Summer wishes and updates for September 2026
Dear Early Years Providers,
As we approach the new academic year, we wanted to share an update about the developments taking place within Devon’s Early Years Inclusion Service and introduce our new Single Request for Support process, which is outlined in the below visual.
Our aim is to make it easier for settings to access the right support at the right time through a single point of request and a consistent triage process. This approach will help us ensure that support is responsive to the needs of children, families and providers across Devon.
What does this mean for September?
We recognise that many children already have support arrangements in place for the Autumn Term. We want to reassure providers that any support that has already been agreed and planned will continue as expected (this may include SENIF, Nursery Plus or Early Years Inclusion Practitioner support).
From September, we will begin a gradual transition towards the new model. This will allow us to work closely with providers, monitor how the process is working, and gather feedback to help us refine and improve the support offer over time.
Early Years Inclusion Service: single request for support
As shown in the infographic, providers will be able to submit a Single Request for Support when they require additional inclusion support for a child or setting/childminder. Requests will be reviewed through a single triage process, which will help identify the most appropriate support pathway, including:
- Setting Support to develop inclusive practice, knowledge and skills
- Group Support for groups of children with similar needs
- Individual Child Support where a child requires more specific targeted support and/or funding
Work taking place over the summer
Over the summer break, we will be developing the practical resources needed to support the new approach, including:
- Request forms and referral templates
- Guidance documents for providers
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Information about the triage process and support pathways
- Clear timelines and expectations for accessing support
We will provide an update and communicate with providers at the start of the autumn term.
Working together
We appreciate that any change may bring questions and anxiety, and we are committed to working alongside providers as we introduce this new approach. Our shared goal remains the same: ensuring children receive the right support at the right time while helping providers build confidence and capacity in inclusive practice.
Digest takes a break for the summer
The Digest newsletter is taking a break over the summer period. The Digest will be back early September 2026 to bring you the latest news and updates. You can keep up with the latest news and updates by following us on Facebook or by following us on Instagram.
Thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your hard work over the last year, and your continued commitment to supporting Devon’s children and families.
We wish you all a wonderful summer break and hope you all have the opportunity to enjoy some time with your friends and families, doing the things you enjoy.
We look forward to continuing to work with you in the new academic year.
Amy Fedrick, Sam Chapman and Katie Johnson
Early Years Service Leads