New Statutory Guidance for Early Education Funding - DfE FAQs
The DfE has now issued a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document, following the recent communication about changes to the Statutory Guidance for Early Education Funding, which will come into effect from 1 April 2025.
This document should support providers’ understanding of any updates that may affect your provision. Please note that this is a DfE document and we are currently working with our legal teams to understand and influence our own Provider Agreement.
We will continue to update providers following any communications from the DfE and any progress on updates to the SCC provider agreement.
Click the link below to view the DfE Frequently Asked Questions.
Finance news
For those on monthly payments, the third payment for the Spring Term will be made next week (week ending 21 March 2025).
For those on the 75% up front model, the Spring Actual payment will be made that week – statements have already been issued on the Portal.
A reminder that the payment week dates are changing from the 1 April 2025, so the first payments for the Summer Term will be made week ending 4 April 2025 and those on monthly payments will receive the second payment week ending 2 May 2025 and the third payment week ending 6 June 2025.
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.
Supervised toothbrushing for children to prevent tooth decay
The Government has announced a national supervised toothbrushing programme to be rolled out in early years settings and primary schools, helping children aged between 3 and 5 years old to develop positive brushing habits.
Jason Wong, Chief Dental Officer for England, said: "Toothbrushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste remains one of the best defences against tooth decay and a long list of preventable oral health issues. Having strong healthy teeth can have a hugely positive impact on a child’s life."
You can find helpful guidance on taking care of children’s teeth on the NHS website; and as a reminder to parents, all children have free dental care available through the NHS.
Click the link below to find the DfE's Toolkit to help support supervised toothbrushing programmes in early years settings and schools.
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SSCP is looking for EY DSL volunteers
The Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership is looking for Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads to volunteer to share experiences of the child protection process and arrangements in Staffordshire.
You will meet virtually with Ian Vinall, Independent Scrutineer for approximately one hour on MS Teams.
If this is something that you would like to be part of, email andrea.stanton1@staffordshire.gov.uk by 21 March 2025 and state you are happy for your contact details to be shared with Ian. Thank you.
Childcare Choices Partner Communications Toolkit
Childcare Choices have produced a new Partner Communications Toolkit.
From the Provider guidance and resources page you can access information for childcare providers which includes schemes, guidance and resources to share with parents about 15 and 30 hours childcare, Universal Credit childcare and Tax Free childcare.
From here, you can also download a 'Partner communications Toolkit' containing templates and resources to help you raise awareness with parents of the financial support available for childcare costs and the benefit of early education.
The 'Campaign Creatives' page allows you to share messages with parents through social media. You can use the content on your social media accounts, emails, on your website, or within your setting. These resources are available in a number of languages including Gujarati, Romanian, Ukrainian and Urdu.
Use these resources alongside our existing Early Education and Childcare Toolkit.
Free training opportunities
Early Years Foundation Stage Profile Moderation for Schools
These sessions are to support with the completion of the EYFS Profile 2025 and are aimed at Reception Teachers and EYFS Leaders in Schools.
They will focus on the statutory requirements of the profile as well as highlighting key aspects of the EYFSP Handbook for 2025. They will provide teachers with an opportunity to engage in professional dialogue and moderation conversations to build confidence in making accurate end of year assessment judgements.
Teachers are asked to bring a copy of the EYFSP Handbook 2025. There are a range of face to face and virtual deliveries in April and May, including a session for ECTs and teachers new to EYFS:-
Tuesday 1 April 2025 - 9:15am to 12:15pm at Stafford Family Hub, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ - face to face delivery for ECT teachers, leaders and Reception teachers who are new to EYFS.
Tuesday 1 April 2025 - 1pm to 4pm at Stafford Family Hub, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ- face to face delivery for Reception teachers & leaders in EYFS.
Weds 30 April 2025 - 1:30 to 3pm via MS Teams - virtual delivery for Reception teachers & leaders in EYFS.
Weds 14 May 2025 - 4pm to 5:30pm via MS Teams - virtual delivery for Reception teachers & leaders in EYFS.
All places must be booked through the Practitioner Hub. Click the link above on your chosen session to book your place on the EY Practitioner Hub.
Wraparound Inclusive Practice Pathway - an introduction to relational and restorative practice
Places are still available on this face-to-face session, aimed at wraparound care providers. It 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
Places are still available on this online session, aimed at wraparound care providers. It 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.
Boy talk: Gender differences in language learning
This training, written by the speech and language therapy service in the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is aimed at practitioners working with EY children in nurseries, pre-schools, schools and childminders to explore gender differences in language learning. By the end of the session, you will:
- have an increased awareness of the gender differences in brain development and language acquisition,
- develop an understanding of the influencing factors in gender differences in language development,
- be able to consider best practice for supporting boys' language learning in your setting.
Monday 7 April 2025 10:30am to 12pm via MS Teams, or
Tuesday 15 July 2025 10:30am to 12pm 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.
Norovirus resources and toolkit
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated its toolkit with posters and social media materials promoting easy ways to prevent norovirus spreading, like handwashing and staying at home for 48 hours if you get norovirus.
See pages 29 to 36 of the toolkit PDF for a list of available resources. The resources are also available to download via the assets folder.
Foundation Years
Foundation Years provides the latest policy updates, expert guidance and practical resources to support in delivering high-quality early education and childcare.
Sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest news, insights, and opportunities.
Friday 20th June 2025 9:15 to 3:30pm
St George’s Hospital, Stafford, ST16 3SR
Cost: £75 per person including light lunch
An exciting day dedicated to supporting speech, language and communication needs from birth. Featuring guest speakers from BBC Tiny Happy People, National Literacy Trust and MPFT Speech and Language Therapists.
Places are limited. Click the link below to complete the booking form and return to stokespeaksout@mpft.nhs.uk
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