The West Sussex approach puts the child first. We work with children, families, communities, our partners and schools in a restorative, strength based way. Strong relationships are at the heart of what we do.
Newsletter for Early Years and childcare providers in West Sussex
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Wednesday 18 October 2023
Final reminder - the West Sussex Early Years and Childcare Strategy survey In newsletter #284 we let you know about our survey relating to the development of the West Sussex Early Years and Childcare Strategy. This is a final reminder as the survey closes on Friday 20 October 2023. You can read more about the process and complete the engagement survey on YourVoice.
Setting Support Phone Line – connectivity issues
In newsletter #282 we let you know about the Setting Support Phone Line. We understand there have been some connectivity issues and some settings have been unable to get through to the phone line. We are pleased to inform you these issues have been resolved and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Inclusion/Special Educational Needs Coordinator (INCO/SENCO) Networks 2023
These two hour networks are for INCO/SENCOs in early years settings. They are led by Early Years and Childcare Advisors and are an invaluable opportunity to get up to date information and guidance to support early years settings. Attending a network meeting will also provide you with an opportunity to meet with other INCO/SENCOs to discuss practice and share ideas. The attached flyer outlines the upcoming dates for 2023.
You can book your place via the Learning and Development Gateway and search for the key word "INCO". If you experience any issues, please email early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk.
Flu Immunisation for Early Years Settings including Childminders
Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children. This guide provides information about the programme and how to order free resources to display or give to parents. The UK Health Security Agency have also published a blog post that can be shared with parents and carers of pre-school aged children to encourage uptake of the vaccine.
West Sussex Safeguarding Childrens Partnership (WSSCP) Safeguarding Week 2023
The WSSCP is holding a Safeguarding week from Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December. During this week, there will be a range of one hour briefings on different safeguarding topics. Each session is led by a subject specialist and will give you an understanding of that topic as well as the opportunity to ask any questions. You can find out more and book your place using the Safeguarding Week Event Guide. All events are free and open to anyone working with children and young people in West Sussex.
Early Years Alliance (EYA) Nutrition Support Programme
The EYA's Nutrition Support Programme works to improve the future health outcomes of young children by setting a standard for nutrition practice in early years settings. The programme aims to empower early years providers with the knowledge, training and resources required to ensure children within their settings are offered nutritious food that is appealing. It also seeks to engage children in learning about the importance of a healthy diet at the pivotal age of exploring their independence.
The EYA is celebrating the launch of the Nutrition Support Programme by releasing a free resource pack on nutrition and healthy eating in the early years. It features a range of support and information, including menu advice, guidance on creating healthy habits and a range of food activity ideas. From October 2023, the EYA will also be running a series of free, virtual Connect events on the importance of nutrition in early years settings. You can sign up for these events through the EYA Portal.
The Big Ambition survey
The Children’s Commissioner for England has launched The Big Ambition to hear directly from children, young people, and parents from across the country. They want to hear children and young people's views on schools, communities, family life, and the wider world. They will also be asked what they want for their future, their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
The Big Ambition survey is for all children and young people aged 6, up to 18. Alongside this, parents and other adults can complete the survey on behalf of children and young people aged 0 to 5, to ensure they also hear from early years settings. It is critical that the voice of children from all backgrounds, all settings and every part of the country is heard by policy makers.
You can share The Big Ambition survey with parents/carers in your setting and encourage them to share it with their children or complete it on their behalf. You could also undertake this survey with children in your setting as an activity, as it provides you with a great opportunity to hear the child's voice and supports multiple areas of learning and development. The survey can be completed via the website and is open until Friday 15 December 2023.
Foundation Years online event recording
In newsletter #280 we let you know about the Foundation Years online event where they welcomed East London Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs and Ofsted. A recording of the webinar is now available on Youtube. You can follow Foundation Years social media to keep up to date with the latest announcements and upcoming events.
Learning and Development Gateway booking guidance
We have developed a useful guidance document for you to refer to if you are having trouble logging in or booking a course. If after reading this guidance you still experience difficulties, please email early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk.
Early Years Training
Domestic Abuse - Impact on Children (Webinar) is aimed at anyone working with children, young people and families, who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
The aim of this webinar is to support you in raising your awareness of the impact that domestic abuse can have on children and the potential long-term impact on their future outcomes. You will learn about working directly with children and supporting parents who have experienced domestic abuse. The course will also explore tools and specialist resources for children, young people and their families who are affected by domestic abuse. During the webinar you will be part of a group that will be facilitated by a domestic abuse trainer. This course is free to attend and the key word is "domestic".
- Wednesday 22 November - 9.30am to 2.30pm
Early Years E-Learning courses are available on the Learning and Development Gateway for you or your staff to undertake at any time. This flyer outlines current courses that are available and all course are free to enrol.
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) workshops are aimed at professionals from multiple sectors. It aims to build on skills you already have and to enhance your knowledge, understanding, and confidence. This will support you to have short, simple and focused conversations about health and wellbeing with the people that you work with, when the time is right, within your everyday day interactions. Please read this flyer for more information and upcoming course dates. The key word for these courses is "MECC".
To book log on to the Learning and Development Gateway and search for the relevant course using the corresponding key word or phrase. If you have any questions, please email early.years.training@westsussex.gov.uk.
Please inform the Family Information Service if your setting needs to close or is re-opening. 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.
We would expect you to make contact with your Early Years and Childcare Adviser (EYCA) to talk through your circumstances, where possible, before making the decision to close the setting. If you are not able to make immediate contact with your EYCA then please email your nearest Early Help Hub using the following email addresses:
Where there are not clearly evidenced reasons why the setting had no option to close, there could be implications for funding received as per the government guidance.
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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#287 (Measles and MMR vaccination; Experts and Mentors programme; reminder - West Sussex Early Years and Childcare Strategy survey; advanced warning of downtime; update - childminders start-up grant; Kent Early Years Stronger Practice Hub; Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP); Dingley’s Promise - Special Educational Needs) (govdelivery.com)
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#286 (Changes to raising safeguarding concerns for children; warning - online provider portal downtime; keeping us updated with your staff changes; early years representative for the schools forum; starting school applications; black history month 2023; physical development in early childhood - Early Education blog; early years training; mental health matters in West Sussex)
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#285 (Safeguarding focus - safe sleep guidance; 10 step guide to sharing information to safeguarding children; autumn term 2023 headcount closes this Friday; final reminder - EYFS assessment support survey; committee run provision registration requirements; National Deaf Children's Society - early years networking groups; early help - supporting families networking event; free theraplay workshops; early years training)
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#284 (Right from the Start - Early Years and Childcare Strategy; children's workforce guide to qualifications and training; listening to unheard children report; early help - support available at family hubs; gypsy, traveller, roma, showmen, boater cultural awareness training; ICON week 25 to 29 September; early years training)
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#283 (Inclusive practice in early years settings; Department for Education Covid-19 Recovery Programme; starting school applications; Transition Events 2024; Early Years Foundation Stage Assessment Support survey; final reminder - changes to Ofsted’s post-inspection arrangements; new fire safety legislation; reminder - submit your Termly Provider Update form and Sufficiency information; early years training)
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