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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Inclusion consultations for early years and childcare settings
We continue to encourage settings to book an inclusion consultation on a Wednesday afternoon should they need any support with SEND and inclusion.
Early years music conference – 10 March 2026 in Exeter
Join us for Sound Starts, a practical and inspiring Early Years music CPD event designed to help educators, practitioners, and musicians build confidence in delivering inclusive music experiences for young children. Tuesday 10th March 2026 at Future Skills Centre, Exeter.
Provider network meetings for early years and childcare providers
We are pleased to let you know that we will be running a series of face-to-face network meetings throughout March. These informal sessions will allow you to network with early years and childcare providers in your area and to receive updates from the Early years and Childcare Service.
Play skills development morning – 30 March in Exeter
A fully funded half day event for Devon school age childcare settings who provide wraparound childcare, Holiday Activities and Food and access to Early Access Breakfast Club. We will delve into understanding the importance of play skills in a child’s development and continue to celebrate school aged children’s play in Devon.
Product recall on Hobbycraft giant box of craft
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a product recall to warn about a safety risk associated with the Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft (PSD case number 2601-0364).
Closure of the Childcare Works website
Childcare Works was awarded the delivery support contract by the DfE in January 2024 to support the early years and wraparound expansion programmes. As you will be aware, the contract will be ending on 31 March 2026.
Mythbusting early childhood development: writing – fully funded conference
Fully funded conference which will focus on unpacking the DfE writing framework through movement, meaning and development. The conference takes place on Monday 9th March at Taunton.
Early years and childcare job adverts – w/c 02/02/2026
View the latest jobs in early years and childcare.
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.