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Bulletin 259

23 January 2023

Welcome to our Early Years and Childcare bulletin. Previous bulletins are available at: Cheshire East Early years and Childcare Bulletin

Covid-19

Latest Covid Figures for Cheshire East

The Covid figures are now being updated on a less frequent basis - for the latest figures see the link below.

Business Support

Annual DfE Early Years Census of Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Providers and Children

The annual DfE early years census of private, voluntary and independent (PVI) providers and children takes place on Thursday 19 January 2023. The census collects data on all children taking up free provision during census week (week commencing 16 January 2023).

In addition to the spring term data already submitted for children taking up a free place, PVI providers are required to complete the Early Years Census form which can be found on the ‘Forms’ tab of the Provider Portal. The census form will be available from Monday 16 January.

Any PVI provider that has no funded children at the time of the census does not need to complete the form. Guidance notes for completing Section 3 of the form (numbers of staff and their qualifications) are available on our webpage.

A Privacy Notice for parents explaining how information about their child is used in early years providers is also available on our webpage. Please amend the form as appropriate and make your parents aware of the document.

The census form must be submitted by Friday 27 January 2023.

Help spread awareness of new voter ID rules for May’s local elections

Settings can help spread awareness of the upcoming local elections – and in particular a key message around changes to voter ID requirements in local elections this May.

For the first time, residents in Cheshire East will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections.

Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

To help promote this national information drive, it would be great if settings could use the attached resource (self-print posters in A4 and A3 size) – so the eye-catching posters can be put up in prominent places for parents and carers to see.

The posters signpost eligible voters to find out more details from the Electoral Commission online or via phone, and includes a QR code.

Our press release to support this government information campaign went live 9 January, so it would be helpful if you could include it in any newsletters with a link to our online news item and signposting to the Electoral Commission (EC) website. You can also share/retweet our Facebook and Twitter posts about the new Voter ID requirements.

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

Household Support Fund voucher rollout February 2023

Children and families qualify for the Household Support Fund if they are in receipt of early years pupil premium (EYPP) or two-year funding.

The next voucher rollout is planned at the beginning of February, allowing settings time to distribute the vouchers to eligible families before the February half term break.

To ensure all eligible families are identified, please add parent details to the Provider Portal enabling EYPP eligibility checks to take place as soon as possible. Please tick the consent box on the Portal to confirm that you have the parent’s permission for the eligibility check to be completed.

Thank you for your support.

Ofsted

Ofsted Early Years Blog

Don't forget to keep up to date with Ofsted's early years blog. You’ll be able to read about developments specifically in the early years sector here. Ofsted will use this platform to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of education and care in children’s early years.

EYFS Learning and Development

World Book Day Tokens

Apply for support from the Department for Education Childminder Mentor programme

The Department for Education (DfE) is offering a programme of support for childminders across England, from May 2023 until July 2024. The Childminder mentor programme is focused on supporting childminders to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the youngest and most disadvantaged children.

By joining this programme, you will receive support from experienced early years practitioners who have at least three years' experience as a childminder or supporting childminders, in the roles of Area Lead and Mentor.

The support is free and available across England.

You will also have the opportunity to network with other childminders in your area who are part of the programme and also the Department for education, local authorities and other early years providers.

To be eligible to receive support from the DfE Childminder Mentor programme, childminders must currently be providing childcare to children aged between 0-5 (to at least one child).

If you are interested in receiving support, please see the link below and register by 17 February 2023.

SEND

Early Years SEN

To keep yourself up to date with current processes follow the link below to SEN and disability in the early years (cheshireeast.gov.uk). The information for SENCOs document includes key Spring Term deadlines.

Parenting Journey

Continuous Professional Development

Early Years Professional Development Programme places are now available for February 2023

The Early Years Professional Development Programme is now accepting applications for the latest phase of the training, beginning in February 2023. We are pleased to confirm that the recruitment window to apply for a place on Cohort 1 has been extended to Wednesday 25^th January.

The flexible study programme offers a high quality continuing professional development (CPD) programme across England and is facilitated through online self-study and regular facilitated webinars. The programme provides support for practitioners to:

• improve skills to support children’s communication and language development
• provide an understanding of the theory of child development in early mathematics
• develop skills to support children’s self-confidence, relationships, and self-awareness through expertly developed personal, social and emotional development training
• improve engagement with parents and carers to support the home learning environment

At the end of each module, practitioners will receive mentoring support from their programme trainer to discuss how they will implement and embed what they have learnt.

