Karen Jones, acting Head of Early Years SEND and Early Years Inclusion Support (EYIS) for Birmingham, shares an update on behalf of the Local Authority EY SEND Leads Group on meeting the needs of children with SEND, prior to transition to reception.

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued a number of COVID-19 updates at the start of January 2022 that are relevant to the Early Years Sector. We have summarised the latest information and guidance in this blog post.

The latest updates, advice, and guidance for education and childcare settings from Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the Department for Education (DfE) following the implementation of the government’s ‘Plan B COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan’.

Sally Leese, Chair of Birmingham Early Years Forum, introduces the Forum and explains more about what it does and what it means for you as an Early Years professional in Birmingham.

Birmingham City Council Early Years and Childcare Service are currently undertaking two childcare surveys, one for childcare providers and the other for parents and carers. Closing date for respondents is Sun 12 Dec, for both surveys. Responses will help shape future provision — Have your say!

Could you join our team of District Language Champions? Our fully-funded LIVERLEY programme has spaces available for childminders and practitioners working in PVI settings or schools.

The latest updates, advice, and guidance for education and childcare settings from Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the Department for Education (DfE) ahead of the 2021/22 academic year, including information about CO2 monitors and a Public Health Birmingham webinar recording for schools and settings.

Hello Birmingham Childminders! Welcome to the first blog post of the newly formed Early Years and Childcare Inclusion Team. We are very excited to be offering the Childminder Inclusion Network to support you in your practice of delivering high-quality care for children with SEND.

The latest updates, advice, and guidance from Birmingham City Council and the DfE, including a video from Dr Justin Varney, DfE webinar on what ‘Step 4’ changes mean for education and childcare settings, plus a letter to school staff from Children and Families Minister, Vicky Ford.

Latest coronavirus updates from the Department for Education (DfE) for all early years, children’s social care, schools and further education providers, including information about the Prime Minister’s announcement and what this means for some of your summer term activities.

The WellComm speech, language and communication project is now beginning delivery for Cohort 3 which includes Edgbaston, Erdington, Selly Oak and Sutton Coldfield Districts.

An update from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding Elective Home Education (EHE) for all early years, children’s social care, schools, and further education providers (5 May 2021).

Latest coronavirus updates from the Department for Education (DfE) for all early years, children’s social care, schools and further education providers, including information about vaccinations for eligible staff in education settings, at-home testing kit supply and delivery, plus links to updated guidance for parents and families.

Startwell Team Leader, Sarah Bates, shares how the Birmingham team have adapted to virtual ways of working, developing and updating resources in order to continue to support Nurseries and Children’s Centres throughout the pandemic.

Update from Lindsey Trivett, Head of Early Years, Childcare and Children’s Centres at Birmingham City Council on the recent confusion around COVID-19 vaccination priority for early years workers.

Manager of Dodford Children’s Farm, Kelly Broadfield, tells us how it all began and why the farm, a staple residential destination for early years settings across the West Midlands, is still going strong 70 years later!

At this challenging time, we would like to offer some positive reminders to all the amazing staff working across the Early Years sector in Birmingham (and beyond).

Update from Lindsey Trivett, Head of Early Years, Childcare and Children’s Centres at Birmingham City Council, including new national lockdown measures, Spring Term funding, and further information about support for vulnerable children and families.