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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Monday 27 July 2020

COVID-19 setting update 72 (DfE data reminder, local outbreak control plan)

We hope you were able to find time to get away from the pressures of work over the weekend and are keeping safe and well.  As the amount of information appears to be easing, we will look to reduce the number of these broadcasts to twice a week. Please rest assured that should a priority communication be required, this will be sent out on the days in between so as not to delay any time critical information. More information will be provided on Friday to confirm which days they will be planned for.  Thank you for your ongoing work over the summer period. We know how much many working parents will be relying on the service you provide. 

Reminder

This week's DfE data capture for the numbers of children currently accessing early years provision is now open, and will close at the end of Wednesday (midnight). Please use this link to complete your return.

Local outbreak control plan

West Sussex County Council has now published a Local Outbreak Control Plan  with sections 6.13 and 6.14 being most relevant for early years settings. There is a separate document of Appendices with Appendix 1.3 also relating to the sector. 

Reminder - updating FIS if you open or close

Please inform the Family Information Service if your current operating status changes. Email family.info.service@westsussex.gov.uk and include your setting name, Ofsted URN, the date you intend to close/open, and any changes to your operating hours. If you inform us of re-opening, you will be reinstated on the public list and appear on our website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fis.

If you have not been able to open at this time, you should already have submitted a COVID-19 Recovery Plan and sent a copy by email to the FIS. This is so that we can look at the barriers you have identified and support you to re-open as soon as practicable. If we have not received your plan, you will be contacted by your EYCA to support you further.

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 (Includes links to other relevant Gov.UK guidance) UPDATED
• Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• What parents and carers need to know about nurseries, childminders, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• List of online education resources for home education
• 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
• Safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers
• Guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• COVID-19 FAQs for West Sussex EY settings (Updated 13 July)

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

• #71 (Informing public health of cases, updated guidance on PPE, summer term applications for 30 hours, Hungry Little Minds, research survey, Best Beginnings report)
• #70 (FE funding for Autumn, 2YO FE extended eligibility, updated guidance, support and resources)
• #69 (EYFS reforms)
• #68 (summer contact details, autumn term extended FE, 20/21 EY training brochure, Early Help summer offer)
• #67 15 July (contact details for summer - first two weeks, updates to OOS guidance, September staggered start, children attending more than one setting, number of funded weeks in term, face coverings, planned IT upgrade, diabetes in children, EYFS Forum)
•  

Early Years and Childcare Training and Support

We have a range of online 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:

• View our Early Years Training Brochure
• Contact us: early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk

Upcoming key dates

• 02 Sep - FE Actuals submissions open for Autumn term
• 17 Sep - Autumn Term headcount day (FE)
• 25 Sep - FE Actuals submissions close for Autumn term

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