EYCC Noticeboard

Early Years and Childcare Update - 23 April 2026

Welcome to this week's Early Years and Childcare update!

This week's update includes information on:

Please feel free to share this update with anyone you think would benefit from accessing this content. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact familyinformation@birmingham.gov.uk

Nominate a Provider Portal User

As you may already be aware, the Early Years and Childcare Team has launched a new Information Portal for providers called the Nexus Provider Portal. 

Many providers have already nominated a Nexus Provider Portal user. If you haven’t already done so, please do this today using our online form. You can have accounts for up to four people within your organisation. 

The introduction of this portal will enable us to:

  • strengthen the information that we collect from you
  • improve the information that we can provide to parents and third parties when they are looking for childcare options
  • contact you more efficiently.  

Please note: Completing this form does not immediately create your account. After we verify the nominated user form, we will send you a link to create your Provider Portal account.

If you have any queries about the Nexus Provider Portal, please contact FamilyInformation@birmingham.gov.uk.

Safer Recruitment Guidance - References 

Safer Recruitment – Reference guidance 

  • Providers must obtain a reference for any member of staff (including students and volunteers) before they are recruited 
  • Leaders should follow due diligence and contact the referees by phone to ensure validity. 
  • Ensure any references are from the applicant’s current employer, training provider or education setting and have been completed by a senior person with appropriate authority. 
  • Secure a reference from the relevant employer from the last time the applicant worked with children (if not currently working with children). If the applicant has never worked with children, then ensure a reference is from their current employer, training provider or education setting. 
  • Contact referees to clarify content where information is vague or insufficient information is provided. 
  • Establish the reason for the applicant leaving their current or most recent post, and ensure any concerns are resolved satisfactorily before appointment is confirmed. 

When providing a reference, consider using the template provided by the DfE: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-employment-reference-templatehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-employment-reference-template 

Best practice steps: 

  • Advertise with safeguarding statements. 
  • Shortlist carefully and verify all details. 
  • Conduct structured interviews with safeguarding questions. 
  • Complete all checks before appointment. 
  • Keep records of checks and training up to date 

Links: 

Further Advice on Safer Sleep from the Department for Education 

This guidance, created in collaboration with the Lullaby Trust, provides advice to help early years providers create and maintain safer sleep environments for babies and young children in their care.  

It includes information on: 

  • Providing an appropriate sleep space for babies and children 
  • Safe use of cots, mattresses, bedding and sleep bags 
  • Supervising children while they are sleeping 
  • What to do when babies and children fall asleep whilst travelling, managing their temperature, positioning and use of comforters. 

The Department for Education has also published answers to frequently asked questions to help early years providers prepare for planned updates on safer sleep to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, expected to come into effect from September 2026. 

2026 Early Years Transition Events - Supporting a Smooth Transition to Reception for Every Child in Birmingham 

If you are: 

  1. An early years provider with children transferring to Reception in September 2026 
  2.  A reception class teacher or a school Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) 

You are invited to attend our free annual transition event(s) which aim to robustly support a smooth transition to Reception for every child in Birmingham who is moving to a reception class in September 2026. 

The Department for Education is clear that: 

“Starting school is a significant milestone for children and families.  The quality of transition arrangements shapes children’s early experiences of education and their perceptions of school for years to come…. Effective reception transition also supports early development, particularly communication, language and social and emotional skills.” 

In Birmingham, over 400 schools and early years providers attended our district-based transition events in 2025, along with other professionals and organisations to support the transition process. 

What is a Birmingham Early Years Transition event? 

These face-to-face transition events provide an opportunity for early years providers and reception practitioners to share information to support a smooth transition for every child as they move on to their Reception classes in September 2026. 

There are opportunities for schools, early years settings, and childminders to discuss children transitioning to Reception classes in school, share transition documents and expertise, as well as arrange visits between settings. 

Other professionals, for example from the Area SENCo team and Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) teams, will also be in attendance to support these events. 

How to register your attendance at an Early Years Transition event? 

There are 10 districts across Birmingham.   

