March 2018 - Information for childcare providers

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We would like to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and working with the government and NHS.

For guidance on coronavirus and the latest information for Devon, visit Devon County Council’s coronavirus (COVID-19) advice pages.

Latest Update: Colleges, schools and childcare settings during the national lockdown

Training Bulletin – March 2018

Please see the latest Training Bulletin of training available in Devon: Training Bulletin – March 2018
Update websites

A reminder to all providers to update your webpages please. Our team have spotted several mentions of ‘2gether’ – we are no longer using this term. Please amend to ‘two year old funding’. When following up on unreturned Annual Surveys we also found that some providers telephone numbers were no longer in service, or did Continue reading →
Together, we can tackle child abuse

We are supporting the national child abuse campaign from the Department for Education. Please help us spread the word, through your own social media accounts by downloading and sharing any of these messages. Worried about a child? call 0345 155 1071 or go to the Devon Children and Families Partnership website
New Public Health Nurses Referral Form

Public Health Nurses have a new referral form to refer children to the health visiting and school nursing service: Health Visitor and School Nurse Referral Form – Devon Integrated Children’s Services
Provider Network Meetings (Swimbridge & Bideford) – PowerPoint Presentations

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Provider Network Meetings in Northern Devon. Please see below links to the presentations: Nappy to Potty – practitioners guide 2017 Preparing for the General Data Protection Regulation
Early Years Safeguarding Self Audit

The Early Years and Childcare Service request that all childcare providers complete a safeguarding self audit annually in order to assist with the completion of Section 11 of Children Act 2004. The Safeguarding audit is designed to be a self evaluation tool to support providers ensure that they are meeting the Ofsted and Devon Safeguarding Continue reading →
Childcare voucher scheme extended for six months

Last week the Department for Education announced that they are delaying the closure of childcare vouchers for six months, until October 2018. Speaking in Parliament, Damien Hinds MP said: “I have heard the concerns that have been raised about this and the timing, and I can confirm that we will be able to keep the Continue reading →
Out of School Provision tenders

The Westcountry Schools Trust will be inviting tenders for the supply of services for an Out of School Provision at Yealmpton Primary School starting from September 2018. At Yealmpton Primary School we strive to inspire and challenge our children: achievement and a ‘can do’ attitude are at the heart of the Yealmpton ethos. We recognise Continue reading →
Congratulations to Horizon Childcare – Small Employer of the Year

Congratulations to Lydia and her team at Horizon Childcare for winning ‘Small Employer of the Year’ at Exeter College’s Apprenticeship Awards, for the work they do to support apprentices.
How to become an Ofsted registered nanny, what you need to do and what it costs

You don’t have to register with Ofsted as a nanny, but there are some advantages. For instance, registration means parents may be able to get help paying for childcare. Register as a nanny: quick guide