Early Years News #5
October 17, 2025
FAO Solihull early years and childcare providers
Early Years Inclusion Fund [EYIF] panel
Our EYIF panel runs twice a term and includes representatives from schools and settings. The list of panel dates are here –Early Years Inclusion Funding (EYIF) . We are looking for leaders/ SENCo’s to help us by reading a selection of referrals and helping us make funding decisions. Contact lmorris@solihull.gov.uk with a preferred date.
Dates for panel [and closing dates for EYIF applications] …..
Ofsted webinar- the updated inspection guidance
You will find a recorded webinar from Ofsted, explaining the updated guidance for group settings, here-
Ofsted education inspection framework: nurseries, pre-schools, other registered early years settings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XwPN2coqRE
You may also find this helpful – Explainer: The Early years inspection toolkit – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZP-BVkTCQk
The new Best Start in Life campaign- can you share it?
The Best Start in Life campaign launched this week. It is part of the government’s Plan for Change promise to break the link between a child’s background and their future success, with the aim to ensure 75% of children are ready to learn when they start school by 2028.
To mark the campaign launch, a powerful new film titled ‘The Story of You’ has been released, celebrating the journey of early childhood, highlighting to parents the vital role they play in their child’s lives and the support available. You may be able to share it with parents.
Friday 17thOctober is National Nursery Practitioner Day 2025. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Whether you have dressed up in the country and western theme for 2025, or are showing appreciation in other ways, we thank you. You play a crucial role in children’s social, emotional and educational development.