The training is designed for childminders and early years practitioners, qualified to Level 3 or above, who regularly work with disadvantaged children aged 2 to 4 (eligibility criteria applies).

To find more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the website. Early years practitioners should discuss with their line managers before applying.

Training for 2 year old practitioners

Don’t miss out on our training and support for your practitioners who work with 2 year olds. 

Book your place now by logging onto the Online Shop below.

Launching the Cheshire East Hub for Early Years   

This month we are launching our new training courses and consultations online shop – the Cheshire East Hub for Early Years – which is replacing the existing Early Years online shop. By the end of February 2023 every Cheshire East childcare provider will have received an invitation to register on the new shop. Training courses and consultations being delivered in January and February 2023 will be available to book on the current shop however training courses and consultations being delivered from 1^st March 2023 onwards will be available only on the new shop and so it is imperative that you complete the simple registration process as soon as possible in order to be able to book places on any sessions you are interested in.

Please keep a look out in your inbox for your invitation to sign up. Email us at earlyyearsandchildcareteam@cheshireeast.gov.uk if you have any queries, need any help with registering or do not receive your invitation to register by 28^th February 2023.

Spring Term Training

Please keep checking the Online Shop as new training and CPD opportunities for the Spring term are being advertised all the time covering a range of topics including Communication and Language, SEND, Safeguarding, 2 year old provision, Early Literacy, Behaviour, Emotional Wellbeing. Our January CPD offer includes:

Session 4 of our Leadership and Management Programme, 25-Jan-23 9.30-11.30am - Teams

During this session for PSED Champions Dr Julian Grenier will discuss embedding the 7 key features of effective practice, recognising the importance of PSE development, attachment and the role of the key person, self-regulation and the importance of leading by example.

Standing in the shoes of a two year old, 25^th Jan and 1^st Feb 23, 1.30-3.30pm or 6.30-8.30pm -Teams

This two part training is suitable for all practitioners who work with two year olds and will provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to work with this age group.  Session 1 ‘Getting to know me’ will cover attachments, supporting separations, keyperson and how I like to learn.  Session 2 ‘Building an environment that is right for me’, looks closely at the physical and emotional environment for twos.

WellComm, 26-Jan-23, 9.30am - 3pm - Oak Tree Children Centre, Crewe

During this full day session there will be opportunities to discuss communication and examine the rationale behind using WellComm to screen, track and monitor individual children. You will receive practical support on how to use and how to integrate WellComm activities into daily best practice within the setting and to discuss the practicalities of setting up targeted groups.

Understanding the EIF, 26-Jan-23, 3.30pm to 5.30pm - Teams

This two hour session will give an opportunity to consider Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework. The curriculum is discussed and consideration is given to how to integrate Intent, Implementation and Impact in to your setting. The Learning Walk is unpicked and Ofsted’s ‘Golden Thread’ is looked at in more detail and is made relatable to you and your provision.

Delivering Small Groups Language Interventions, 31-Jan-23, 9.30am-12pm – Teams

An opportunity to explore ways to set up small groups focussing on the development of attention and listening skills as well as language skills and vocabulary. You will also learn more about how to identify children for the groups as well as sharing thoughts and ideas around using a total communication approach to support children to engage with the activities.

To get more information or to book places on any of our courses, please log onto the Online Shop

National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)

Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills? The new, Department for Education-funded, National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) will help you develop the knowledge and skills to meet today’s challenges, effectively lead your team and manage your setting, and boost early years development to ensure every child has the best start in life.

The course is free, flexible and designed by sector experts to help professionals across the sector to develop their career.

The deadline to apply to start the free NPQEYL in February is fast approaching. Read the blog to find out how the NPQEYL can benefit you and apply today on GOV.UK.

Don't Forget!

FEEE – Afghan and Ukrainian children

Afghan and Ukrainian children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old living in Cheshire East are entitled to 15 hours early education irrespective of the immigration status of the child or their parent(s). To claim FEEE funding for children from Afghanistan or Ukraine, please add their details to the Provider Portal in the usual way. Should the Provider Portal be closed, please email the FEEE Team (FEEE@cheshireeast.gov.uk) who will update your funding claim.

In addition, please also complete the short form (link below), enabling the authority to monitor take-up of the free entitlement.  Please complete this form each time an Afghan or Ukrainian child starts or leaves your setting. If any Afghan or Ukrainian children currently attend your setting, please retrospectively complete this form and continue to use the form as you have any new starters or leavers.

https://forms.office.com/r/RN5KbkKrzL