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This is the last EEAC Update for 2024, so we wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
The next EEAC Update will be published on Friday 10 January 2025.
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Finance news
We have been having some issues with the Provider Portal and the back-office system used for processing claims and paying Providers; we would like to thank all providers for your patience with this.
Unfortunately, this has meant that we have been unable to issue the Autumn Amendment Task to all providers as previously advertised. This issue is now fixed, but as we are now so close to the Christmas break it is not possible to send out a task and get it completed in time.
The next scheduled task for the Autumn Amendment is 11 to 13 February 2025, which was to have been the final task by request. We will now issue this task to all providers and this will now be open from the 10 to 14 February 2025 (this will be due to be paid as advertised week ending 4 April 2025). We will schedule in a final task by request once this has been processed and statements issued.
If, however, you have an amendment to make and cannot wait for this task, then please email the details and we will work with you to get it actioned.
The first task due in the Spring Term is the Spring Actual Task that is due out on the 13 January 2025 and due to close on the 21 January 2025; this is the Early Years Census task. However, we are waiting for some updates to the system for this task and the Census which are not yet available, and it may be that this task will be slightly delayed as it is important to ensure that the system is working properly before it is released. There will be a very small change to the look of this task, and we will look to communicate this before the task is released. There will be no changes to the pay date of this task (Option 1 week ending 21 March 2025 and Option 2 week ending 4 April 2025).
In previous years you have been asked to complete the Early Years Census as the same time as the Spring Actual Headcount. Unfortunately, the Census will not be ready for completion until the end of January, and we will communicate the exact timetable as soon as we are able.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience whilst we work through these changes with our software suppliers.
If you should have any queries, please do not hesitate to email the Finance team on eefportal@staffordshire.gov.uk or phone 01785 854009.
Under 2's speech and language screening tool
We recently introduced the new under 2's screening tool for EY practitioners working with children around the 12 month milestone mark that forms part of the current speech and language pathway to access specialist support.
The screening tool is now available on the EY SENIS webpage. Click the link below to learn more.
Staffordshire SLCN network
Staffordshire County Council and the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT) are pleased to announce the launch of our Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) network.
This is an exciting new way to support speech and language progression in education settings right across the county.
The free network meetings, held on MS Teams, will take place four times a year and will enable professionals to work together to improve educational outcomes by sharing good practice and developing innovative strategies.
Attendees will enjoy interesting and informative discussions, workshops that will offer practical tools and insights, and networking opportunities with peers.
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 29 January 2025, between 2pm and 4pm via MS Teams.
This session will focus on gathering feedback from attendees, to shape the way we run future network meetings.
Upcoming sessions for 2025:
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Thursday 3 April 2025 2pm to 4pm MS Teams
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Tuesday 17 June 2025 2pm to 4pm MS Teams
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Wednesday 1 October 2025 2pm to 4pm MS Teams
To register for your place on the SLCN network via Eventbrite, click the link below.
Early years leadership national professional qualification
This course is for leaders qualified to at least level 3 with a full and relevant qualification who are, or want to be:
- managers of private, voluntary and independent nurseries
- headteachers or leaders of school-based or maintained nurseries
- childminders with leadership responsibilities
- other EYFS leaders, such as reception class teachers or EY co-ordinators
It will help you gain confidence and develop skills in:
- delivering high-quality early education and care
- organisational management and staff development
- giving constructive feedback to parents and carers
- working with children who have additional and special educational needs
- implementing improvements
This course will take 18 months to complete, and involve an average of 1 to 2 hours of study each week involving a mix of self-study and group sessions and include a written assessment.
Click the link below for more details of eligibility, funding and how to apply.
Tops Tips for Teeth resources
 A new and updated set of children’s oral health ‘Top Tips for Teeth’ resources are now available to support those working in EY settings to encourage parents and carers to help teach children good oral health.
The resources aim to raise awareness and provide instruction for good oral hygiene in children aged 0-3, 3+ and pregnant women, and address the impact of poor dental health. Parents and carers can also find new content with tips and advice on the Start for Life website.
A range of free downloadable and orderable resources, that can be used in EY settings are available on the Campaign Resource Centre, including:
Free - Digital technologies in EY settings: what does 'good' look like?
As soon as most babies are born in the UK, they are surrounded by digital media, and from an early age they are interacting with this in a wide range of ways. Digital media has much to offer both children and EY settings when the underpinning principle for its use is supporting children’s development – so how can we ensure that this is the case across all EY provision?
The Early Years Alliance are hosting a free online event discussing the use of digital technologies in EY settings. This will be presented by the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) and will explore:
- How settings can achieve an effective, safe and healthy balance of using technology to support children’s development
- What good practice looks like
- Some of the risks to avoid
- How educators can work effectively with families to help keep children safer online at home
You will also have the opportunity to find out about LGfL's Digital Media and Online Safeguarding Policy Guide and much more.
Click the link below for more details and to book your place on this event, which takes place on 6 February 2025 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Responses to EEAC survey
Thank you to all who took the time to respond to our short survey, which closed on 15 December.
It was reassuring to learn that all respondents found the mix of articles we currently share as useful, and 100% of respondents found the length of the update to be 'just right'.
If you have any ideas for future articles please don't hesitate to let us know by emailing the team on eeac@staffordshire.gov.uk.
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