  • Early Years Providers - You’ll want to attend the transition event(s) in the district the child’s new school is situated in. 
  • Reception Class Teachers & School SENCo’s - You’ll want to attend the transition event in the district your school is located in 

If you’re unsure which district applies, please use the government’s constituencies search page, and enter the postcode of the child’s new school to identify the correct Birmingham district, then register for the corresponding event – Link to the Government’s Constituencies Search Page 

2026 Transition Event Sign-up Links: 

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event! 

New DfE ‘Starting Reception’ Resources to Support Transition 

The Department for Education (DfE) have recently issued a range of useful transition resources to support early years providers, schools and families as children prepare to start Reception.  These resources can be found on the Starting Reception website and include: 

About the Starting Reception website 

Starting Reception is a free, practical online resource designed to support parents and carers in preparing their child for school.  It offers simple activities, helpful advice and clear guidance on the key skills and routines that help children feel confident and ready for their first day. 

The website also provides guidance on potty training and children’s toothbrushing, recognising the importance of independence and healthy routines as part of being prepared for school.  Direct links to the website for these specific resources are below: 

We strongly encourage providers to: 

  1. Share the above resources with their parents and carers, as appropriate. 
  2. Read the recently released DfE guidance about getting children ready for school (as linked below) 

Getting children ready for reception: How schools and early years settings can work together with families to support transition into reception 

Providers & Practitioners - You’re invited to attend the Summer Early Years Consultant Cluster Surgery in a District Near You 

Bookings are now open for the in-person and online Summer Early Years Consultant Cluster Surgeries. 

Our Cluster Surgeries take place once every term and are led by your district Early Years Consultants (EYC). These sessions offer a supportive space where providers and practitioners can explore current topics linked to delivering high‑quality practice across early years and childcare. They’re also a great opportunity to connect with other professionals and providers, share experiences, and build the strong relationships that help us work together to improve outcomes for Birmingham’s children. 

Whether you are a childminder, an early years practitioner, a group setting manager, director, or an early years lead in a primary school, you are warmly invited to join us. 

North Cluster Surgery: Exploring Safer Sleep 

North Cluster includes, Perry Barr, Sutton Coldfield & Erdington Districts 

This term, the North Cluster session will focus on exploring safer sleep. Our Early Years Consultants will: 

  • Discuss September 2026 changes within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework regarding safer sleep arrangements 
  • Explore how key messages can be shared with parents 
  • You will also meet the North Cluster Family Hub team 

To book your place at one or more of North Cluster’s Summer EYC Surgeries, please use the links below: 

Please note: In‑person spaces are limited due to venue capacity, so early booking is advised.   

Central and East Cluster Surgery: Supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Early Years 

Central and East Cluster includes, Ladywood, Hodge Hill & Solihull North and Yardley Districts 

This term, the Central and East Cluster session will focus on supporting children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) in Early Years. Our Early Years Consultants will: 

  • Explore practical ways to support children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) 
  • Discuss inclusive practice, valuing home languages and the importance of creating language‑rich environments 
  • You will have the opportunity to share scenarios and challenges, and build confidence in supporting children with EAL and their families 

To book your place at one or more of Central and East Cluster’s Summer EYC Surgeries, please use the links below: 

Please note: In‑person spaces are limited due to venue capacity, so early booking is advised.   

South Cluster Surgery: Best Start in Life (BSiL) Family Hubs 

South Cluster includes Hall Green, Selly Oak, Northfield & Edgbaston Districts 

The session in the South Cluster will focus on Best Start in Life (BSiL) Family Hubs. Our Early Years Consultants will: 

  • Support early years providers to understand and engage with the Best Start in Life (BSiL) agenda 
  • Explore Birmingham’s local approach to BSiL and what this means in practice for nurseries and families 
  • You will hear directly from Best Start Family Hubs across the southern cluster, understand their role and the support they offer to families and settings 
  • You will also learn how providers can access, work alongside and benefit from Family Hub services 

To book your place at one or more of South Cluster’s Summer EYC Surgeries, please use the links below: 

Please note: In‑person spaces are limited due to venue capacity, so early booking is advised.   

What else is coming up for continuing professional development (CPD)? 

