across Staffordshire in response to a number of challenges that affect the provision of support for children and families.
- It can be confusing and difficult for families, professionals, and partners to know who to contact or what support is available to access. This can result in spending too long getting to the right help and support to meet their needs.
- Staffordshire’s Family Hub Model will deliver support to families with children 0-19 (25 with SEND) of which the EY sector is a key partner.
- We have an existing network of 13 Family Hubs across the 8 districts. Family Hubs provide the opportunity to build on local community assets working with other partners to achieve a broader network of Early Help Support.
- Come and find out more about your local Family Hub, the support available and how you can contribute.
Click the link below to book your place. Registrations close at midday on 6 July.
EYFS update & network meetings for schools
SCC are offering funded termly EYFS network meetings for schools in each double district across Staffordshire. We appreciate that each double district covers a large area therefore the venue will vary each term to ensure a fair and balanced approach across each double district.
In the first instance places are offered one per school. However, please indicate on the booking form if you would like to request a second place and wish to be added to a waiting list. In the week before delivery, if there are sufficient places, you will be contacted with the offer of a second place.
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Double District
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Date
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Summer Venue
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Address
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Time
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Stafford & South Staffs
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24/06/2024
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Oakridge Primary School
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Silvester Way Stafford, ST17 0PR
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4:00-5.30pm
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Cannock & Lichfield
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25/06/2024
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St Luke’s C.E. Primary School
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New Penkridge Rd, Cannock, WS11 1HN
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4:00-5.30pm
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East Staffs & Tamworth
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26/06/2024
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Rykneld Primary School
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Main Street, Branston, Burton on Trent, DE14 3EX
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4:00-5.30pm
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Newcastle & Moorlands
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08/07/2024
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Merryfields School
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Hoon Avenue, Newcastle, ST5 9NY
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4:00-5.30pm
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Please note parking may be limited at the venues, therefore please allow time for this and be respectful of school surroundings, thank you.
Click the link below to complete the booking form.
Childminder Network Meeting
Thursday 20 June 2024 7:00-8:30pm via MS Teams
Agenda
- Family Hubs – Family Hub Manager guest speaker
- Role of the District EPDO - guest speaker
- Safeguarding and EYFS updates
- Conferences and training
- Sharing good practice
Click the link below to book your place.
If you would like anything adding to the agenda or would like to suggest a topic to be discussed at the Autumn Network meetings please email EYQSST@staffordshire.gov.uk
Survey-Alternative Provision
SCC are developing an Alternative Provision strategy and are keen to hear your views. This includes your experiences to date and what is important for the future, to help us meet the needs of children and young people.
We want to hear from settings, practitioners, parents/carers and children and young people.
Click the link below to complete the survey which closes at 23:59 today Friday 14 June.
Contact heather.bates@staffordshire.gov.uk if you have any queries about completing the survey.
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