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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New nursery opportunities in former childrens centre buildings
Opportunities are now available for childcare providers to establish provision within former children’s centre buildings in Honiton, Sidmouth, and Hatherleigh, where additional places all year for 0–4-year-olds (08:00–18:00) are needed.
Congratulations to Puffins at Westcliff, Dawlish on a ‘strong standard’ – Ofsted outcome
We are delighted to congratulate Puffins at Westcliff in Dawlish on their recent Ofsted inspection, where the setting was recognised as delivering a ‘strong standard’ across all areas. The judgement reflects excellent, consistently high‑quality practice and marks an important milestone for the nursery and the local community.
Opportunity to provide all year round childcare for 0-4 year olds
Following the closure of Lustleigh Orchard Preschool and Playgroup at the end of May 2026, there is now an increased need for early‑years places in the area.
Family Hub Practitioner Forum: Monday 6th July 2026
Early years and childcare providers are invited to attend the Devon Family Hubs Practitioner Forum on 6 July. The focus for the forum is ‘improving mental and physical health in children and young people’.
Practical SEND workshops for families and professionals, designed to build understanding, confidence, and everyday strategies for supporting children and young people with SEND
The Parent Carer Forum Devon and Family Voice Torbay in collaboration with Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD), are pleased to be funding and delivering a new programme of workshops designed to support families and professionals to better understand neurodiversity.
How safeguarding and children’s welfare and wellbeing underpin the September 2026 updates to early years inspections
Read the Ofsted: early years blog: ‘How safeguarding and children’s welfare and wellbeing underpin the September 2026 updates to early years inspections’.
NSPCC resources – hearing the voice of babies and infants
This NSPCC resource provides a concise and accessible overview of what we mean by the “voice of the child.” It reinforces that this is not limited to spoken words, but is about keeping the child at the centre of our practice, understanding their lived experience, and recognising all forms of communication.
Free online child development training for all those working in early years, including reception
This free online training is designed to build and improve your understanding of child development. It provides practical tips and ideas to use in your setting to help children aged 0-5 years.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 15/06/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
Inclusive Early Years Fund (IEYF) 2026–27
The Department for Education (DfE) has announced new support for inclusive practice in early years settings. This includes the Inclusive Early Years Fund (IEYF). Devon County Council will receive around £440,000 in July 2026 to distribute to early years providers.