WelcomeandIntroductionAlexGamby
Dear Kent Early Years and Childcare Providers
Hello, and welcome to this Term 5 edition of Kent’s Early Years and Childcare Bulletin. I hope that it finds you well and able to enjoy the very pleasant weather we have been having recently, either in your setting with children and/or at home with family and friends in your leisure time.
The implementation of Kent County Council’s (KCC’s) Early Years Review is in full swing. There is a good level of engagement of providers with the Early Years and Childcare Service’s Early Years Quality Advisers and Childminding Advisers, for which we are appreciative, so thank you. On the subject of Childminding Advisers, to more fully reflect the nature of the role, we have changed to job title to Childminding Quality and Sufficiency Adviser. Also, and whilst we are on the subject of ‘sufficiency’, for the avoidance of doubt, for early years group settings (i.e. preschools and nurseries), our Childcare Sufficiency Officers (CSOs) are still very much part of the Early Years and Childcare Service, working equally alongside and with Early Years Quality Advisers and (for standalone out of school providers), our Out of School Quality Adviser.
We know and acknowledge that the implementation of the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) new Statutory Guidance is continuing to be very challenging. As we work towards a fully revised provider agreement, we are endeavouring to gather providers issues and views to inform this, whilst not being able to depart from legislative requirements.
Ofsted has now closed its consultation on how it inspects early years and childcare provision and reports on this. The outcomes of this consultation will clearly be reported widely in due course, in which context we will bring you any information that we have and can do, as soon as we are able.
You will recall, hopefully, that in the last edition of this bulletin I shared that after careful consideration, The Education People (TEP) had taken the decision to not continue in its role in the Stronger Practice Hub (SPH) and that Northfleet Nursery School would be taking over as the lead partner. Going forward, the SPH will have a regular slot in this bulletin, to bring you its latest news so watch this space
As always (and I hope that you don’t ever think this is tokenistic, because it is really not), I would like to say simply thank you for all that you all do for Kent’s children and their families.
With my very best wishes to you all.
Alex Gamby Head of Early Years and Childcare
KentEarlyYearsandChildcareProviderAssociation
The Kent Early Years and Childcare Provider Association has not met since the previous edition of this bulletin but will do so again in June.
In the meantime, Julie Miles (who was the manager of Discovery Nursery in Maidstone, and early years groups Maidstone representative on the Association) has moved on to pastures new, by implication also resigning from her position as the Association’s Vice Chair. The Association and Kent’s Early Years and Childcare Service are grateful for and appreciative of everything that Julie brought and did in these two roles.
Furthermore, Lisa Evans, who has chaired the Association since its inception in 2016, has recently stepped down from this role. Lisa will continue though in her role as early years groups representative for Folkstone and Hythe. Lisa has done a tremendous job as chair for which, as with Julie, the Association and Kent’s Early Years and Childcare Service are very grateful.
A new chair and vice chair for the Association will be identified soon, plus a new early years groups representative for Maidstone.
Nationalnewsandupdates
Childcare Choices stakeholder mini toolkit
From September 2025, eligible working parents will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare a week, for 38 weeks of the year, starting from the term after their child turns 9 months old until they begin school.
Since Monday 12 May, all eligible working parents of children who will be at least nine months old on or before 31 August have been able to apply for their 30 hours childcare.
This marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the full rollout in September, when working parents will gain access to the final stage of the working parent entitlement. The DfE is marking this milestone with a range of activity to promote the working entitlements to parents. To support and reach as many families as possible, social media and newsletter content has been complied for providers to share through their own channels. This can be accessed via the Childcare Choices website
Space requirements in early years childcare settings in England
The DfE is seeking views for amending the indoor space requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EFYS) statutory frameworks.
Why your views matter
The expansion of funded childcare for working parents is supporting families and helping parents to enter work or increase their hours. To meet demand for the expanded entitlements, additional childcare places are required. However, one of the barriers to expanding childcare provision is the indoor space requirements in the EYFS frameworks.
