Early Years News #8
September 4, 2026
FAO Solihull leaders and managers,
EYFS -new statutory framework
September 2026 EYFS is now in effect and includes the link to the DfE safeguarding training package… EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers
Dingley’s Promise Training – sign up now if you haven’t yet accessed this training
Funded Early Years SEND courses from Dingley’s promise are flexible online courses to be completed at a time which suits you. Benefitting from a whole setting approach, the courses will look at strategies and information to help you unlock the potential of each unique child. Full of reflective activities and practical case studies the courses have everything you will need to develop your inclusive approach. DfE have funded Dingley’s Promise to make a selection of training available to settings.
Department For Education Early Years Training – Dingley’s Promise [link to sign up]
Reminder CM Natter Matters
Many childminders were able to access the speech, language and communication training developed with Early Years and the Speech and Language Therapy team. For those of you still trying to find time to watch, the link is below.
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/h3YoAmuuqiwc2VZT?ref=Link
HEART -Stronger Practice Hubs
Baby Room Network: Settling In Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
The above link will take you to the booking form for Debbie Brace’s Th September 17th 10am/ 6pm network event on ‘settling in babies’ . The attendees at the Being with Babies courses Deb ran in Solihull would recommend this to you 😊
Events | Stronger Practice Hubs – look here for further Autumn events from HEART. You can also access other Stronger Practice Hub resources here – Resources | Stronger Practice Hubs
Benedict’s Law -allergy safety
Benedict’s Law is a set of national protections designed to improve allergy safety in schools in England. These measures ensure that schools have the policies, training, plans and emergency medication needed to recognise and respond to severe allergic reactions. The measures were developed following the death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died from anaphylaxis at school in 2021. In the UK 5-8% of children live with a food allergy. As a setting how do you manage the risk of allergies and safe practices across your setting? Create a quiz using the guidance on ‘help for early years’ and your policies to see how well your staff understand this area. The school guidance may also be useful for you as an early years setting.
The Food Standards Agency has free food allergy training and a food allergen checklist with tips on food allergy best-practice.
Keeping Children Safe in Education – suggested whole setting reading
You might want to consider a KCSIE Quiz to share and explore your team’s understanding of chapter one in the guidance- this has more open answers for greater discussion
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
I’m sure many of you sign up to other newsletters such as :
- https://www.childcare.co.uk/news/early-years-news-september-2026 – interesting articles on ‘bar soap’ and photograph safety
- https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2023/08/foundation-years-newsletter-archive/ – the August Foundation Years Newsletter reminders us to respond to the EY Funding Consultation
- https://ndna.org.uk/ndna-news/ – NDNA have a strong focus on Maths Champions>> please consider this training as there is more than 20% difference between disadvantage and non-free school meal children in the mathematics development areas. It is a focus for the LA.
- https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news-events/news/ – picks up the research into food poverty in early years. Do you have an accessible food cupboard for donations and use by parents/ staff in need?
In Early Years Team news- we welcome Ilse Williams, our new Early Years Area SENCo. Ilse joins from her previous role in a school in Worcestershire.
We also say farewell to Shinade Duffus who will leave the Early Years Team in September to join the Birmingham Early Years Team. Good luck Shinade.
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