EYCC Noticeboard

Early Years and Childcare Update - 13 August 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.

Who needs a Nexus Provider Portal account?

The Nexus Provider Portal is required for Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) providers that have registered provision for children of all ages. It is also required for Maintained Nursery Schools (MNS) where there is registered PVI provision for children under two years old.

School-based nurseries and schools do NOT require a Nexus Provider Portal account. These settings should continue to use Pendulum for all funding and provider-related processes

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

Safer Sleep in Early Years: Resources and Support 

The Lullaby Trust have developed resources and guidance in line with the EYFS Sept 2026 requirements and can be found at Safer sleep in early years settings | The Lullaby Trust. 

Further resources have also been developed by the Dog Duck and Cat Charity in the form of an eBook called ‘Safer sleeping and careful cuddles’ to share with parents and children: dogduckandcat.co.uk/stories-0-4/safer-sleeping-and-careful-cuddles/reading-book/ 

Supporting Families Beyond Your Setting: Resources to Help Children Build Confidence and Independence 

Supporting children starts with supporting families.  As trusted partners in children's learning and development, providers play an important role in supporting families.  These free resources can help parents and carers continue that support at home. 

Starting a new early years setting or school is a big milestone for children and their families.  To help make this transition as positive and confident as possible, the Department for Education is encouraging providers to share a range of free BBC CBeebies Parenting resources with parents and carers. 

The 'Skills for Starting School' collection offers practical advice, fun activities and expert guidance to help children develop key skills and independence before they start.  Topics include: 

Providers may find these resources particularly useful to promote through newsletters, social media, parent noticeboards and transition activities. 

Families can also access a range of CBeebies songs, stories, games and advice on BBC iPlayer, and from mid-August 2026 a special CBeebies Parenting Download episode will explore how communication, emotional reassurance, confidence and independence can help children settle into new environments. 

For early years professionals 

You can also access free monthly CBeebies Parenting Champions Training sessions to learn more about the resources available and how they can be used to support families.  The CBeebies Parenting Professionals section includes downloadable materials that can be printed and shared with parents and carers. 

We encourage providers to explore these resources and share them with families as part of their transition support offer. 

For further information, contact CBeebiesparenting@bbc.co.uk. 

Network, Reflect and Develop: Support Children to Feel Safe, Secure and Ready to Learn 

As children settle into a new academic year or navigate a new period of transition, creating environments where they feel safe, secure and supported is essential.  When children feel settled and connected, they are better able to engage in learning, build positive relationships and thrive across all areas of the EYFS. 

Children's learning and development is rooted in warm, responsive relationships.  Feeling understood, valued and emotionally secure helps children to regulate their emotions and behaviour, explore their environment with confidence and make the most of learning opportunities.  

HEART Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is offering two opportunities for practitioners to reflect on how relationships, emotional wellbeing and responsive practice support children's development: 

Leaders and Managers Network: Supporting Self-Regulation in Early Years - Thursday 20th August 2026 - 10.00am to 11.30am or 6.00pm to 7.30pm 

Join Michelle Howles to explore how co-regulation develops into self-regulation and learn about evidence-informed approaches that support

children to manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviour.  The session will explore practical strategies for creating calm, regulated learning environments and helping children develop the skills needed to thrive. 

Childminder Network: Celebrating the Bespoke Childminder Approach - Thursday 10th September 2026 - 6.00pm to 7.00pm 

Childminders are uniquely placed to build strong, consistent and nurturing relationships that help children feel secure and settled.  Join colleagues from across the sector to celebrate the bespoke childminder approach, share successes and reflect on the impact that relationship-based practice can have on children's wellbeing, confidence, transitions and learning. 

Whether your success relates to transitions, pedagogy, outdoor learning or another aspect of practice, this is an opportunity to showcase what makes childminding so special and be inspired by others.   

Dates for Your Diary: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Safeguarding Update Sessions 2026-2027 

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Keep children safe. 

Birmingham’s Early Years and Childcare Service is pleased to invite Designated Safeguarding Leads, managers, leaders and safeguarding practitioners to our upcoming DSL and Safeguarding Update Sessions. 

These sessions are led by our Early Years Safeguarding Officers and will provide the latest safeguarding information, updates to statutory guidance, emerging themes, local developments and key considerations for early years and childcare providers. 