Therefore, the DfE consulting on potential options for amending the EYFS indoor space requirements, which is in addition to other initiatives planned to increase places by September 2025.
Please share your views in the online survey
Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) training provider guidance and webinars
The DfE is pleased to announce the publication of the EYTDA Provider Guidance, developed with a sector-led implementation group to support training providers in delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes for early years professionals.
Recommended for Higher Education Institutions (HEI), training providers and sector stakeholders, the EYTDA
Provider Guidance details key requirements for apprenticeship delivery, covering:
• eligibility
• programme structure
• mentoring
• assessments
• quality assurance
• compliance
• roles of providers and employers.
Training providers are expected to be ready to offer EYTDA apprenticeships from September 2026, although some may be ready earlier.
The full guidance is available on the GOV.UK page. For queries, Contact the Department for Education - Your question - GOV.UK
Bespoke employer guidance will also be published shortly to support organisations in understanding and implementing the new requirements effectively.
Important changes in waste collection
New legislation has been implemented with effect from 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms) which states that all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to present the following wastes separated, in accordance with arrangements with their waste collector:
• dry recyclable materials such as plastic, metal, glass, paper and card
• food waste
• black bin waste (residual waste).
Further information on separating recyclable material can be found in the ‘Separating Recyclable Waste’ section of the guidance.
Workplaces that generate garden waste have a legal duty to manage it in accordance with the waste hierarchy, and to arrange for it to be recycled or composted if it delivers the best environmental outcome.
To ensure you are meeting this legislation please find further information in the guidance document.
Updated guidance for daycare providers on the compulsory and voluntary childcare register
If you are registered to provide childcare on domestic premises, you are also permitted to work some of your time from non-domestic premises, such as a church hall or community centre. Use the guidance to apply to work from nondomestic premises. Ofsted will need to approve any non-domestic premises before you can work there.
Do Something Big campaign – advertising vacancies on Find a Job
The next wave of the Do Something Big campaign is running from 19 May-14 September 2025, encouraging more people to explore a fulfilling career in early years and childcare.
New adverts include 15-second social videos that challenge common barriers to joining the sector, alongside new content specifically designed to encourage more men to consider working in early years roles. The campaign will be across TV, radio, digital, social media, billboards, and the rail network.
The campaign website also directs thousands of potential applicants to Find A Job every week and providers can advertise roles on there for free, which will ensure they are seen by a large pool of candidates.
Providers should use the term ‘early years’ in the title of the job adverts and select ‘Education and childcare jobs’ for the job category.
If you experience any issues using this service, contact DWP and select “I’m an employer and “I need help posting my job adverts”. They aim to respond within one working day.
You can also visit employer help and advice for DWP find a job instructions.
The Find a Job YouTube channel also provides helpful video tutorials on how to post job adverts and manage your employer account.
Survey for Early Years Educators
The DfE’s Research Team is now running another round of research to better understand early years educators’ experiences with qualifications. Educators are invited to complete a short survey to share their views and help shape future improvements.
Please share the survey link Educator survey form with educators in your setting or wider networks
A downloadable poster is also available, which includes more details and a QR code to access the survey. Thank you for helping to gather valuable insights from the sector. If you have any questions, please contact: research.early-years-quals@education.gov.uk.
Training places for e-Qualitas’ Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) cohort, starting in Autumn 2025
The DfE has confirmed additional training places for e-Qualitas’ Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) cohort, starting in Autumn 2025.
If you or a colleague in your early years setting are ready to begin the journey to gaining EYTS, they would love to hear from you.
By training with e-Qualitas, you join a community dedicated to transforming the future of education. Their EYITT programme applies a purposefully sequenced online learning curriculum to your ongoing practice working in an early years setting.
Learn more about the programme by visiting their website, where you can begin the enrolment process by completing a short enquiry form
Ofsted consultation proposals
Ofsted has now completed its consultation, seeking the views of parents, carers, professionals and children, on a new approach to inspecting and reporting education providers, including early years and childcare providers.
