Author: natalieelston

Connection is the foundation for everything in the early years — learning, wellbeing, behaviour, communication and belonging. 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.

We are collecting orders for BookTrust Pre-schooler packs for those children in targeted settings in Exeter and East Devon, so please look out for the email in the next week.

Ofsted have confirmed their position regarding banned dog breeds in domestic childcare settings. They do not believe that banned breeds are compatible with childcare.

View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.

It’s Funding Friday and this week we have information from Devon Libraries and Free Kellogg’s Breakfast at Morrisons during school holidays.

We are pleased to advise that our proposed funding rates that we shared with you in January have been approved. The full increase received from the Department for Education is being passed on to providers in the hourly funding rate for all providers in Devon.

The Early Years Funding Team will be running sessions on how to complete your spring amendment tasks. Dates: 20 March and 25 March.

Do you want to become Early Years Educators, working with children from birth to five? Join our Level 3 for a strong start. Course starts April.

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.

Join us for Sound Starts, a practical and inspiring Early Years music CPD event designed to help educators, practitioners, and musicians build confidence in delivering inclusive music experiences for young children. Tuesday 10th March 2026 at Future Skills Centre, Exeter.