Early Years News #3

September 15, 2025

Leading a room (babies and toddlers) course (information)

This two-part course includes an ‘in setting’ support visit. It starts on 7^th October. Leading a Room (Babies and Toddlers)

Booking and more information about our early years courses are here – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/training/  and https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/send/send-training-support/

Infectious diseases (action needed)

We have been made aware of outbreaks of croup and sickness which are impacting upon settings. Please review your policy against the guidance and this managers action checklist

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infectious-diseases-schools-and-other-childcare-settings

Ofsted inspection suite of documents has now been shared (in case you missed it) 

We are planning follow up training, but you may want to have a look at the shared inspector’s guidance

• Video [report cards]- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-confirms-changes-to-education-inspection-and-unveils-new-look-report-cards
• Framework – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025
• Operating guide and toolkit-  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information/early-years-inspection-operating-guide-for-inspectors-for-use-from-november-2025

Sign-up to the virtual DfE Early Years and Childcare Childminder Roadshow 

 This event for Childminders is the first early years event since the publication of government’s Giving Every Child The Best Start In Life strategy, and is a great opportunity for you to engage with DfE and be part of shaping government’s next steps on its delivery.     {flier attached}

The event will be held online on Thursday 25^th September 18:30-20:00, please use this link to sign up.

This event and room sessions will not be recorded due to event restrictions.

Safeguarding information 

How Martyn’s Law will affect education settings (reminder) 

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law became law 3^rd April 2025.

The Government has published the below guidance for education settings, to provide information on how education settings including early years settings will be affected when this law is implemented.

How Martyn’s Law will affect education settings – GOV.UK

Also see-  Emergency Planning – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/resources/safeguarding-and-welfare/emergency-planning/

Which DSL module will you access this year? (reminder)

You can look at an overview of the courses available through SSCP here – SSCP Training Strategy 2025-26 (updated following LDG).pdf . Ideally you should receive a minimum of 3-6 hours of multi-agency training per year, in addition to single agency training.

There is also a SSCP guidance for education, early years and childcare providers on safeguarding training. Both attached to this e mail

September is World Kid Lit Month. It celebrates international and inclusive children’s literature. I had a lovely experience looking after a 4 and 9 year old where a reading of The Big Umbrella led to much discussion (you can’t just read the words you to need to read the pictures). We ended up talking about the flags that have recently appeared on lamp posts by us and looking up flags from other countries. We talked about how many different people call Britain their home. It is a good time to celebrate the diverse world we live in.

I also include a story about Ahmed which was a lovely read. A true ‘listening to the child’s voice’ tale and a tale of a much-loved book made in setting.