Dear Colleagues,
Updates from the Team
Early Years Ordinarily Available Provision Virtual Training
We are running a virtual training session about using the Early Years Ordinarily Available Provision. The training is suitable for anyone who works with children from birth to 5, and will give you information about how to use the document to support children with emerging needs and SEND within your setting.
Please sign up via the School Readiness Passport.
Parental Declaration Reminder
All funded children must have an up-to-date declaration. This gives you consent to share data with the LA and run checks via Wizard and is your evidence of what parents have signed for you to claim on their behalf from the Government. In anticipation of many funded children changing hours for Sept 25, please ensure this is actioned for Autum term 25. Copy attached.
Inclusion Stories
Inclusion story celebrating successful implementation of advice and CPD at Pegswood Primary School – see attached.
Packed Lunch Guidance
In response to a number of queries from providers, we have developed a guidance document to support you with your packed lunch offer for families. See attachment. The guidance looks at environmental health requirements, infant feeding, weaning, balanced meals, and managing allergies. If you require any further support with introducing or updating your food, nutrition or packed lunch offer please contact your locality Performance Partner.
Guidance on Funding Models
Please find guidance document attached regarding funding models including stretched entitlement.
Digital Qualification Checker
If you experience any problems using the new digital qualification checker, please let us know. We can pass these onto DfE on your behalf. Also, if you need help using the checker Check an early years qualification – GOV.UK
Please don’t hesitate to email theresa.kirkwood@northumberland.gov.uk
Updates from Partners
Unnecessary temporary exclusion of recently vaccinated children
DfE and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have become aware that some early education settings are temporarily excluding children who have recently been vaccinated, even if they feel well enough to attend. UKHSA has asked DfE to circulate a message from its Director of Public Health Programmes – Dr Mary Ramsay – explaining why such policies are unnecessary and can have serious unintended consequences for children and the early years settings they attend. See attachment.