There are lots of free professional development opportunities available across Birmingham for early years practitioners, leaders, managers and those delivering Early Years Education and Childcare. You can view upcoming events here: 

https://www.birminghamearlyyearsnetworks.org/events  

Ofsted Update - Deferral Guidance

We wanted to share an important update regarding Ofsted Deferral Guidance. Ofsted inspections and visits: deferring, pausing and gathering additional evidence - GOV.UK

We strongly encourage all early years, childcare and education services to take some time to familiarise themselves with the content of this policy. Doing so will equip you with a clear understanding of the circumstances in which Ofsted may decide to defer or pause an inspection or gather additional evidence. Knowing what these terms mean and how these decisions are made will empower you to respond calmly and consistently should exceptional events occur either during notification or while inspectors are on site.

Clarity around the process and expectations set out in the guidance not only supports your effective planning and record keeping, but also strengthens communication with staff, trustees or owners, and families.

By being well-informed, Leaders are able to evidence their rationale when a request is necessary and prioritise children’s safety and wellbeing, all while maintaining the integrity of the inspection process.

Please take a moment to review the guidance and make sure your team is aware of its importance.

Wraparound Childcare Opportunity

Grendon Primary School have an opportunity to host a good quality Wraparound Childcare provider at their school based in Kings Heath, Birmingham. 

The provider will be required to deliver Before and After school provision for fee paying parents of primary school age children from January 2027. 

The successful provider will be: 

  • Ofsted Registered at the time of opening 
  • Have experience of running good quality Before and After school provision 
  • Be happy to work to the school ethos and be part of the Grendon Primary School community. 

The successful provider will have the opportunity to apply to Birmingham City Council for Wraparound Childcare Start Up Funding. 

The school will use a formal application process to appoint the successful provider.  

Applications will be accepted until 23:59 pm Wednesday 20th May 2026  

If you are interested in applying for this fantastic opportunity, please contact the Head Teacher Mrs Helen Ridley directly at: hridley@grendon.bham.sch.uk 

Inclusion: Raising Awareness Across All Childcare Settings in Birmingham (Free In Person Workshop) 

Diverse Beginnings: Enhancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Childcare Settings is our free in-person workshop for all Birmingham providers of Early Years and Childcare. 

This workshop is suitable for all practitioners, managers, provision owners and directors, but spaces are limited.   

We are inviting early years and childcare providers across Birmingham to join us for a powerful in-person workshop designed to support and strengthen inclusive practice in your setting. We’ve listened to the sector and moved this workshop offer away from online formats to create a more impactful, collaborative learning space. 

Why Attend? 

This session is more than just a workshop – it’s a space for real connection, reflection and action.  Developed in response to sector feedback, Diverse Beginnings offers a rare opportunity to come together in person to explore how Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can be meaningfully embedded across all aspects of early years and childcare provision. 

Together we’ll: 

  • Raise awareness of EDI within the context of early years practice 
  • Explore how EDI principles can be integrated into recruitment, routines, leadership and beyond 
  • Share experiences and reflect with peers in a supportive, face-to-face environment 
  • Feel empowered to champion inclusive and equitable approaches in your own setting 

Why Now? 

The new Ofsted Early Years Toolkit places a strong emphasis on inclusion. From November 2025, Ofsted will be considering: 

“The commitment of leaders and those responsible for governance to provide high standards of education and care to improve the lives of all children, especially those receiving statutory support, including disadvantaged children, those with SEND, those who are known (or previously known) to children’s social care, and those who may face barriers to their learning and/or well-being” 

This workshop will help you strengthen your inclusive practice, with confidence and enhanced clarity. 

Please note spaces are limited. 

This is a free workshop, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.   

Don’t miss out – book your place today and be part of the change. For more information about the venues and to access our booking links, please follow the links below:  

Other inclusion subject-based training and resources available to you for free include: 

Need support? Talk to us: 

If you need advice, guidance or support on any Early Years or Childcare topics, the Birmingham Early Years and Childcare Service is here to help. 

You can speak directly with an experienced Early Years Consultant who can offer support and expert insight. Contact us via our Early Years Duty Line on 0121 675 4996 or email us eyduty@birmingham.gov.uk Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm except Bank Holidays. 

Two New Free Courses: Strengthen Inclusion with Dingley’s Promise 

Dingley’s Promise are thrilled to launch two brand new, expert-led training courses, fully funded by Comic Relief. 

