Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Important – Final Payment Spring term⚠️
The last payment this term will be moved forward to 28th March to meet end of financial year deadlines.
IMPORTANT – Setting level data (School360 Users Only NOT ACADEMIES)
As it is January census time the DfE require further data on your early year’s establishment for funding purposes. Please ensure that you complete the questions module in your Wizard account by Friday 25th January to ensure you can be funded promptly in spring term. Failure to complete this information will affect your funding.
Please note:
- Answers should reflect what is occurring in your provision during headcount week.
- The number of children on roll must match or exceed the number of children you are claiming funding for.
- You should only include each staff members highest level qualification i.e. 1 qualification per member of staff, your total number of staff must not be less than the number of qualifications selected.
Early Years Funding Consultation
See attached letter regarding the proposed funding rate for 2025-26
Key Dates Summer term
Please find key dates for Summer term 2024-25 attached.
Early Years Inclusion Requests
Exciting changes are coming to how you apply for EY Inclusion Support. Please see flyer attached for more information.
Updates from Partners
Early Years Skills Bootcamp
Winnovation Training are currently offering a new Bootcamp designed to support practitioners caring for children with SEN. The Bootcamp opened on the 24th January 2025.
This Bootcamp is designed to empower ambitious early years professionals by equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles, take on greater responsibilities, and meet key Ofsted and EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) requirements.
Under the EYFS Framework 2023, all early years providers are mandated to have robust arrangements for identifying and supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities. They must also promote equality of opportunity for every child in their care. However, many nurseries fall short of these standards due to a lack of specialist-trained staff to fulfil these critical roles.
Our Bootcamp addresses this gap by training designated staff to support children with SEN effectively, ensuring care meets statutory requirements. This training will empower providers to deliver the highest quality care, fostering better outcomes for all children in their settings.
Benefits to your organisation
- Designated SEN Leadership: Gain a trained, dedicated lead for SEN within your setting.
- Recognition by OFSTED: Demonstrate your commitment to supporting SEN children, showcasing your efforts to go above and beyond statutory requirements.
- Enhanced Safeguarding: Improve the safeguarding and recognition of children with SEN, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment.
- Accredited Qualification: Attendees will achieve a Level 3 qualification in SEN, recognized industry-wide.
- Team Knowledge Sharing: Empower attendees to disseminate their newly acquired skills and knowledge throughout your team.
- Improved Staff Retention: Offering specialist training may boost job satisfaction and retention among your staff.
- Bonus: Free Makaton Training: Complimentary training provided by Talk to the Hand, equipping staff with essential communication tools for SEN children.
All training is delivered by a seasoned SEN specialist with over 30 years of experience, ensuring unparalleled quality and expertise.
Please see the attached for more information!
Practitioner Hub
This is a one stop shop of resources created by Childcare Works for childcare providers who are working on the rollout of the new childcare entitlements and wraparound care programme. For more information, please click on this link Hub for Providers
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Workshops with Northumberland Early Years
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join us for one of our live workshops taking place in settings and schools across the county. See the attached flyer for more information.
English Hub Free EYFS Conference – Play and Talk: Foundations for Language and Learning
Join The English Hub for an inspiring day exploring the vital role of play and communication in early childhood education for our Play and Talk: Foundations for Language and Learning Conference.
Where and When?
Friday 14th February
Ramside Hall, Durham
Who Should Attend?
Early years educators, nursery staff, and anyone involved in supporting children’s early development.
For more information and to book your place, please click here.
