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 29 May 2020

COVID-19 setting update 46 (confirmation of next phase of recovery strategy, testing for under 5's, new guidance for children with SEND, new Neglect Strategy)

Well here we are at the end of another week, that would have been half-term. We continue to thank you for all your ongoing hard work whilst also trying to manage personal and family circumstances. We know this is not always easy so we hope that you are able to take some time this weekend for yourselves and loved ones, wherever you are able to. 

Confirmation of next phase of COVID-19 recovery strategy

Many of you will have watched the Prime Minister announce yesterday 28 May, that the government's five key tests for easing restrictions in England have been met. This enables more children to be welcomed back (if possible) to early years and childcare settings from Monday 1 June. 

Testing for under 5's

Testing has now been extended to children under 5 years old in England who have symptoms of coronavirus. Children aged 11 or under cannot do the swab themselves so their parent or guardian will have to swab test them. You can find out more here about how to get tested. 

New Government guidance for children with SEND

For children with SEND returning to your setting, please use this guidance to support you in your planning. The guidance includes information about updating your risk assessments, planning a phased return and some FAQs.

Safeguarding and the new Neglect Strategy

As more children begin to return to their early years provider, you may become aware of children or families for whom there are new or ongoing safeguarding concerns. Please ensure that you are vigilant and follow your usual safeguarding procedures to ensure families get the support they need and children are kept safe. Information to support you, including the updated Neglect Strategy can be found on the West Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership website.

We have a range of training available for you to access for your staff to ensure they have the most up to date information to support them in their role. Settings can access online safeguarding training for £10 per person. There is a suite of Safeguarding training available from September which can be booked through the Learning and Development Gateway. This is currently planned as face to face sessions although we are exploring the option of running webinars to enable more people to attend while maintaining social distancing.

You can access our training brochure for more details of courses, or if you would like to contact us about training, please email early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk

While we can't hug

Here is a lovely video to help explain to children ways in which they can show they love their friends even though they can't give them a hug.

Reminder - data capture survey required weekly

All providers please complete a short online survey, once a week. The link to the survey is different each time. A link will be provided in each Monday broadcast, and the survey will be open for three full days each week from Monday to Wednesday, closing at midnight on the Wednesday. The latest link to the survey is also available on our website.

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 protective measures 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
• EHCP: guidance on temporary legislative changes
• Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak
• The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
• Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
• Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care
• Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers
• Planning guide for early years and childcare settings

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• COVID-19 FAQs for West Sussex EY settings (Updated 1 May)

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

• #45 27 May (planning for broadening your offer to more children, communicating with parents about re-opening)
• #44 26 May (early years planning guide)
• #43 22 May PM (changes to data capture, updated guidance, access to key work places for EY practitioners, staffing your provision and staff survey)
• #42 20 May (Expansion of testing with new symptom identified, SSP rebate scheme, updated guidance, transcript of speech by Gavin Williamson, EY training)
• #41 18 May (New guidance on safe working, planning to re-open)

Upcoming key dates

• 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