The Ofsted consultation proposals aim to provide a more holistic inspection framework which benefits the families, parents and children, and strengthens the partnerships with early years and childcare professionals. It aims to change how it feels to be inspected to a more collaborative and transparent approach, whilst supporting providers to continue to raise standards. This includes considerations for all types of settings including wraparound and out of school care.
In summary, Ofsted changes proposed:
• Report cards – these would give parents and carers more detailed information than the current reports, including a new five-point grading scale to evaluate more areas of a provider’s work and short summaries of what inspectors found
• Education inspection toolkits – this tool shows providers and inspectors the evaluation areas that Ofsted will focus inspections on and how they will assess and grade providers
• Inspection methodology – changes to how Ofsted carry out inspections.
Click on this link to have a read of the proposals and check the proposed toolkits. Improving the way Ofsted inspects education - GOV.UK.
Kentnewsandupdates
Kent County Council family hub quality assurance roadshows
The Kent County Council Family Hub Quality Assurance Roadshows are scheduled to take place in June.
There are several places available, and the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service would like to encourage participation from early years settings. Your engagement is vital in helping us shape a truly integrated quality assurance framework.
Places can be reserved using the booking links below.
• Monday 2nd June AM - Mercure Hotel, Maidstone
• Tuesday 3rd June AM - Ashford International Hotel
• Monday 9th June PM - Inn on the Lake, Gravesend
• Tuesday 10th June AM - Holiday Inn, Dover
Kent-funded E-learning – how to break even and avoid bad debt
Please do not forget there are a number of KCC funded courses to support your business, such as this E-learning module offered by The Education People.
The E-learning module explains how to calculate breakeven and looks at ways of monitoring and managing bad debt and their importance in running a successful childcare business.
You will be introduced to different ways to carry out breakeven calculations and have an opportunity to undertake practical examples.
The module will also help you with techniques in which to improve the settings breakeven position and tips for monitoring and managing potential and actual bad debt.
The e-learning can be accessed via your TEP account and purchased via our website, the product value will revert to £0.00 for eligible Kent PVI providers upon checkout.
Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP) allegation management and the role of the LADO virtual training
This course has been developed for managers and designated practitioners working across the children and young people's workforce in Kent. It will identify the relevant procedures that should be used in respect of all cases in connection with the person’s employment, or voluntary activity where it is alleged that a person who works with children and young people has:
• behaved in a way that has harmed a child or young person, or may have harmed a child or young person
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or young person
• behaved towards a child or young person in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children and young people
• behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children (includes transfer of risk, risk by association).
Course dates are listed below.
10 June 2025 9.30am – 12.30pm
16 September 2025 9.30am – 12.30pm
2 December 2025 9.30am – 12.30pm
KSCMP Impact of Parental Mental Health on Children Seminar
This seminar will explore the impact of parental and caregiver mental health issues on the safety and wellbeing of children. It will include relevant learning from Kent and national practice reviews and cover key principles when supporting children when a parent has mental health issues.
The seminar will also launch KSCMP’s new practice resource @I’m Lucy’, which aims to highlight that children should not be considered protective factors for their parents’ or carers’ mental health
This training is free and can be booked on the KSCMP MS Teams booking page
Dingley's Promise training courses
Dingley’s Promise has used the expertise and knowledge of our practitioners to develop flexible online training courses to support those working with children in the early years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Funded courses available for Kent providers include:
Introduction to Early Years Inclusive Practice
Early Years SEND Transition Training Course
Behaviours That Challenge Training Course
Intersections Within Early Years Practice Training Course
Having Difficult Conversations with Families Training Course
The Voice of the Child Training Course
Leadership and Management for Inclusion Training Course
If you have not had the chance to look at any of the training, please read more about all the available Dingley's Promise training courses.
Focusonchildminders
Library Service information
Did you know that Kent Libraries offer childminders an enhanced service if they register for a childminder membership?
The libraries have a fantastic selection of board, picture and information books, including a wide selection of dual language books.
