Dear Colleagues,
Updates form the Team
Update to Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance
As you’ll know, DfE have now published an updated version of the early education and childcare statutory guidance.
The new guidance is effective from 1 April 2025 and local authorities should continue using the version that came into effect on 1 April 2024 until this date.
The updated guidance puts transparency at the heart of how the entitlement should be passed on to parents, including that all costs should be clear to parents upfront. We will be updating the Northumberland Code of Practice to reflect this.
DfE want to make clear that they are not seeking to stop providers from being able to charge for voluntary extras, but the guidance reaffirms there must be no mandatory charges for parents, in line with the underpinning legislation and the recent High Court judgment.
The webinar scheduled for next Thursday 13th March 4pm- 5pm will cover the updates to the statutory guidance and the expansion grant which will be targeted as additional funding for under 2’s. Join here. Information will be shared after the event for those who cannot attend.
Early Years Inclusion Requests
Exciting changes are coming to how you apply for EY Inclusion Support. Please see flyer attached for more information.
Upcoming Training
Would you like to be able to map out the needs of the unique child at your individual setting and think about how this might impact on their readiness for adulthood?
Want to create a solution focused priority plan for your unique setting based on your current cohorts?
Would you like the opportunity to collaborate and draw upon the expertise of others?
Then book your place now for our upcoming full day training:
Future Ready – Investing in the Holistic Child
Book your place now via The School Readiness Passport- limited spaces available.
Updates from Partners
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation – Free Resources
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation has launched Allergy School, offering free resources to support staff in creating inclusive and safe environments for children with food allergies.
Settings may wish to utilise such resources alongside fulfilling their statutory duties to manage allergy risks in early years settings.
Oral Health Course Calendar
Please find attached information about free verifiable oral health training for April to June 2025.
The training will explore oral health in early years and give practical advice about toothbrushing, dental visits, making healthy choices and how to include oral health within the early year’s curriculum.
Oral Health Awareness Course Information
This 1hr online oral health training is for those with an interest in improving oral health.
Oral Health Early Years Information
This online 1hr oral health training session will give practical advice on the importance of a healthy mouth and promote healthy lifestyle choices for good oral health in children in early years.
Updates from Partners
FREE Online Training – BBC Tiny Happy People Champion Training
Northern Lights Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Team: North East are offering opportunities to attend a FREE ONLINE WEBINAR and become a Tiny Happy People champion. You will be guided through parents/ carers to support the speech, language and emotional development of their little ones from bump to 5 years.
Date: Tuesday 4th March
Time: 4pm-5pm
Location: Online via GoogleMeet
Cost: Fully funded
Click here to book.
