Author: natalieelston

Season greetings and an update from the Early Years and Childcare Service.

There will be no Digest newsletter over the next two weeks. The Digest will resume on Friday 9th January 2026.

There’s still a little time to book! Children in Devon aged five to 16-years-old who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals are invited to take part in our action-packed Holiday Activities and Food Programme this festive season.

A fully funded half day event for Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food and access to Early Access Breakfast Club. We will delve into understanding the importance of play skills in a child’s development and continue to celebrate school aged children’s play in Devon.

Applications for the national wraparound childcare programme funding to create, expand, or apply for support funding for school-aged wraparound provision will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 4 February 2026.

Would you be interested in volunteering in the New Year? There are many ways you can use your personal experience, parenting skills, and knowledge to support families in your area.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a safety alert to warn about the risks associated with baby sleep pillows. 

Ofsted have published a training video explaining the new role of nominee for early years inspections under their renewed education inspection framework.

The Devon Safeguarding Childrens Partnership have some useful information to share with your families and staff teams including tools, resources and eLearning for practitioners.

View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.