Finance news
A reminder that the Summer Forecast task is currently open and closes on Wednesday 12 March 2025.
It is important to complete this in full so that your payments are not affected.
For any queries contact the Finance Team on 01785 854009 or email eefportal@staffordshire.gov.uk, quoting your provider portal ID.
Click the link below for a full list of task and payment dates to 2026.
An update from EY SENIS
As settings will be aware, there is a cut off date for school starter requests for EY SENIS support each year. This year, this will be 31 March 2025.
For any children who join your setting after the 31 March 2025 with a planned school start date of September 2025, please access the EY SENIS helpline for support.
The EY SENIS team continue to receive a high volume of requests for support and will be using a priority system to manage this.
To request a helpline call back:
- Email: EYSENIS@staffordshire.gov.uk
- Type the words ‘Tuesday helpline’ in the email subject
- Include a brief summary of your query and contact details including a contact phone number in the email
You can email at any time, requests are collated for the next helpline date. Each Tuesday, a member of the team will operate the helpline. If Tuesdays are not a suitable time to call back, please note this in your email and we will try to accommodate your request.
To make a request for consultation, download the request form on Staffordshire Connects | EY SENIS Team. Instructions and guidance are included on the form.
Please note - the EYSENIS team do not have a direct phone number. They can be contacted by email: EYSENIS@staffordshire.gov.uk.
EY qualifications achieved in the UK
The DfE have recently updated details on their checklist of EY qualifications achieved in the UK that meet criteria for counting in the EYFS framework staff:child ratios:
- all full and relevant qualifications accepted by the DfE to work in an early years setting
- common qualifications that are not accepted
For information on non-UK qualifications, refer to the early years qualifications achieved outside the UK guidance.
Experience-based route for EY staff
This guidance has recently been updated and outlines the recommended approach for EY providers who are interested in carrying out the experience-based route for staff in their setting.
This route allows for suitable and experienced staff, who do not hold full and relevant qualifications, to be included in the staff:child ratios at level 3 following a period of supervised practice.
This guidance is for:
- registered early years providers required to comply with the EYFS
- EY provider and premises managers
- EY staff
- school leaders, school staff and governing bodies in schools providing EY provision.
Free training opportunities
Effective practice for under 2 year olds workshop
There are still places remaining on this virtual session, aimed at practitioners working in settings who provide childcare places for children aged 0-2 years. It will focus on high quality practice, environments to enable the development of the age group, and encourage practitioners to reflect on their own development to feel fully equipped to meet the needs of the babies in their care.
- Weds 12 March 2025 10am to 11:30am via MS Teams, or
- Weds 12 March 2025 4pm to 5:30pm via MS Teams, or
- Tues 1 April 2025 6pm to 7:30pm via MS Teams.
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Childminder Network meeting
The termly network meetings, aimed at Childminders and Childminding Assistants, will provide an opportunity for regular dialogue and collaboration with other Childminders to share good practice, discuss concerns and possible solutions to current issues and contribute to a shared agenda.
Wednesday 19 March 2025 6:30pm to 7:45pm via MS Teams Guest speaker - Early Years Ofsted Inspector
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Wraparound Inclusive Practice Pathway - an introduction to relational and restorative practice
This face-to-face session, aimed at wraparound care providers, will introduce the principles of RRP and how these can be practically applied in settings. Sociological and psychological theories that will be explored include: social discipline window, social capital theory, shame, window of tolerance, restorative enquiry and effective statements.
Monday 24 March 2025 10:30 to 2pm
Trentham Room, Staffordshire Place 1, Tipping Street, Stafford ST16 2DH
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Email WRAPTraining@staffordshire.gov.uk with any enquiries on wraparound courses.
Wraparound Inclusive Practice Pathway - raising the attainment of our disadvantaged youngsters (RADY) and wraparound care
This online session, aimed at wraparound care providers, will encourage consideration of the untapped potential of our disadvantaged learners and how their work can support better attainment in regular school time. Explore how this can be achieved through target and attainment uplifts and equity in teaching and learning, ensuring the attainment of our disadvantaged learners is a golden thread throughout school policies, and focusing on the proportional representation of our disadvantaged learners in all aspects of school life.
Tuesday 25 March 2025 9am to 11am via MS Teams
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Email WRAPTraining@staffordshire.gov.uk with any enquiries on wraparound courses.
Wraparound Inclusive Practice Pathway - autism and sensory differences
This online session, aimed at wraparound care providers, will explore how individuals with autism may experience sensory difference. Learn about the characteristics and differences in sensory processing for children and young people with autism, and explore how helpful, practical strategies can create sensory friendly environments for all children and young people, not just pupils with autism.
Monday 31 March 2025 6pm to 7:30pm via MS Teams
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link below to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Email WRAPTraining@staffordshire.gov.uk with any enquiries on wraparound courses.
Direct work with children and young people
Staffordshire County Council is pleased to announce a bespoke workshop designed to help practitioners who may complete direct work with children and young people. This training is free and upon completion of an evaluation form, you will also receive a free practitioner toolkit including resources.
The aim of this session is to explore the importance and benefits of direct work. The session will also consider any barriers you may face, particularly when working with children & young people who may be non-verbal, too young to share their wishes or feelings, where there has been trauma or may have special educational needs.
The workshop will share ideas and resources and will offer a space for discussion and reflection. Resources that will be discussed can be used for multiple ages, predominantly up to 16 years old.
Four session dates are available (note: there are 25 spaces available per session allocated on a first come basis)
- 28 April 2025 10am to 2pm
- 7 July 2025 10am to 2pm
- 13 October 2025 10am to 2pm
- 26 January 2026 10am to 2pm
Click the link below to complete the form to book a place on your chosen date.
Climate Action Plan
As part of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy , all education settings are expected to have a climate action plan in place by 2025.
In the face of increasing climate challenges, the role of early years education in creating a sustainable future is crucial, with the values and behaviours children develop during their early years having a lasting impact towards environmental responsibility and a greener future.
Support is available through the DfE's sustainability programme:
Free resources from the Natasha Allergy Foundation
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has launched Allergy School, offering free resources to support staff in creating inclusive and safe environments for children with food allergies.
Settings may wish to utilise such resources alongside fulfilling their statutory duties to manage allergy risks in early years settings.
Allergy School offers free, practical resources to help create inclusive and safe environments for children with food allergies. These resources empower educators to protect every child and foster confidence and understanding among pupils, ensuring those with food allergies feel supported.
Click the link below to access free films, lesson plans, assembly packs, self-assessment checklist, first aid advice and more.
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