Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Sharing What Works: Best Start in Life – Case Study 3
Over the last academic year, Northumberland’s Early Years Team delivered a targeted GLD Project to schools and settings in areas where Good Level of Development (GLD) outcomes were below county or national averages.
Working together each term, settings used data analysis, action planning and focused support to identify barriers to learning and improve outcomes for children.
The project has had a positive impact on leadership confidence, teaching practice, early intervention and support for key groups of children, including those eligible for EYPP, Free School Meals, SEND and EAL. Participants reported improved attainment, stronger parental engagement and a greater focus on ensuring children receive the right support at the right time. Impressively, 90% of participants said they would recommend the GLD Project to other schools and settings.
Thank you to all the schools and settings who took part and shared their learning. Together, we are helping more children achieve the best possible start in life. 🌟
Read the case study attached to find out more.
Free Breakfast Club Survey – Reminder
The Department for Education (DfE) is asking schools that are not already participating in the Free Breakfast Club Programme (FBC) to complete a short survey in preparation for the national rollout of the programme.
The Government’s ambition is to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the best possible start in life by supporting school readiness, reducing barriers to learning, helping families with the cost of living, and tackling child poverty.
The survey will help the DfE to:
- Understand current breakfast provision in schools not yet delivering the programme.
- Assess how prepared schools feel for implementation.
- Identify where further guidance, tools and resources may be required.
- Develop practical and proportionate support tailored to different school contexts.
Completing the survey will also support schools in planning for implementation by highlighting a range of delivery models and approaches suitable for different school sizes and circumstances. Schools will be signposted to relevant guidance and resources at the end of the survey to support early planning.
Action for schools: Schools that have not yet joined the Free Breakfast Club Programme are encouraged to complete the survey to help inform future support and implementation arrangements.
Please complete by 17th July https://dferesearch.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3xdxJW3AieoMxKK
Updates from Partners
Competition and Markets Authority launch childcare market study
On 1st July, the CMA launched their review into the early years education and childcare market. You can learn more about the market study here, including what’s in scope and timings for this study.
CMA has also launched a call for views- for families, providers and other interested groups, like local authorities. Share your views on the market here by 26th July.
This webinar is for providers on 16th July 6:15-7:15pm.
Early years funding: DfE proposed changes to the entitlements funding system.
DfE are seeking views on proposed changes to the early years funding system associated with the current offer of early years entitlements.
Grant Funding for Families Raising a Child with a Disability
The England – Support for Families with Disabled Children (SFDC) – Family Fund is open to families in England and can support with Family Breaks, Day Trips, Resources and Activities.
Upcoming Events
SEND Holiday Activities
Smile Through Sport are promoting a couple of holiday activities over the summer for children and young people with SEND and their siblings (aged 8 and above) in the Hexham and Cramlington areas. Please see Junior Summer Holiday Programme flyer attached and Adult Summer Holiday Programme flyer attached.
