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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Tuesday 4 August 2020
Reminder - this week's DfE data capture
This week's DfE data capture for the numbers of children currently accessing early years provision is open now, and will close at the end of Wednesday (midnight). Please use this link to complete your return.
Online Provider Portal (OPP) error when accessing using Chrome
We have been made aware that some users using the Google Chrome browser are receiving a security warning when attempting to access the OPP. The message appears as below, but may vary depending on your browser version.
 We have raised the issue with our IT Team and are awaiting confirmation of how to fix the issue. In the meantime you may wish to try using a different web browser to attempt to log into the portal.
We are also aware that parents who are trying to apply for 2YO Free Entitlement are also experiencing this message. Please direct any families who are having difficulties with the application process to contact us via free.childcare@westsussex.gov.uk or on 01243 777807 and we will explore alternative application methods.
Please look out for further information about this issue in a future broadcast.
Guidance: Nursery and early years sector: COVID-19 restrictions and consumer law advice
In an open letter to the Early Years sector mentioned in last week’s broadcast (#73 29 July) the Competitions and Marketing Authority (CMA) were seeking to help you understand how consumer protection law applies to the arrangements you have with your consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of providers ensuring their contracts meet the requirements of consumer law and that they recognise consumers’ rights in the current situation.
If parent/carers have concerns about any unreasonable costs incurred that are outside of the West Sussex County Council’s Free Entitlement for 2, 3 and 4 Year Olds funding scheme, we will encourage parents to raise and discuss this in the first instance with their early years provider. The best route for support for parent/carers is through the Citizens Advice Helpline.
Early Years providers can access further information via the Business Companion and Gov UK websites.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term
Published on 31 July, this guidance is for parents and carers of children at:
- registered nurseries and childminders (this includes nurseries, childminders, pre-schools, playgroups and maintained nursery schools)
- primary and secondary schools (including independent schools, maintained schools, academies, free schools, infant schools, junior schools and middle schools)
- further education colleges
Please feel free to promote to parents through your usual communication routes.
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.
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 Thursday update for the following week, 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.
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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#74 (timings for DfE data capture, self-isolation period change, parent and toddler groups)
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#73 (updated guidance, holiday/leave, CMA open letter, EYA blogs, grant for bulky medical equipment, OPP downtime)
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#72 (DfE data reminder, local outbreak control plan)
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#71 (Informing public health of cases, updated guidance on PPE, summer term applications for 30 hours, Hungry Little Minds, research survey, Best Beginnings report)
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#70 (FE funding for Autumn, 2YO FE extended eligibility, updated guidance, support and resources)
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:
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