A welcome message from Nikki Phillips, Early Years and Childcare Service Operational Lead

As we start the new academic year, I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who offer all year round early years provision, holiday clubs and a thank you to Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) providers for all the positive and fun activities provided for children. I also want to welcome back those of you returning from the summer break; I hope you’ve had the chance for a break and some rest over the summer and are feeling refreshed as we start the new term, and that you are looking forward to welcoming new children and families into your provision.

Just like in previous years, we are going to see significant changes for early years and childcare this year. We are looking forward to being able to support you with the roll out of these, including: the working families entitlements, wraparound programme and the capital funding. We endeavour to keep you updated with the new government’s changes and initiatives through the Digest newsletter, social media, forums and briefing sessions. So make sure you are signed up!

We appreciate that there are still ongoing challenges for the sector; recruitment and retention in particular, and we will continue to raise your concerns with the relevant government departments and Devon County Council. Ensuring early years and childcare remains high on the agenda and recognising the valuable contribution good quality provision has on our children and in our communities. We will also be continuing with the recruitment campaigns.

We are excited to be offering the Early Years Foundation Stage conference: Giving all our children a voice | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk) in October, as well as lots of professional development opportunities that will available throughout the year. We are here to offer support, advice and help – you can view our team contacts here: Early Years and Childcare Service – meet the team – Information for childcare providers (devon.gov.uk)

Finally, I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your commitment and hard work to early years and childcare in Devon and to wish you a happy and great autumn term.

Kind regards,
Nikki

Image of Nikki Phillips, Early Years and Childcare Service Operational Lead