Author: natalieelston

Early years funding updates.

There is still time for families to book February half term HAF activities. Please visit the EEQU booking system to secure places. Spring / Easter HAF bookings go‑live on Monday 23 February 2026.

We are pleased to let you know that we will be running a series of face-to-face network meetings throughout March. These informal sessions will allow you to network with early years and childcare providers in your area and to receive updates from the Early years and Childcare Service.

Explore the new early years inspection framework and toolkit. Learn what inspectors will look for, how the toolkit works, and how to showcase your setting’s quality with confidence. Online webinar running on 2 March 6.30pm – 7.30pm.

A fully funded conference to explore how we can recognise, understand and respond to child neglect alongside our multi-agency partners. Running on Wednesday 18 February 2026 (9:30am – 4:00pm) at Westpoint, Exeter.

We’re inviting colleagues and teams from across our partnership to join one of our fully funded conferences to explore how we can work in a more connected, consistent and relationship-focused way. For anyone working or volunteering or working with children in Devon. Conferences running 30 March – Newton Abbot, 31 March – Exeter and 1 April – Barnstaple.

Two day Portage workshop running on 12 and 13 May in Exeter. Suitable for: Early Years Inclusion Practitioners, Early Years Practitioners, SENCOs, Parents/Carers, Family Hub staff, Foundation Stage Practitioners.

View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.

It’s Funding Friday and this week we have funding streams from: ‘Garfield Weston Foundation’ and ‘Schroder Charity Trust’.

We continue to encourage settings to book an inclusion consultation on a Wednesday afternoon should they need any support with SEND and inclusion.