This article from The British Association for Early Childhood Education explores the findings of a review into the special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) provision in the early years within one local authority in relation to inclusion in the Reception year.

HEART Midlands Stronger Practice Hub has partnered with Claire Fitzgerald, Area Lead for Childminders in the Midlands, to develop a suite of stay-and-play sessions specifically for childminders.

Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, shares some of the funding streams available to Birmingham childminders.

CAUTION: Attempting to read this story if you don’t work in the Early Years may lead to severe confusion and a possible headache! You have been warned…

Emma Payne from the Birmingham Scrapstore shares how the Scrapstore can support early years settings to get started with loose parts play.

Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, shares stories from Childminders across Birmingham.

Find out about the Covid-19 Childminder Mentor Programme in this guest post from Claire Fitzgerald, Area Lead on the DfE Mentor Programme.

Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, explores supporting transitions, including the key factors for planning and supporting smooth and successful transitions in the early years.

Hall Green Consortium Schools (HGCS) Early Years Developing Local Provision project: Championing SEND in the Early Years.

Startwell Birmingham Team Leader, Sarah Bates, shares information on the importance of water and tips to encourage consumption both in settings and at home.

Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, explores inclusive practice for childminders, including the importance of building an inclusive environment within childminding settings.

The Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP) is now accepting applications for the latest phase of the training, beginning 6 February 2023.

Theresa Perry, Early Years Consultant at Birmingham City Council, explores the importance of playwork and out-of-school provision.

Find out more about the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL), a new fully-funded DfE programme for early years professionals.

Chris Rumney (RN RSCN), Paediatric Nurse Educator at BCHC+ introduces Birmingham’s Medical Needs in Early Years Service; supporting the sector to meet the needs of children with common chronic medical conditions.

Contact is a charity that aims to provide the best support and guidance for families with disabled children. They provide online, printed and helpline advice and run national programmes across the UK, including FREE sessions, workshops and parenting courses.

An update from the Early Years and Childcare Inclusion Team regarding the Childminder Inclusion Network (CIN), including new staff introductions and online networking sessions for 2022/23.

Birmingham City Council Early Years and Childcare Service are currently undertaking two surveys on the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, one for childcare providers and one for parents/carers. Responses will help improve access to childcare and support other families in Birmingham — Have your say! Closing date is Friday 24 June, for both surveys.