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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Friday 1 May 2020
As we approach the end of another busy week we continue to thank you for going the extra mile to support children and families. We understand that it can be extremely challenging at times but it is so positive that through your hard work there are still sufficient childcare places available for those most in need. Over the weekend please take some time out to exercise, get some fresh air, cook your favourite meal or maybe just sit and do nothing.
Reminder
The next DfE data capture for the numbers of children currently accessing early years provision is today. Please use this link to complete your return. The survey will close at midnight.
Celebrating your fantastic work (part 3)
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Findon Valley Free Church Pre School have been holding online video meetings three times a week for any children in the setting who would like to join. They have had about five children joining each time and have been really successful. Beth, the manager, has also been reading stories and singing songs on a YouTube channel for the children to watch with their parents.
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Goring Little Fishes are currently open and supporting several children who would normally attend a different setting. For children not currently attending, they have also have handpicked and delivered toys for each individual child, designed to challenge or interest them at their own appropriate stage of learning. They have made sure that the children aren't missing out on one of their favourite annual activities on the cycle of life and have sent home caterpillars for all the children to grow their own butterflies!
- One of the Mid Sussex day nurseries are videoing their usual show round for prospective new parents and sharing via their website as they are still getting enquiries but are not able to show new families around.
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St Margaret’s School Nursery are recording ‘bucket time’ so that families can continue to do this at home with the children. They are doing ‘hamster time’ so the children know how the nursery hamster is getting on. One of the practitioners has made a video ‘Going on a dog hunt’ based on one of the nursery's favourite books. This has supported parents in accessing Tapestry and sharing the online videos with the children.
We are very aware that many of the children currently attending your setting (or maybe at home right now) are due to start school in September. We'd really like to hear about your good practice of how settings are proactively supporting children get ready for this big step. Please email in any examples of how you are doing this to family.info.service@westsussex.gov.uk and/or share with your EYCA. We genuinely find these stories so uplifting.
A message from West Sussex Libraries
Although library buildings are not currently open, they are still promoting books and stories, just in a different way, and they hope you can share these ideas with your families as a way to find stories and rhymes while they are at home.
West Sussex Libraries website has loads of suggestions for books and reading – click on the red bus to find out more for under 5s.
You can also follow on Facebook @WestSussexLibraries and promote it to your parents. Join the West Sussex Libraries - Family Corner group, where you will find songs and stories for families to watch together. You can also find out about the great things libraries have available for families, all accessible from home for free and some great links for a quick way to find more stories from our favourite authors.
An update on Bookstart packs from West Sussex Libraries
At the moment BookTrust has paused deliveries of the BookStart Treasure packs which are delivered to settings each term, but they will resume later in the year with increased numbers of packs for those who have missed out. If you have any packs in stock, you may use them to benefit those you are in contact with who most need support.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t seen it already, take a look at the BookTrust HomeTime website which has loads of activities, stories and rhymes for pre-school and primary age children and is a really great resource for staff, families and children.
If you have any questions about Bookstart packs please contact kim.tucker@westsussex.gov.uk
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.
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.
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#32 30 April (Briefing re the use of Free Entitlement funding)
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#31 29 April (PM) (updated guidance on use of entitlements funding)
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#30 29 April (AM) (EYFS temporary disapplications; cluster/hub models)
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#29 27 April (Letter Gavin Williamson, Parent resources, slimmed down FAQs)
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#28 24 April (Testing, Letter Secretary of State for Education, Support Finder)
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