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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Ofsted and CQC SEND inspection surveys – a message for early years settings, families and staff
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission are carrying out an inspection of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Devon. As part of the inspection, inspectors want to hear directly from children and young people with SEND, parents and carers, and practitioners. Please complete the survey by 13 October, thank you.
Public voting open for the Devon HAF celebration and impact awards
Inspiring providers, volunteers and organisations from across Devon are being recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Devon Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, as public voting opens for the 2026 Celebration and Impact Awards. Vote now! Winners will be announced at the Devon HAF Celebration and Impact Awards event on the evening of 29 October 2026.
School aged childcare conference – 18 November 2026
We are pleased to offer this event fully funded to all Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) and access to Early Access Breakfast Club (EABC). Book your place now!
School-aged childcare provider network meetings (HAF, Wraparound and free breakfast clubs)
School age childcare network meetings are running on 12 and 14 October for anyone working with school-aged children outside school hours and during the holidays. Book now!
Oral health improvement training
The Oral Health Improvement team are running free oral health webinars this term for anyone who works or cares for children. Online sessions running on 3 November and 18 November.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 05/10/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare, including school age childcare roles.
Funding Friday
It’s Funding Friday and this week we have funding information from ‘Supporting the Supporters’.
Working together to strengthen inclusion and compliance
As part of our continued commitment to supporting high-quality early years provision across Devon, there will be an increased focus throughout the remainder of this academic year on Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) and compliance with statutory requirements. We will shortly be issuing two self-audit tools for all providers to complete.
Early years inclusion virtual drop-in consultations including update for childminders
Don’t forget to make use of our weekly, locality-based virtual Inclusion drop-in consultations. These sessions offer a solution-focused opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns relating to an individual child’s development, or to explore aspects of SEND practice and provision within your setting. We are pleased to introduce monthly evening inclusion drop-in consultations specifically for childminders in each locality.
2-day portage workshop – a small steps approach to learning for children with SEND
Two day Portage workshop running on 9 and 10 February 2027 in Exeter. Suitable for: Early Years Inclusion Practitioners, Early Years Practitioners, SENCOs, Parents/Carers, Family Hub staff, Foundation Stage Practitioners.