Year: 2026

Important update for early years providers – from September 2026, the Early Years and Childcare Service will introduce a new Early Years Single Request for Support (EYSRfS) process. This will provide a single route for accessing early years inclusion support and funding, replacing the previous approach where providers needed to identify and access different services separately.

Early years professionals are encouraged to respond as your experience will help inform the government’s vision for a reformed funding system and its proposals for transition in 2027–28. The early years funding consultation closes on 14 September.

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.