Dates for Your Diary 

Autumn term 2026: 

  • Tuesday 20th October 2026 – 9.30am to 10.30am 
  • Wednesday 21st October 2026 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm or 6pm to 7pm 

Spring term 2027: 

  • Tuesday 9th February 2027 – 9.30am to 10.30am 
  • Wednesday 10th February 2027 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm or 6pm to 7pm 

Summer term 2027: 

  • Tuesday 22nd June 2027 – 9.30am to 10.30am 
  • Wednesday 23rd June 2027 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm or 6pm to 7pm 

What to Expect 

  • National and local safeguarding updates 
  • Emerging safeguarding concerns and trends 
  • Key learning from practice and inspections 
  • Opportunities for questions and discussion 
  • Networking with colleagues across the sector 

These sessions are designed to help settings maintain effective safeguarding arrangements and ensure children remain safe, supported and protected. 

Each session will be held online; booking information will be shared separately. 

Note: Additional dates may be added throughout the year in response to emerging safeguarding updates and changes to guidance.  Please keep an eye on the EYCC Noticeboard for further announcements. 

Early Years Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

New training course for reception teachers and early years CPD available now.

Key Information 

The Department for Education (DfE) is increasing the amount of training that early years educators, including reception teachers, can access.  This includes: 

Click on each programme to find out more, including details on how to apply. 

Note:  Starts for the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programmes and the Excellence in Reception Teaching course will begin in Autumn 2026, with registrations opening on 23 June 2026 and 6 July 2026 respectively.  Registrations for the early years child development training are open now. 

Other CPD Offers for Early Years and Reception Educators 

Why is such training being made available now? 

On 7 July 2025, DfE launched the Giving every child the best start in life strategy, which is known as Best Start Brum across Birmingham.  This included a commitment to improve the quality of education that children receive in early years settings, including childminders and reception classes.  To honour this commitment, the above listed training offers have been designed specifically for early years educators. 

Have you read Best Start Brum? 

It is imperative that we all familiarise ourselves with Best Start Brum, Birmingham’s local strategy in response to the DfE’s ‘Giving every child the best start in life’ national strategy, which aims to improve outcomes for children from birth to age five. 

School Based Nursery Phase 3 Capital Funding Programme

A fantastic opportunity for schools to increase the capacity of their existing nursery provision or create a new nursery provision subject to meeting eligibility criteria. 

The Department for Education has recently rolled out Phase 3 of the School Based Nursery Capital Programme. 

The purpose of the programme is for schools to either increase the number of early education places for (0- to 4-year-olds) in their existing early years provision or create places at a new provision based on the school site to meet an unmet gap in the local area where the school is located. 

The funding will only support capital costs associated with the refurbishment or repurposing of existing space on the school site. 

The funding opportunity is aimed at all state funded schools e.g. Maintained Nursery Schools, Primary Schools and all through schools with Primary provision. 

If you are a school interested in this funding opportunity, please email Kevin.Caulfield@birmingham.gov.uk and Rebekah.Horton@birmingham.gov.uk directly so we can set up a meeting to discuss your proposal and share information regarding the application process and eligibility.

Early Education Entitlement

Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) Funding – Are children in your setting missing out? 

Do you deliver government-funded Early Education Entitlement (EEE) hours in your setting? 

If the answer is yes, you may be able to claim Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) for eligible children attending your provision. 

What is EYPP? 

The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) provides additional funding to support improved outcomes for disadvantaged children.  When used effectively, it can help settings strengthen children's learning, development and wellbeing through high-quality, evidence-informed practice. 

Who is eligible? 

Children may be eligible for EYPP if they meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Their parent or carer receives certain qualifying benefits 
  • They are currently looked after by a local authority 
  • They have previously been looked after and left care through adoption, a Special Guardianship Order, or a Child Arrangements Order 

Why does claiming EYPP matter? 

We have identified that some Birmingham providers are not currently claiming EYPP.  This means settings may be missing out on valuable additional funding and, more importantly, children may be missing opportunities to benefit from support that could further enhance their learning, development and wellbeing. 

It is also important to remember that EYPP is about impact, not just the claiming of funding. Effective use of EYPP should focus on improving outcomes through high-quality practice, staff development, communication and language support and improvements to the learning environment.  Funding should be considered strategically and used to benefit eligible children collectively, rather than being viewed solely as funding for individual children. 

Act Now – EYPP Cannot Be Claimed Retrospectively 

The Early Years and Childcare Service is encouraging all eligible providers to review their current EYPP claims. 

EYPP funding is only available from the point at which eligibility has been confirmed and a claim has been submitted.  Claims cannot be backdated. 

To ensure your setting and children do not miss out, we recommend that: 

  • Eligibility checks are sensitively completed in collaboration with parents or carers as early as possible. 
  • EYPP claims are submitted promptly alongside funded hours claims. 
  • Robust systems are in place to regularly review eligibility throughout the year. 

