With you, with the child. Every step of the way.

Broadcast for Early Years and childcare providers in West Sussex from West Sussex County Council - Early Help Service

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Wednesday 29 April 2020 (PM)

COVID-19 setting update 31 (updated guidance on the use of early education entitlements funding)

The government has now published its updated guidance (28 April) on the use of early education entitlements funding during COVID-19, as announced on 22 April.

This guidance sets out how, in exceptional circumstances and only when other options have been exhausted, local authorities may use their dedicated schools grant (DSG) funding differently during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is so children of critical workers and vulnerable children who are eligible for the free early education entitlements are able to receive their places.

We can confirm that it is the intention of West Sussex County Council to continue to provide Free Entitlement funding in the normal way to our early years providers.

Should any exceptional circumstances arise, please be assured that we will contact individual providers directly to discuss and agree any funding changes.

We are continuing to work through the government guidance and will provide you with a more detailed response by the end of the week.

Reminder - data capture survey required every Wednesday and Friday

All providers please complete a short online survey, twice a week, every Wednesday and Friday. The link to the survey is different each time. A link will be provided in the morning broadcast on each of the days it is required. Each survey will only be open on the day it is required, and will close at midnight.

Links to COVID-19 guidance on GovUK

• Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak (formerly called Early years and childcare closures)
• Financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
• Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Find coronavirus financial support for your business (Support Finder tool)
• Implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings
• What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
• Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak
• SEND risk assessment guidance
• List of online education resources for home education
• Apply for a key worker coronavirus test
• EYFS: coronavirus disapplications
• Using clusters and hubs to maintain educational provision

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• COVID-19 FAQs for West Sussex EY settings (Updated 27 April)

Support for vulnerable families

If a family you know are struggling to ensure they have food for their family, collect medication, or are in need of any additional support, contact West Sussex County Council Community hub.

Links to our most recent setting updates

• #30 29 April (AM) (EYFS temporary disapplications; cluster/hub models)
• #29 27 April (Letter from Gavin Williamson, Parent resources, slimmed down FAQs)
• #28 24 April (Testing, Letter from Secretary of State for Education, Support Finder)
• #27 23 April (Updated guidance; FE distribution; home learning; time capsules)
• #26 22 April (Summer Term FE Actuals, and celebrating your fantastic work)

Upcoming key dates

• 1 May - Starting School Questionnaire 2020 closes
• 8 May - Bank holiday
• 22 May - Summer Term FE Actuals submissions close
• 15 Jun - Summer Term FE Actuals payments released (week commencing)

Please do NOT reply to this broadcast.

If you have any queries with the broadcast email EarlyHelpCentral@westsussex.gov.uk

Please note that it is the setting's responsibility to forward this broadcast to all staff working within your organisation.

Central Operations Team

Early Help Service | Children's Services | People Services

First Floor, The Grange, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RG
www.westsussex.gov.uk/earlyyearsandchildcare

01243 777807  |  family.info.service@westsussex.gov.uk