EY News Flash
December 5, 2023
Measles symptoms: what to do
There are increasing numbers of measles cases occurring in the West Midlands region, including cases in Solihull. Measles is extremely infectious and spreads very rapidly in unvaccinated contacts of cases. It is very important that rapid action is taken if measles is suspected, to avoid it spreading, particularly to anyone who is not vaccinated. This letter explains the symptoms, implications and necessary actions for school/ setting colleagues.
In the event of a case of a notifiable infectious disease occurring in your school/ setting, please contact the UKHSA Acute Response Centre.
- Telephone 0344 225 3560 (option 2)
UKHSA would work with Solihull Council’s Public Health team, local NHS services and the school/ setting, to agree next steps.
NB safeguarding and welfare contacts poster is here – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/resources/safeguarding-and-welfare/
Launch of start-up grants for childminders
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-childminder-start-up-grant
The Childminder Start-up Grant Scheme is now open for applications at the above link. The Scheme will support new childminders by providing them with grant funding, worth £7.2m over the next two financial years, helping childminders with the cost of setting up their own businesses.
The Childminder Start-up Grants Scheme will be available to all new childminders who have completed their registration on or after 15th March 2023. Individuals who have previously been registered as childminders and wish to re-register into the sector may also apply for the scheme. There must be at least a 12-month gap between the date of their previous registration being cancelled and their new registration being finalised.
The grants scheme is administered by Ecorys. The application website is hosted by AIMS. There are a range of guidance documents available on the AIMS website once childminders have set up an account.
Check out our Solihull Early Years team ‘Becoming a Childminder’ help page here: https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/support/becoming-a-childminder/
Early Help events
A reminder of tomorrows events- flier attached here
6 December between 12pm- and 2pm at the Evergreen Family Hub in Solihull!
Your chance to connect with other professionals working in Solihull and ask questions about the new early help strategy and what this means for you. This in-person event is a great opportunity to build relationships and collaborate with others in the field and familiarise yourself with the operation of the early help strategy. Four sessions are running from 12pm to 2pm.
The latest research from National Literacy Trust shows that fewer children own a book than at any time in the last five years, and that almost a million children in the UK don’t have any books of their own at home. It would be great if every child in Solihull received a book this Christmas. Help spread the word about the power of books.
Enjoy Christmas Jumper Day if you are taking part this week.