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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Parents childcare survey summer 2026
Every year we send out a parent’s childcare survey to parents living in Devon to find out information about their use of childcare. Please share the survey with the families that you work with, your friends and your family. Closing date is 14 June.
Early years practitioners working with 0-2s needed – we’re interested in learning from you!
The DfE is inviting early years practitioners who work with children aged 0-2 years old to take part an important new research opportunity.
Magic of childminding – celebrating the incredible work childminders do
This week is childminding week (11 to 17 May) and the theme for 2026 is ‘Magic of Childminding’. We met up with a group of north Devon childminders at a local event to find out why they love childminding. If you are thinking of becoming a childminder, why not book onto one of our childminder information sessions?
Product safety alerts, reports and recalls
There have been a number of recent recalls on children’s toys and products containing play sand. Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the list and do not have access to any of these within settings, as well as sharing this information with parents and families.
Early years inclusion virtual 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.
International Day of Play – 11 June 2026
The upcoming International Day of Play is a joyful and important occasion that highlights the vital role play has in the lives of children and adults alike.
How to stay safe and have fun in the sun!
Some top tips from the Devon County Council Health Protection Team, including: staying safe in the sun, being ‘tick aware’, ensuring children are up to date with vaccinations and how to prevent and manage seasonal illness cases and outbreaks.
Department for Education announces 9,500 fully funded early years SENCO training places from April 2026
Training is available across England and is open to Early Years educators currently working as, or due to start working as, a Special Educational Needs Coordinator in their setting. The first cohort of trainees commenced in April 2026 and recruitment is open for future cohorts now.
UKHSA advice for early years settings and recently vaccinated children
The DfE and the UKHSA are aware that some early education settings are temporarily excluding children who have recently been vaccinated, even when they are well enough to attend. A statement from a UKHSA health protection expert explains why these exclusions are unnecessary and highlights the serious unintended impacts they can have on children and the early years settings that support them.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 11/05/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.