Key Actions for Providers 

  • Review children currently attending your setting who may be eligible for EYPP. 
  • Encourage parents and carers to complete EYPP declaration forms where appropriate. 
  • Incorporate EYPP eligibility checks into admissions procedures and termly review processes. 
  • Regularly review how EYPP funding is being used and the impact it is having on children's outcomes. 

Access Further Information or Support 

For detailed information about EYPP, including eligibility guidance, practical examples and evidence-informed approaches to spending EYPP funding effectively, please see: 
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP): Making Every Penny Count 

Free school meals and early years pupil premium | Free childcare and education for children aged 9 months to 4 years | Birmingham City Council 

For advice and support relating to EYPP, please contact your District Early Years Consultant or the Early Years Duty Service: 

Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays) 

For queries specifically relating to funding payments or the application process, please contact the Early Education Entitlement Team: 

Every eligible child identified is an opportunity to secure additional funding that can help improve outcomes and narrow developmental gaps for Birmingham's children. 

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

WellComm Data Collection for Schools and Nursery Schools 

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. We ask each school to share their termly screening data with us so that we can track the impact of the WellComm screening tool. For schools and nursery schools we collect your WellComm data via an online form each term. The Summer term data collection form is now available for schools and Nursery Schools. If you are a day nursery or childminder, you do not complete this form. 

The deadline for the form to be submitted is 31st August 2026. 

To complete the survey, please click Primary Schools and Maintained Nursery Schools WellComm Data Collection Summer 2026 – Fill in form 

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:

Early Talk Boost 

Early Talk Boost is a targeted intervention aimed at 3- to 4-year-old children who need help with talking and understanding words, helping to boost their language skills to narrow the gap between them and their peers. The programme aims to accelerate children’s progress in language and communication by an average of 6 months, after a nine-week intervention.  

Children selected to take part in the intervention will attend three sessions per week during circle/story time, each lasting 15-20 minutes delivered by an early year’s practitioner. The sessions include activities that cover the foundation skills in speech, language, and communication that children need for learning and understanding new words, as well as having conversations. The training is delivered face to face and each setting will receive 2 boxes of Early Talk Boost resources. 

  • Friday 14th August, 10am – 3pm at Edgbaston Family Hub, (Doddington Children’s Centre), 28 Doddington Grove, Birmingham, B32 4EL 
  • Friday 21st August 10am - 3pm, at Selly Oak Family Hub (Chinnbrook Children’s Centre), 213 Trittiford Rd, Birmingham, B13 0ET

Settings to fill out a Microsoft form and choose their preferred date Expression of Interest for Early Talk Boost Training 2026 – Fill in form 

This training is suitable for Birmingham EEE Funding Registered Day Nurseries, Nursery Schools and School Nursery Classes.  

Childminders: Let's Talk About Keeping Little Ones Safe During Sleep and Mealtimes 

For the attention of childminders only.

We are inviting Birmingham childminders to join us for a friendly and informal conversation about two of the most important aspects of childminding practice: safe sleep and safe eating. 

Whether you are newly registered or have many years of experience, this is an opportunity to come together with fellow childminders to share experiences, ask questions, explore current best practice, and discuss everyday challenges in a supportive, non-judgemental online space. 

We'll be talking about practical approaches to keeping children safe during sleep and mealtimes, reflecting on guidance and providing an opportunity for open discussion and learning from one another. 

We'll Chat About 

  • Creating safer sleep environments for babies and young children 
  • Promoting safe eating and support positive mealtime experiences 
  • Guidance and how it translates into day-to-day routines within your childminding setting
  • Real-life scenarios, questions and discussion 

Building confidence in making informed decisions that support children's health, safety and wellbeing 

To help as many childminders as possible take part, we have scheduled two dates during the summer break, and we would love for you to join us at whichever session works best for you: 

This is not a formal training session.  It's a chance to connect with colleagues, explore best practice and talk through any questions or concerns in a supportive environment. 

Our aim is for you to partake in a relaxed, supportive conversation focused on keeping babies and young children safe, healthy and well supported. 

Supporting Children’s Play: Applying the Playwork Principles in School-Aged Provision 

Please join us to look at: 

  • How we can develop a shared understanding of the Playwork Principles and their role in promoting high-quality school-aged childcare 
  • How your environment, activities and staff approaches enable and enhance children’s play 
  • How play, care and safeguarding responsibilities align when working with children aged 5 and over 

Date and link to register:  

This entry was posted by Jessica Wykes on 12/08/2026.

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