You can borrow up to 50 books for 8 weeks, without late fines and order in books from other Kent Libraries without charge.
Many of the libraries have fun activity groups for babies and pre-school children.
As a library card holder, you can access eMagazines, eBooks and audio books. Visit the website to find your local library and find out for more about the services they offer.
Safer recruitment for childminders – what changes will you need to make?
From September 2025 there are several changes being made following the EYFS safeguarding reforms to strengthen the EYFS safeguarding requirements. This includes amendments around child absence, safeguarding training, paediatric first aid, safer eating, children’s privacy and safer recruitment.
The following new wording will be included regarding safer recruitment: ‘Childminders must obtain a reference for any childminding assistants they employ.’ This includes childminders employing family members. Childminders should:
• not accept open references e.g. to whom it may concern
• not rely on applicants to obtain their reference
• ensure any references are from the candidate’s current employer, training provider or education setting and have been completed by a senior person with appropriate authority
• not accept references from a family member
• obtain verification of the individual’s most recent relevant period of employment where the applicant is not currently employed
• 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
• ensure electronic references originate from a legitimate source
• contact referees to clarify content where information is vague or insufficient information is provided
• compare the information on the application form with that in the reference and take up any discrepancies with the candidate
• establish the reason for the candidate leaving their current or most recent post and ensure any concerns are resolved satisfactorily before appointment is confirmed.
Childminders need to confirm that their assistants are suitable, have relevant training and pass any required checks. Childminders must also ensure any person having regular contact with children is suitable.
Out of School Quality Adviser visits
The Early Years and Childcare Service’s Out of School Quality Adviser continues to support newly registered out of school settings until their first Ofsted inspection.
The Out of School Quality Adviser continues to offer support for settings through Professional Conversations for which dates are still being offered. The principal aim of these visits is to reduce the risk of falling below a ‘met’ judgement. During these visits there is the opportunity to explore and understand the settings approach to the monitoring of the quality of provision, the safeguarding and
welfare requirements and its place within the self-evaluation and setting improvement plan. If you have any questions about our visits, please email eycquality@theeducationpeople.org
GoodPractice
Embracing technology in early years: building bridges, not barriers
In today's digital age, technology permeates every aspect of our lives, including early childhood education. While some early years practitioners and managers may feel apprehensive about integrating technology due to potential risks, it's essential to recognise that, when used thoughtfully, technology can enhance relationships and communication, particularly with harder-to-reach families.
Understanding the apprehension
Many educators’ express concerns about incorporating technology into early years settings. These concerns often stem from:
• exposure to inappropriate Content. The fear that children might access harmful material online
• reduced physical activity. Worries that screen time could replace active play, leading to health issues.
• diminished social Interaction: the possibility that technology might hinder face-to-face communication skills
• digital literacy gaps; educators may feel unprepared to effectively integrate technology, leading to its underutilization.
Bridging the gap with technology
Despite these concerns, technology offers valuable tools to connect with families who might be challenging to engage through traditional methods.
• Enhanced communication: digital platforms enable real-time updates on a child's progress, fostering transparency and trust.
• Language support: for non-English-speaking families, translation apps can facilitate better understanding and involvement.
• Flexible engagement: virtual meetings and online resources allow parents with demanding schedules to participate in their child's education.
Implementing technology safely and effectively
To harness the benefits of technology while mitigating risks:
• Set clear guidelines: establish policies on appropriate technology use to protect children and provide clarity for educators and parents
• Provide training: equip staff with the necessary skills to integrate technology effectively, ensuring they feel confident and competent.
• Engage families: educate parents on the technology used, addressing concerns and highlighting its benefits for their children's learning and development.
Conclusion
Embracing technology in early years settings requires a balanced approach. By acknowledging potential risks and proactively addressing them, educators can leverage digital tools to foster stronger relationships and enhance communication with all families, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.
Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition guidance
This guidance, published 17 April 2025, is for early years providers in England who are caring for early years children aged 0 to 5 years.
