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Ofsted news
New childminder flexibilities from 1 November
The Department for Education (DfE) is introducing new flexibilities for childminders from 1 November 2024 to help more childminders join and stay in the profession. The new flexibilities will:
- Create a new category of childminder (childminder without domestic premises) who work entirely from non-domestic premises
- Increase, from 3 to 4, the total number of people that can work together under a childminder’s registration (including the childminder)
- Give childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises (CODPs) more flexibility, allowing them to spend more time operating outside of domestic premises, such as a community hall or school
- Increase the number of people needed for CODPs to operate from 4 or more, to 5 or more people providing care. Note: CODPs that were registered, or applied to register, before 1 November can continue operating with 4 or more people.
Click the link below to see an overview of the changes and FAQs.
EYFS statutory framework
Ofsted have recently updated both the Childminder and group based EYFS Statutory Frameworks effective from 1 November 2024.
The updated Childminder EYFS framework clarifies that it applies to childminders both with and without, domestic premises. Also that childminders who are registered without domestic premises need to inform parents and carers that they cannot provide any provision from domestic premises (unless they hold a separate domestic premises registration for the specific premises).
The updated EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers clarifies the qualification requirements for staff counting in the level 6 staff:child ratios in EY settings.
EYFS safeguarding consultation response
The consultation on proposed changes to strengthen EYFS safeguarding requirements, ran from 22 April to 17 June 2024.
Based on consultation responses the government will proceed with implementing:
- all of the safeguarding changes that were consulted on, with minor changes to the wording of some for additional clarity
- 2 new changes on whistleblowing and providing employment references
Click the link to view the document providing further detail on each of the safeguarding changes individually, setting out the responses to the consultation and the reasons behind the decisions made.
Updates to Ofsted's enforcement policy
Ofsted's enforcement policy has recently been updated. The policy explains how Ofsted regulate childcare providers and what they may do if a provider is not following the regulations.
Click the link below to see the update to the policy.
Free - EYFS update and network meetings for schools
These face to face sessions are for teachers and practitioners working in nursery and reception classes in schools to stay informed with the latest insights and updates from the Early Years sector. These sessions offer an opportunity to collaborate with other school-based Early Years colleagues to discuss and share practice, and to:-
- Develop a deeper understanding of the latest national updates in Early Years and reflect on their impact on the sector.
- Discuss local developments in early years across Staffordshire.
- Network with other schools and foster a community of knowledge and improvement.
Delegates may attend in a different district to that in which they work.
Parking may be limited at the venues, so allow time for this and be respectful of school surroundings.
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Double District
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Date
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Venue
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Time
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Cannock & Lichfield
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11/11/2024
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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Hill Top, Cannock, WS12 1DE
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4pm to 5.30
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Stafford & South Staffs
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12/11/2024
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Oakridge Primary School, Silvester Way, Stafford, ST17 0PR
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4pm to 5.30
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East Staffs & Tamworth
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18/11/2024
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Dunstall Park Primary, Austen Drive, Tamworth, B78 3BQ
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4pm to 5.30
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Newcastle & Moorlands
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28/11/2024
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Werrington Primary School, Washerwall Lane, Werrington, Staffs ST9 0JU
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4pm to 5.30
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Click the link below to book on any of the four sessions detailed above.
Free training opportunities
1. Safeguarding and welfare workshop-meeting the needs of babies
These sessions, aimed at EY practitioners caring for babies under two years of age working in PVI Nurseries and Pre-Schools, and Childminders, will support understanding of what to consider when creating a safeguarding culture for babies.
Wednesday 6 November 2024 1pm to 2:30pm via MS Teams
Thursday 7 November 2024 7pm to 8:30pm via MS Teams
Thursday 7 November 2024 7pm to 8:30pm via MS Teams
Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
2. Graduated response and how this relates to an Education, Health and Care needs assessment
This 2 part course, aimed at EY settings and SENCOs, will explore the graduated response, including how and when to implement and record the various elements of the graduated response. This includes environmental and practice changes, SMART targets and referrals to other agencies and more. Part 2 will focus on writing effective SMART targets, utilising cycles of Assess, Plan, Do and Review (APDR), how to deliver targeted plans effectively and who is the best person to do this, and how to address barriers and obstacles to implementation.
Delegates will be required to attend both parts of this event. There is an afternoon and an evening option; click your preferred time to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
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3. Working with Separated Parents - practical tips
This session, aimed at frontline staff who work directly with parents, will provide the confidence and skills to work effectively in meeting outcomes for children where their parents are separated. It will:
- Explore the barriers and challenges in working with separated parents and those in conflict.
- Reflect on how we keep children at the centre of our practice
- Increase awareness of tools to work with separated co-parents in conflict
- Increase awareness of the legal context of parental responsibility.
18 November 2024 1pm to 4:30pm via MS Teams
Email children.families.training@staffordshire.gov.uk to book your place giving the delegate name, setting name, email address, name of course and date. (Please do not contact the EEAC team)
Finance news
Finance Consultation
The Finance team consultation closes on 22 October 2024. Providers are asked to submit one vote per setting and the option with the greatest number of votes will be chosen. The outcome will be published w/c 4 November.
This is your opportunity to give your view on whether to move the payment date from the third Friday to the first Friday of each month, starting from 1 April 2025.
Click the link below for more details and to take you to the short questionnaire to cast your vote (it only takes a few seconds).
Easter 2025
The Summer Term funding period covers the period 1 April to 31 August, so settings can claim the first 2 weeks of the summer term before the Easter holidays, and then resume after the break to claim a maximum of 13 weeks funding.
Added to the 11 funded weeks in Spring Term and the 14 funded weeks in Autumn term, this totals 38 weeks funding across the academic year.
If you need any help contact the Finance team on 01785 854009 or email eefportal@staffordshire.gov.uk
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