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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Devon’s first out of school play and childcare conference – a huge success!
We’re excited to share the success of Devon’s very first Out of School Play and Childcare Conference, held in September 2025. Thanks to funding from the Wraparound Childcare budget, this landmark event was offered free of charge to schools and settings across Devon.
Puffins nursery expands to meet growing demand
On Monday 10th November Puffins nursery in Sowton, Exeter expanded from 36 to 74 places thanks to funding from the Early Years Expansion Budget. This growth will allowed them to offer significantly more spaces for children under 2, helping to meet increasing demand in the area.
The new inspection framework – Ofsted briefing sessions
The new Ofsted inspection framework will be implemented in November 2025. To support early years and childcare providers in preparing for these changes, Ofsted Senior HMI will be delivering two live briefing sessions in November (14 Nov and 17 Nov).
How to complete the autumn amendment task and spring headcount task – training sessions
Have you recently taken over responsibility for using the Provider Portal, are new to funding or need a refresher? The Early Years Funding Team are running virtual sessions on how to complete your autumn amendment tasks and your spring headcount tasks. Dates running in November, December and January.
From surviving to thriving: financial success in wraparound care – fully funded info session 19 November 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Join Tanya Petherick from BeMore for a fully funded one-hour online lunch and learn session to find out more and what steps you can take to ensure financial sustainability for your setting. Weds 19 November 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
Facilitating children’s right to play – fully funded training for practitioners working in the out of school sector
Fully funded play training for practitioners working in the out of school sector. Weds 3 December (9.30am – 2.30pm) – Exeter. Book now as places are limited!
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 10/11/2025
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
Funding Friday
It’s Funding Friday and this week we have funding information from the ‘John Rayner Charitable Trust’.
From surviving to thriving: financial success in wraparound care – fully funded info session
Join Tanya Petherick from BeMore for a fully funded one-hour online lunch and learn session to find out more and what steps you can take to ensure financial sustainability for your setting. Weds 19 November 12.30pm – 1.30pm.
Wraparound childcare funding – don’t miss out!
Devon has been awarded over £3.5 million to help schools, childminders, and providers expand, or launch wraparound childcare services. This is a fantastic opportunity to boost childcare availability and support working families across the county. Providers can now access funding even for partial hours, making it easier for smaller or rural settings to participate. Applications close February 2026 – act now!