It supports providers in meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework requirement ‘Where children are provided with meals, snacks and drinks, these must be healthy, balanced and nutritious’.
From September 2025, the EYFS statutory framework will include a safeguarding and welfare requirement that asks providers to follow this nutrition guidance unless there is good reason not to.
Informationforfamilies
Starting Reception: your child’s journey to school starts at home
This guide provides useful information on how to prepare your child for school and how early years providers and other professionals can help.
It focuses on the following.
• Skills to practise with your child
• Helping children with additional needs.
• Who you you contact for help.
The Starting Reception website sets out the personal, social, emotional, and physical skills that most children will develop by the time they start school.
The definition document has been created to help parents, caregivers, and the early years professionals involved in looking after young children get them ready to start school.
Parents, carers and any organisations working with children and families across the UK are encouraged to use this definition in their work, so all children start school ready for their first day.
Please find instructions for downloading and branding. All this content is free to use and publish on your own websites Please DO NOT change the definition and credit startingreception.co.uk
Baby rhyme time sessions (under 3’s) and story time (3-4 year olds)
Listening to stories is a great way to develop and encourage young children to read books. Parents and carers can come and join one of Kent Libraries story time sessions for 3- to 4-year-olds and Baby Rhyme time sessions for under 3s. A free and fun way for children to develop a love of language and a foundation for learning. Each session lasts about 20 minutes and includes the opportunity to join in with nursery rhymes and action songs.
You can find the online story time playlist on their You Tube channel. Research shows that babies and children introduced early to stories and books do better in school in later years. Parents and carers can also download a free audio story from Storynory or their growing audiobooks collection.
Research shows that these activities can help develop literacy and communication skills in babies and children. If you are unable to attend one of our baby rhyme time sessions, the Words for Life website gives other ideas for similar activities.
You can find the online rhyme time playlist on our YouTube channel.
Find story time and baby rhyme sessions
Using the directory find you will be able to find local libraries that offer story time and baby rhyme time sessions, which will include dates, times and details of the sessions.
Briefingandnetworkingsessions
Our regular early years and childcare briefing and networking sessions provide a good opportunity to keep your setting and staff up to date and to network with colleagues from other settings.
Why not book a place on the next round of sessions and benefit from the opportunity to network and hear important updates? In line with provider feedback and to maximise ability to attend, these sessions will continue to be held virtually via Zoom, and you can access your place by clicking on the titles below.
EYC Briefing and Networking – North Wednesday 18 June 2025 4 – 6 pm
EYC Briefing and Networking – West Tuesday 10 June 2025 4 – 6 pm
EYC Briefing and Networking – East Thursday 12 June 2025 4 – 6 pm
EYC Briefing and Networking – South Wednesday 11 June 2025 4 – 6 pm
We are also running an additional evening briefing and networking session with
eligible childminders and out of school settings in mind, who may find it difficult to attend the weekday afternoon sessions.
EYC Briefing and Networking –Childminders and Out of School
Tuesday 17 June 2025 7.30 – 9.30 pm
ContactUs
Alex Gamby
Head of Early Years & Childcare
Threads of Success
Threads of Success Recruitment Hub
Alex.gamby@theeducationpeople.org
https://www.theeducationpeople.org/our-expertise/earlyyears-childcare/threads-of-success/
https://www.theeducationpeople.org/our-expertise/earlyyears-childcare/recruitment-hub/
Sufficiency and Sustainability sufficiencyandsustainability@theeducationpeople.org
Education for Sustainable Development esd@theeducationpeople.org
Early Years & Childcare Quality Team eycquality@theeducationpeople.org
Collaborations eycollaborations@theeducationpeople.org
Childminding childminding@theeducationpeople.org
Workforce Development earlyyearsworkforce.ask@theeducationpeople.org
Kent Children & Families Information Service kentcfis@theeducationpeople.org
KCC Management Information miearlyyears@kent.gov.uk
KELSI http://www.kelsi.org.uk
Schools Ebulletin http://www.kelsi.org.uk/working_in_education/news.aspx
