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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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.
School-aged childcare provider network meetings (HAF, Wraparound and free breakfast clubs)
School age childcare network meetings are running in October for anyone working with school-aged children outside school hours and during the holidays. Book now!
Early Years South West Stronger Practice Hub – latest training opportunities
Please view the latest training events and webinars from the Early Years South West Stronger Practice Hub.
Early years initial teacher training (EYITT) – next cohort starts 14 October
The Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a 12-month programme that enables trainees to work towards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) alongside their existing role, applying their learning directly within their setting. The next cohort starts 14 October.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 28/09/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare, including school age childcare roles.
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.
Free event: missing children and child exploitation – book now!
Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership are holding a series of multi-agency Best Practice Events during October 2026, focused on missing children and child exploitation.
Wraparound childcare funding available – don’t miss out!
Looking to start, expand or strengthen your wraparound childcare provision? A range of funding is available to help schools, childcare providers and organisations create new places, extend operating hours, improve sustainability and increase inclusion for children with SEND.
Safeguarding training for early years educators
Do you know what safeguarding training you need to do for your role? Read this update on safeguarding training for early years educators.