EY News May #3

May 23, 2025

FAO Solihull early years and childcare providers

Final Early Years Inclusion Fund reminder 

The cut-off date for our final EYIF this academic year is Monday 30^th June 2025. We have altered the application form to take into account the inclusion of reviewed plans for each child. We do need to look at how the requested money is being spent. It is helpful if you detail the extra support needs of the child linked to EYI funding request. Examples may be ….to ensure additional adult support can give focussed intensive interaction sessions or to work in a small group of 2 children where they are away from other distractions.  You may buy cause and effect toys to encourage responses and for engagement. You may also feel that it is helpful for key staff to be released to access and implement strategies from the Dingley’s Promise module on ‘behaviours that challenge’. Try to be specific – rather saying to access learning.

We expect every setting that has accessed EYIF to complete an annual monitoring form. These will be sent directly to settings who have accessed funding this year. Those of you who want to complete this form now can access it using the QR code and link below.

https://forms.office.com/e/p0tk9PmDiQ?origin=lprLink

Have you claimed this funding? We have money – I don’t say that very often 😊

Disability access fund [DAF] has not been claimed by all those that are eligible. If a child has DLA- disability living allowance, then the setting can claim DAF…..find out more here >> https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/eef/disability-access-fund-daf/

TRANSITION EVENTS

Join the Solihull early years transition events with a focus on children with additional needs.

• June 9^th -Smith’s Wood Academy North Solihull and
• June 12^th Monkspath Family Centre Shirley.

Transition Events – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/eyc/send/send-training-support/transition-events/

Webinar for Solihull Employers – Explore the potential of Apprenticeships

Did you know that the Government covers 95% of the cost of apprenticeships and you may be eligible for receiving a grant for taking on apprentices?

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to develop a talent pipeline, address skill gaps, and bring fresh perspectives to your business. Solihull Council’s Employment and Skills team are hosting a Apprenticeship Webinar where you will learn about the benefits of apprenticeships, latest details on funding and support available. You will also ask questions to the expert panel. The team will help you identify skill gaps in your business and match you with a training provider to develop your bespoke apprenticeships from the 900 standards ranging from level 2 to 7.

• Apprenticeship Webinar for employers

A Pod cast that may be of interest to you

🎧 BBC Radio 5 Live – Childcare Discussion (Martin Lewis)

Childminder chat and better business

Use the link below to access Friday 23.05.2025 meeting between 2pm and 3pm.

The focus is on the support available from the local authority and from Childcare Works.

Check an early years qualification service for early years managers.

This new digital tool from the Department for Education (DfE) helps early years managers quickly check whether staff qualifications meet the requirements for staff:child ratios in England.

Next week is National Garden Wildlife week ….so I hope to spend Bank Holiday Monday in my garden 😊. I plan to watch the weeds grow to attract the wildlife and insects. Enjoy whatever you choose to do.