Month: September 2026

Following the changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that came into effect in September 2026, the draft safeguarding policies for both early years settings and childminders have been reviewed and updated.

From 1 September 2026, the supervision exemption for regulated activity with children is removed. Find out what this means for your organisation.

Help us celebrate the incredible people and organisations making a difference to children and families across Devon through the Holiday Activities and Food programme. View this year’s shortlisted nominees and cast your vote today. Voting closes on 16 October 2026.

Evolve Music will be starting up a weekly early years SEND musical play group on Thursday 17th September 10.15am – 11.30am at Teignbridge Family Hub, Newton Abbot. This is for any children under 5 with additional needs (either diagnosed, or awaiting diagnosis) and their families.

Have you booked your place yet? This year’s conference explores how we build and sustain meaningful connection across all the places it happens: in the adult–child relationship, through peer play, in partnership with families, and in the everyday routines and experiences that shape children’s sense of safety and identity.

Big Brush Club is a supervised toothbrushing scheme funded by the NHS, being delivered to early years settings across the Southwest. Don’t miss the free online Oral Health webinar running on 15 Sept (6.30pm – 8pm). This is aimed at anyone who supports children.

View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.

Following the September 2026 EYFS safeguarding updates and the launch of the Department for Education’s new Safeguarding Children and Babies in Early Years Settings eLearning course, Devon Early Years and Childcare Service has reviewed its safeguarding training offer to ensure it meets the requirements of EYFS Annex C.

Devon is due a full Local Area SEND inspection during the autumn term. To support schools and settings in understanding the Local Area SEND inspection process, please see the briefing delivered in July by a former SEND inspector. The briefing provides a helpful overview of the inspection framework, key areas of focus and how schools and settings may be involved during an inspection.

The academic calendar for 2026/27 is now available to view on our website. The calendar is intended to be used as a guide as providers can set their own term dates within each funding period.