  1. An Inclusive Approach to Curriculum and Assessment 

This course is designed to help practitioners build the confidence and knowledge to ensure their curriculum is underpinned by inclusive practice. You will learn to make necessary adaptations so your curriculum is accessible for all children and understand how to use effective assessment tools to identify needs early and accelerate learning. 

Inclusive curriculum assessment | Birmingham City Council

  1. Supporting Communication Development for Early Years Children with SEND 

Designed to respond to the growing number of children with early communication challenges, this course explores the stages of development and the barriers children with SEND can face. You will gain the confidence to identify needs and act quickly to support every child's communication journey. 

Developing communication in early years | Birmingham City Council

See the attached leaflets for further course information. 

Sign up to access the new courses here: 

https://forms.office.com/e/V3zvR1cPKr 

Other free courses available from Dingley’s Promise includes: 

  • An introduction to Early Years Inclusive Practice 
  • Early Years SEND Transitions  
  • Managing Behaviours that Challenge   
  • Having Difficult Conversations with Families 
  • Voice of the Child   
  • Leadership and Management for Inclusion 
  • Intersections within Early Years Practice 

You can access these other courses here - Comic Relief Early Years Inclusion Programme - Dingley's Promise but remember, free access to all of these 9 courses is only available for a limited time, so it's a good idea to prioritise completing them while you can!  

NEW Inclusive Practice in Early Years Resources from a Collaboration Between Childcare Works and Dingley’s Promise 

Creating an inclusive environment is essential for every child to thrive. To help you achieve this, Childcare Works, in collaboration with Dingley’s Promise (England’s largest specialist provider of nursery education for children under 5 with SEND) has developed a collection of practical resources designed to support inclusive practice in your setting. 

What’s Included? 

Note: Birmingham’s Ordinarily Available Provision document is called Ordinarily Available Guidance (OAG). 

We have three versions available: 

  1. Early Years Ordinarily Available Guidance 
  2. School Age Ordinarily Available Guidance 
  3. Post-16 Ordinarily Available Guidance 

The Early Years version is currently in draft form but can still be used. 

How to Access: 

Click the links or visit: Dingley’s Promise and Childcare Works: Inclusive Practice in the Early Years 

Speech, Language and Communication (SLC) and the Home Learning Environment (HLE)

Introduction to WellComm training 

For the attention of EEE providers.

WellComm is the approved screening tool in Birmingham, and it supports a consistent universal approach to assessing and supporting children’s speech, language and communication needs. If you are not yet using WellComm to screen your children’s speech and language, please attend one of our online training sessions. Birmingham City Council will fully fund one WellComm Toolkit for all schools, nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders registered to offer Early Education Entitlement (EEE) places. Early Years settings need to attend an ‘Introduction to WellComm’ workshop. During the workshop, you will be provided with instructions on how to receive your Toolkit. Settings that have received a WellComm screening tool can continue to send staff that are new or require a refresher of how to use WellComm onto the training. 

Please click the link next to your preferred date to book your place:

New Funded Opportunity: Boost Children’s Early Maths & Good Level of Development (GLD) Outcomes!

For the attention of Maintained and school-based Nursery Schools, Private, Voluntary or Independent (PVI), and Early Years Providers only.

The Department for Education (DfE) has released 5,000 additional fully funded places for the National Day Nurseries Association’s (NDNA) Maths Champions programme - a programme that ordinarily costs £1205!  The Maths Champion programme is a nationally recognised, evidence‑based approach to strengthening early maths across group and school‑based early years settings.

Why this matters?

Strong early maths isn’t just about numbers - it’s a key driver of wider learning.  An independent evaluation by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) stipulates that children in participating nurseries made, on average, three months’ additional progress in maths and language, with an even higher impact on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Direct impact on children’s outcomes & their achievement of a Good Level of Development (GLD):

Improving the quality of everyday maths interactions supports:

  • Higher confidence and engagement in early maths
  • Stronger communication and language skills
  • Secure foundations across multiple EYFS areas

These are all critical ingredients for raising achievement and improving GLD - particularly in Numeracy, Communication & Language, Literacy and Understanding the World.

Put simply: stronger maths talk = stronger learning foundations = stronger GLD outcomes.

What the flexible year‑long programme offers:

  • Practical strategies to embed maths throughout the day
  • Targeted support that builds practitioner confidence
  • Ready‑to‑use tools and guidance that benefit the whole setting

How to apply?

