Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Expansion Grant
We will be informing you of your allocations if you currently have under 3s in your provision by letter. If you do not receive your letter in the post by Friday 4th April, please contact us at earlyyearsteam@northumberland.gov.uk
Eligibility cut-off
Please check your working families summary for code validity before offering a place next term. For disadvantaged 2 year olds and 3-4 year old (universal), children must have had their 2nd or 3rd birthday before 31st March to access funding in Summer term.
Financial Incentive Grant
The FI bonus ends on Monday 31st March. If you have anyone who may be eligible, please complete the following form. https://forms.office.com/e/a3sdFibgni
Financial Management System Support Grant – Last chance to apply before the end of the month
- Are you forecasting a financial deficit this year?
- Do you use a softwear management system to support your budget, but are struggling to understand and draw down meaningful reports?
- Do you fully understand the settings finances and cash flow and need more professional support?
PVI settings, including childminders on domestic premises, who are struggling in these areas can apply for a one off grant to support the sound financial management of their setting.
If you feel you are eligible please complete this form. Quotes for services will be required.
This is a Time Limited grant, so you need to apply ASAP to be considered.
Please note, this grant is not open to sole childminders and national nursery chains.
Updates from Partners
Local School Nature Grants- Learning Through landscapes
Take advantage before the grant closes.
Open to schools and early years settings in England, Scotland and Wales.
There are four elements:
- a 2hr outdoor learning training course
- a school grounds climate survey
- a Climate Curriculum Kit (valued at £150)
- £500 of outdoor equipment chosen from a catalogue of over 100 items.
Closing date – 4th April, 2025.
All applicants will receive a decision by 2 May, 2025.
Click on the link for more information and how to apply.
Local School Nature Grants – Learning through Landscapes
National Evaluation
Have you applied for or recently started a role working with children aged under five? Please help by completing this national survey commissioned by the DfE
Upcoming Events
Free early years webinars – Supporting SEND & behaviour with THRIVE
Supporting young children’s emotional and social development comes with increasing challenges, from the rising complexity of SEND to behaviours like hitting and pushing. That’s why we’re bringing you two free webinars packed with practical strategies to help you feel more confident in your practice. Click on the links below to book your place.
Supporting young children who hit or hurt others
16th April, 2pm
SEND Complexity in the Early Years: Equipping Providers to Cope
30th April, 4pm
