Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Early Years Rates 26/27
Following the recent consultation, please find attached the published rates for 26/27.
Practitioner Survey – Please share your views
We would like to invite you and any staff you work with to complete this survey to share your views and experience of being an Early Years practitioner or teacher in Northumberland. This is 1 of 3 surveys which we will share over the coming months – the second survey will be for children and the third for parents/carers. We hope to receive as many responses as possible so please share this survey with your colleagues. The survey will close on Saturday 28th February. Follow this link to complete the survey: Practitioner’s Practice Audit 2026 – Fill in form
The results will be used to help the Early Years Team identify future training opportunities and to inform the support we give you across Northumberland. Collectively, the results gathered across the 3 surveys will be used to inform the actions we take within our Best Start in Life Local Plan.
If you add your email address at the end of the form, you will be entered into a prize draw and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Love to Shop voucher. Email addresses will only be used for this purpose.
Thank you for your involvement and good luck!
Updates from Partners
The Employment Rights Bill became law on 18 December 2025
The Act will introduce additions and amendments to existing legislation.
The employment law changes included in the Act will take place over a period of 2 years. Most changes will happen in 2026 and 2027.
Employment Rights Act 2025 – Key timings
From February 2026: automatic unfair dismissal protection for participation in industrial action (beyond current 12-week limit) streamlined rules for industrial action notices, ballots, and picketing
From April 2026: statutory sick pay (SSP) from day one of sickness (instead of day four) removal of minimum earnings threshold for entitlement to SSP and several family leave payments extended statutory paternity leave and expanded shared parental entitlements
Late 2026 to early 2027: removal of the unfair dismissal compensation cap reduction of the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from two years to six months, effective 1 January 2027 new protections covering sexual harassment, flexible working rights, protection from ’fire and rehire’ practices, and extended tribunal claim time limits (increasing from 3 months to 6 months)
Get the latest news and updates on the Employment Rights Act – Employment Rights Bill – Acas
Early Years Qualification Changes
Early Years qualification advice currently accessed through UK ENIC, also known as Ecctis. UK ENIC will no longer be providing Early Years qualification information or advisory services for domestic qualifications.
Providers are now being directed to:
Check an Early Years Qualification (CEYQ) service instead.
The CEYQ service is available on GOV.UK via the link below:
https://check-an-early-years-qualification.service.gov.uk/?
International Qualifications
UK ENIC service will continue to assess qualifications achieved outside the UK. Please visit https://www.enic.org.uk/
EY’s Qualification Check List
This digital platform supports Early Years managers and practitioners by enabling them to:
- Check a qualification and understand the staff:child ratios they can work under.
- Receive a clear, printable outcome based on details such as qualification title, awarding organisation, and course start date.
- Access guidance that provides confidence and clarity about their eligibility under statutory requirements.
Sensory Support Service
George is getting his first hearing aid! | National Deaf Children’s Society