Funded places are limited so act now so that you do not miss the chance to secure a place for your setting.

Apply for funded places here: Maths Champions Expression of Interest

For more information about the programme, please click here.

Register Your Interest: Fully Funded Specialist Baby Room Practice Training for Birmingham Practitioners (Limited Spaces)

This training is for Baby Room Practitioners in Birmingham Early Years Settings. 

Birmingham Early Years practitioners are invited to register their interest in attending a fully funded specialist Baby Room training programme, designed to strengthen practice for babies in Birmingham by enhancing the work of existing baby room practitioners across the city. 

This five session programme, funded by the Department for Education, will be delivered through the HEART Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub by Clare Stead.  Clare is an Early Years specialist, trainer and researcher with over 20 years’ experience in education.  Clare is also internationally recognised for her work on baby brain development and the first 1,000 days.  She’s experienced in helping practitioners to move baby room provision beyond care routines to environments where babies can truly thrive. 

About the Training Programme 

This programme will explore how high-quality baby room environments, interactions and partnerships can support babies’ learning, development and wellbeing. 

Participants must be able to commit to attending all five sessions. 

Programme Structure 

  • Day 1 – Full day (in person) - Wednesday 20th May 2026 - 9.30am to 4pm 
  • The First 1,000 Days & Neural Growth 
  • Day 2 – 2 hours (online) - Wednesday 10th June 2026 - 10.30am to 12.30pm 
  • Connecting Through Communication 
  • Day 3 – Full day (in person) - Thursday 25th June 2026 - 9.30am to 4pm 
  • Space, Movement & Rhythm for Development 
  • Day 4 – 2 hours (online) - Wednesday 8th July 2026 - 10.30am to 12.30pm 
  • Observation, Planning and Partnership 
  • Day 5 – 2 hours (online) - Wednesday 22nd July 2026 - 10.30am to 12.30pm 
  • Sustaining Curiosity & Growth: Reflection 

Who Is This Programme For? 

  • Baby room practitioners working with children aged 0–2 
  • Practitioners currently based in Birmingham Early Years settings 
  • Staff with a specific responsibility or interest in baby room practice 
  • Practitioners who can commit to the full programme including the completion of pre and post training questionnaires 

Spaces are limited to 30 practitioners to ensure high-quality learning, discussion and reflection. 

How to Register Your Interest 

If you would like to be considered for a place, please register your interest via the following Microsoft Form: 

Click here to register your interest 

Deadline: This form will close at 12:00 noon on Thursday 30 April 2026, or earlier if high levels of interest are received. 

Submitting the form does not guarantee a place. If demand exceeds capacity, places will be allocated to ensure a spread across Birmingham settings and to maximise impact. 

This programme is being delivered through the HEART Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub and is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). 

Wraparound: The missing jigsaw piece in the proposed SEND reforms? Meeting for Wraparound Providers

Thursday the 30th of April, 6:30PM-7:30PM - Our next peer network for wraparound care providers.

We have decided to dedicate this next peer network meeting to doing our very best to make sure your sector is represented in the government's consultation about the proposed SEND reforms. We feel strongly that the proposals are showing a gap at present as they are entirely focused on schools and the early years sector, and completely miss an opportunity to support the wraparound or out of school sector.

We know you play a crucial part in supporting families with school age children, and that you do an amazing job of supporting inclusion in your settings. We also know, however, that inclusion can be very challenging without support, and that sometimes children and families miss out as a result.

Please join us for a dedicated conversation to support as many settings as possible to respond to the consultation and make sure the wraparound sector has a voice in these proposed changes.

Who Should Attend?

The meeting is open to the wraparound sector in its widest sense, so breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday clubs, Holiday Activities and Food providers, leisure and sports providers, voluntary and community groups, short breaks providers and schools too.

How Do I Join?

This is a free event and open event hosted by Families First.

When: Thursday the 30th of April, 6.30–7.30pm

Where: Zoom

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE MEETING LINK.

Please contact info@familiesfirst.org.uk for any questions or if you have difficulty accessing the link.

www.familiesfirst.org.uk

This entry was posted by Jessica Wykes on 22/04/2026.

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