BEYN Blog
Read the latest from the Birmingham Early Years Networks, including guest posts from colleagues working across the Early Years Sector in Birmingham.
Interested in writing a guest post for the Birmingham Early Years Networks blog? Find out more about what’s required. Write for BEYN
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Childminders • SEND • Transition • Professional Development/CPD • From the Heart of the City • Guest Posts
Dingley’s Promise: Early Years Inclusion Programme
Birmingham is one of the Local Authorities chosen to participate in the Dingley’s Promise Early Years Inclusion Programme; we need you to help make it a success!
A Creative Early Years Partnership with The Rep
Find out about our creative partnership with The Rep in Birmingham, offering storytelling drama workshops to Early Years settings to help build children’s communication and language.
Developing Woodwork Curriculum at Highters Heath Nursery School
Elaine Williams, Teaching Assistant at Highters Heath Nursery School, shares her thoughts and experiences, as well as what the children say, about woodwork.
How the Reception Year Can Be More Inclusive for Children with SEND
This article from Early 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.
Birmingham Childminders: Funding Pathways
Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, shares some of the funding streams available to Birmingham childminders.
Another (Confusing) Story for EYFS Professionals…
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…
Loose Parts Play with Birmingham Scrapstore
Emma Payne from the Birmingham Scrapstore shares how the Scrapstore can support early years settings to get started with loose parts play.
Birmingham Childminders: In the Spotlight
Safiaya Abowath-Tulloch, Early Years Consultant (EYC) for Inclusion, shares stories from Childminders across Birmingham.
Covid-19 Childminder Mentor Programme
Find out about the Covid-19 Childminder Mentor Programme in this guest post from Claire Fitzgerald, Area Lead on the DfE Mentor Programme.
Birmingham Childminders: Supporting Transitions
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.
Championing SEND in the Early Years
Hall Green Consortium Schools (HGCS) Early Years Developing Local Provision project: Championing SEND in the Early Years.
Water Consumption in Early Years Settings
Startwell Birmingham Team Leader, Sarah Bates, shares information on the importance of water and tips to encourage consumption both in settings and at home.
Birmingham Childminders: Let’s Talk Inclusive Practice
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.
Early Years PDP - places available for February 2023
The Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP) is now accepting applications for the latest phase of the training, beginning 6 February 2023.
Importance of Playwork and Out-of-School Provision
Theresa Perry, Early Years Consultant at Birmingham City Council, explores the importance of playwork and out-of-school provision.
National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
Find out more about the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL), a new fully-funded DfE programme for early years professionals.
Meeting the Medical Needs of under 5s in Birmingham
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: For Families With Disabled Children
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.

