Month: June 2023

Updates include: ‘International experts highlight the importance of a child’s early years’; ‘International perspectives on early years’; ‘Early years and childcare: Ofsted’s enforcement policy’ and ‘School inspections and industrial action’.

If you are a parent living in Devon and you have a child aged 0-5 years, or you are expecting a baby in the coming months, please answer a few questions about supporting your child’s communication development.

A fully funded course on the importance of play, This course is open to all early years practitioners who work in the out of school sector i.e.; breakfast club, after school club, holiday club and HAF provision. Date: Saturday 8th July 2023, Broadclyst Nr. Exeter.

We would like to congratulate The Ark at Thomas Hall in Exeter and one of our Childminders, based in Exmouth, on achieving ‘Outstanding’ in their recent Ofsted inspection. Well done!

Parents of children aged 5 to 16, who receive benefit-related free school meals, are being invited to take part in a range of exciting activities over the Summer holidays. This is part of the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

As we enter the summer term it is likely that we will see the Met Office advising of heat health warnings. It is important that schools and early years and out of school providers have considered the effects of heat on the health of children and ahead of this to be prepared.

One-to-one support for local businesses, through the ‘Thrive’ programme, overseen by the Heart of the South West Growth Hub and Digital Leadership training for small businesses.

Have you recently taken on responsibility for using the Provider Portal or need a refresher? The Early Years Funding Team will be running virtual training sessions on how to complete your Autumn Headcount and Amendment tasks. Dates running in September 2023.

We would like to congratulate Pink Hippo Day Nursery & Pre-School Limited and one of our Childminders, based near Yelverton, on achieving ‘Outstanding’ in their recent Ofsted inspection. Well done!

New oral health guidance from the Department for Education is now available on the help for early years providers website. Training also available on the importance of good oral health.