What’s new
Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from the Early Years and Childcare Service. You can subscribe to receive a weekly email digest of new updates (sent every Friday morning). You can also receive the same updates by following us on Facebook.
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Early Years Foundation Stage Conference: Connection is the Foundation – 8 October, Exeter
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.
Free Togetherness (Solihull) training to launch across Devon
As part of Devon’s Best Start in Life programme, free Togetherness (Solihull) training will be available from September 2026 for practitioners and managers working with children and families across Devon.
Applying to register with Ofsted: common mistakes and how to avoid them
A new post, “Applying to register with Ofsted: common mistakes and how to avoid them” has been published on the Ofsted: early years blog.
Survey of all children in England – ‘The Big Future’
The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has launched her latest survey, The Big Future, to give children a real say in the changes that are needed to ensure that childhood is a time of flourishing and growth.
DfE safer sleep updated statement on floor beds and coracles
See guidance from the Department for Education on safer sleep.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 6/07/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
Nursery opportunities in former children’s centre buildings – Honiton, Sidmouth, Hatherleigh and Tavistock
Early Years providers are invited to apply for new opportunities to deliver childcare within former children’s centre buildings in Honiton, Sidmouth and Hatherleigh. These sites have been identified as areas where there is a need for additional all‑year childcare places for 0–4‑year‑olds, operating 8am–6pm.
Multi-agency practitioner and manager survey – information sharing
We need to hear from many more practitioners, managers and leaders, especially from early years settings! Please help us by completing a short survey around on information sharing.
Early Years South West Stronger Practice Hub – June newsletter
View the latest newsletter from the South West Stronger Practice Hub. Find out how you can access support from an Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor and view the latest cpd training on offer.
Early Years Foundation Stage conference: connection is the foundation – 8 October, Exeter
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.