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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It’s time to complete the Provider Self Update and Early Years Census
Information on Provider Self Update and Early Years Census which must be completed this term. Please complete both by 6 February 2026.
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme – bookings for the February half term
Bookings for our HAF programme for the spring half term open this week, with ‘Go Live’ on Friday 30 January.
Level 3 Early Years Diploma (Early Years Educator)
We are excited to let you know that Learn Devon will be running a Level 3 Early Years Diploma (Early Years Educator) course from April this year. Spread the message to any colleagues or settings who may be interested in this opportunity.
New training to help every child and young person thrive
The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson as announced the launch of a £200 million national training programme to upskill staff across early years settings, schools, and colleges
Share your views on delivering entitlements to parents
The Department for Education would like to hear about your experiences and needs for delivering entitlements to understand how to improve the experience in the future.
Food and nutrition in early years – survey
Devon County Council’s Public Health team are launching a survey with a chance to win £250 to spend on food preparation or play equipment for your setting. Please complete the survey by 20 February.
Ofsted early years inspections: frequently asked questions
Since Ofsted published the renewed inspection framework on 9 September 2025, they have put on lots of online and face-to-face engagement with early years settings to answer your questions. You can read the most frequently asked questions from these sessions so you can see all the answers in one place.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 26/01/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
Funding Friday
It’s Funding Friday and this week we have funding information from: ‘Household Support Fund’ and ‘Truelight Trust’.
Early years inclusion virtual drop in consultations
Our new model of weekly, locality-based virtual ‘drop‑in’ consultations have now started. 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. Please book your place now!