Early Years News #1
September 4, 2025
FAO Solihull early years and childcare providers
Early Years Foundation Stage framework
The updated Early Years Foundation Stage framework came into force 1st September. Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework – GOV.UK
The EYFS framework:
- sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well
- ensures children are kept healthy and safe
- ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school
It also includes early years qualification requirements and standards.
The early years employment reference template supports providers to give references for current or former staff.
Help for early years providers and childminders working with 0- to 5-year-olds is available for support. Further supporting materials are available on the Foundation Years website.
A summary for DSLs- Read the CASPAR briefing: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework 2025: summary of requirements
Community led early help assessment form update
The early help assessment has been updated to better capture the breadth and impact of the work being done with children and families in your setting. The new web form is now live here (CLEHA). Guidance can be found here (guidance).
Multi-agency assessment form (MARF)
Solihull’s MARF form has been reviewed and updated. The improvements to the form have been consulted upon and agreed across the Safeguarding Partnership. The parental engagement and consent guide has also been updated which sits alongside this to provide additional information and assurance about our expectations when a referral is considered.
Domestic/sexual abuse- awareness campaign
Solihull’s Domestic Abuse Partnership Board are asking for your support with Solihull Council’s new domestic abuse awareness campaign. The campaign aims to raise the profile of local advice, information, and support services, while challenging misconceptions about domestic abuse. We are continuing to work towards involving Solihull group early years settings in Operation Encompass with WM police.
A partner pack has been developed with materials for you, such as posters. To access and download the materials please click here. The campaign aims to highlight the different forms that domestic abuse can take and to signpost people to local advice and support on the council website.
Help childhood vaccine uptake – to protect everyone
It would be great if all eligible children were able to access their vaccinations to protect themselves and others. If 95% of children receive the MMR vaccine, this would stop measles spreading completely. However, measles, mumps and rubella can quickly spread again if fewer than 90% of people are vaccinated.
The 2024 data shows that only 86% of 5-year-olds had 2 doses of MMR vaccine. https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
Ofsted podcast Getting it right from the start
This Podcast episode in which colleagues from the National Day Nurseries Association join Kiran Singh, Research and Evaluation Lead, and Wendy Ratcliff, Principal Officer, Early Education, to discuss Ofsted’s report into the importance of the first 2 years of a child’s life.
Training
Our Early Years training is now shared here – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/training/ . It includes ‘baby’ specific training including Leading a Room (Babies and Toddlers).
Further training is available on Special Events and also SEND Training & Support. Area SENCo shorts are now available to watch at a time to suit you.
Safeguarding training from SSCP is here- https://www.safeguardingsolihull.org.uk/lscp/lscp-training/. Which module will your DSLs be attending this year? Have you seen the multi-agency solution circle offers [Multi-Agency-Solution-Circles-Sep-Dec-25]
Solihull can also access the HEART stronger practice hub training [HEART_EYSPH_Calendar_August_2025_March_2026].
We look forward to seeing you during our training and our visits. The feedback you share has been a key driver in developing our plans for this year. Thankyou.