Month: November 2023

This year, the Childhood Bereavement Networks theme is ‘The Shape of Your Support’. They are focusing on the people around a bereaved child or young person (beyond their friends or family) that can be there to support them through their grief. 

The EYPDP programme is an exciting opportunity for early years practitioners to improve their understanding and skills in supporting the development of the most disadvantaged children between the ages of 2 and 4. Also information on the Childminder Mentor Programme.

Action for Children are offering a selection of webinars and online events including digital drop in session for male carers.

Congratulations to one of our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme providers for winning ‘Best HAF Provider’ at the national Out of School Club Awards! 

At the end of October the Early Years and Childcare Service said a fond farewell to Pat Harrett as she retired from her role as an EYCA after 15 years with the service. You can apply for the Early Years and Childcare Adviser role on the Devon Jobs website.

As previously communicated, we ran a monthly payments trial with a small number of providers in the Autumn term. This has proved successful so we will be implementing monthly payments for all funded providers from Spring term 2024.  

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

The application facility opens on 15th November 2023 and closes at midnight on 15th January 2024. It is important that parents apply before the closing date. Please promote with the families you work with.

Every year we send an email to providers with the consultation on school admission arrangements. It is your opportunity to see what is proposed to change and for you to tell us your views. 

Useful information about how to look after a child who has a cough. Please share with parents / carers.