Year: 2024

The Ofsted contact number has changed to: 0300 123 4666. Please make sure that you amend your Ofsted parent posters as well as any policies and procedures that contain the Ofsted number such as the safeguarding policies.

Childcare providers now have the option to register as childminders without domestic premises, meaning they can work solely from somewhere other than a home, such as a village hall.

We encourage schools and providers wanting to develop wraparound provision with financial support to access the funding as soon as possible. Information on the support available to set up provision including training opportunities and support with recruitment.

In October the Early Years team at the Department for Education asked if any early years and childcare settings could help with developing a new online service to check early years qualifications and give feedback. If you took part please spare a few minutes to complete a feedback form.

We reflect on the Summer HAF programme and look forward to the delivery of the Winter HAF programme which goes live on 25 November.

Places are still available! This in person event is aimed at multi-agency front-line practitioners and team managers who work with children and/or families, particularly those who work with families from conception to 2 years. Dates: Monday 11 November – 9am – 12.30pm and Wednesday 13 November – 1pm – 4.30pm.

Devon’s annual consultation on School Admission Arrangements 2026-27 will be open from 9 November and will close on Friday 10 January 2025. It includes the Education Transport Policy for 2026-29 and the Admissions Relevant Areas for 2027-29.

Are you looking after someone else’s child, or do you know someone who is?

Are you a new early years and childcare provider? Did you know that support is available to help you to advertise your job vacancies?

There will be no Digest next week (w/c 28 October). The Digest will resume after the half term break!