Early years weekly bulletin

A weekly roundup of information that may be of interest to you and help you in your role in your early years setting.

Weekly Bulletins

Early Years Quality Improvement Team's Weekly Bulletin

17 September 2026

Keep in touch

Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01772 539058

Web site: Early years support and training - Lancashire County Council

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LancsEarlyYears/ and http://www.facebook.com/groups/lancsearlyyears/

Complete this form to advertise your job vacancies for free: Recruiting and managing staff - Lancashire County Council

Your sector representatives

Please contact your PVI representatives on the Early Years Consultative Group, Rafael Schiel rafael@giantleapchildcare.co.uk or Sharon Fenton sharon@risingstarslancaster.co.uk if you have any comments or questions that you would like them to take forward to the County Council on your behalf.

Are you a new manager at your nursery setting?

Congratulations on your new role! Please let us know by completing this quick form: New PVI Nursery Manager

This will ensure that the member of the team supporting your setting knows who you are and can support you.

Something to do this week...

Take some time to explore the data on the community your setting operates in and where your children live

The 'Explore an Area' tool has been created for Ofsted inspectors and setting leaders to use to really understand the context of the local area. Take some time to access the tool and consider what the data means when supporting your children and families.

It includes depravation data, take up of EYPP, obesity levels and oral health information. You can search for Lancashire County Council area and then drill down more locally when you search by your postcode. The data is compared to the national picture to demonstrate the local priorities.

Ofsted Inspectors will use this data to inform discussions with leaders during the planning call.

You also have 'Lancashire Insight' which provides further information and can drill down to ward areas if needed. It also includes additional information on a broad range of topics including traffic accidents, domestic abuse and anti social behaviour.

Reflect on your practice:

How will you use this knowledge to support your children and families?

Education Improvement, SEND, CFW, social care and MASH contacts

An updated list of managers from the above services was attached to your email bulletin.

Member's autumn Spotlight Magazine

Keep an eye out for your copy of the magazine in your email!

It is stuffed full of interesting and inspiring articles for members. Interested in finding out more about extra support for members?

Please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/early years/early-years-support-and training/membership-and-other support-services/ to find out more.

Every Baby Matters Webinar series

Every Baby Matters Webinar Series has been designed to build on key themes and provides an opportunity to explore topics in greater depth, learn from expert speakers and consider how as childcare practitioners we can continue improving outcomes for babies, children and families. Sessions are free and for an hour duration over lunchtime. They are suitable for professionals supporting young people and families across health, social care, education, early years, policing, community and voluntary sector organisations, and partner agencies.

For further information and to register, please visit: Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership Training

Important updates from Lancashire Virtual School

Important Updates from Lancashire Virtual School for Children Looked After, Children with a Social Worker and Children Previously Looked After

Welcome back to the autumn term. I hope you all managed to get a well deserved break over the summer and huge thank you for the support you offer to our learners.

Personal Education Plans (PEPs)

From September 2026, the Lancashire PEP will now be hosted on the Welfare Call Platform. The Professional Portal will no longer be used for PEPs. Welfare Call hosting the PEP will create a live document that all relevant staff can access, provide users quicker direct ICT support and will be much more user friendly.

Whilst changing PEP systems, we have also taken the opportunity to redesign the PEP with the support of education and Children Social Care partners, to ensure that all the sections and questions are there to support each CLA to make progress and for this to be monitored.

Please ensure you book on both training courses below to support you with accessing and completing the new PEP:

Welfare Call Lancashire PEP training (choice of 4 dates available in September)
Writing effective PEPs, turning insight into impact

Book here - Training and events by the Virtual School - Lancashire County Council

Lancashire 2026/27 PEP dates

PEP submission deadline: within 5 working days following the PEP meeting (all terms)

Autumn term: 1 Sept to 16 Nov
Spring term: 1 jan to 12 Feb
Summer term: 1 Apr to 16 June

Educational Psychology Service Group Consultation for Schools/Settings Working with Lancashire Virtual School Learners

Dates for consultations throughout this academic year have been arranged. Please see Educational psychologist group consultation regarding virtual school learners early years KS1 - Lancashire County Council for more detail and how to book.

Early Years Designated Teacher/Practitioner Audit Tool

As part of our work to support settings, we are pleased to share an audit and self-evaluation tool to use in your setting (see attached document). The tool has been developed to support leaders and designated professionals in reviewing the effectiveness of their provision for Virtual School learners, identifying strengths and priorities for development, and evidencing the impact of their work on outcomes for children and young people. The tool has been designed to support self-evaluation and professional reflection and are aligned with relevant statutory guidance and current inspection frameworks.

The audit tools draw upon:

The Designated Teacher for Looked-After and Previously Looked-After Children statutory guidance (DfE, 2018);

Promoting the Education of Looked-After Children and Previously Looked-After Children statutory guidance (DfE, 2018);

The September 2026 Ofsted Early Years Inspection Toolkit and EYFS inspection guidance;

The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework;

There is no compulsory obligation to complete the audit in full. It is intended as a practical resource that settings may choose to use in whole or in part, depending on their context, priorities, and existing quality assurance arrangements. The tool may assist settings in monitoring and reporting on the quality of provision and outcomes for Virtual School learners. It provides a framework for reviewing areas such as safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, achievement, behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, leadership and governance.

We hope you find these resources useful and that they support your ongoing work to improve outcomes for Lancashire's most vulnerable learners. Thank you once again for your continued commitment, care and dedication to the children and young people you support every day.

Please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/virtualschool for information, access to free training and resources.

Please share: Parents and carers of children looked after (CLA) previously looked after children (PLAC) and children with a social worker (CWSW) - Lancashire County Council

Many thanks
Sharie Mayren
Education Consultant (Early Years)
Virtual School For Children Looked After

Fake or real? Know the deal - Campaign to tackle deepfakes

Lancashire Police has launched a new campaign this week to help young people and families recognise and respond to the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI) generated deepfakes, including harmful manipulated content that can have devastating consequences for victims. Deepfakes are images, videos or audio clips created using AI that can make it appear as though someone has said or done something they never actually did.

The Fake or Real? Know the Deal campaign aims to give young people, parents, carers and educators the confidence and knowledge needed to embrace technology safely while understanding the risks associated with deepfake content.

We would appreciate if you were able to share this campaign across your channels. We have created an online toolkit which includes;

Social media posts copy and video content
Intranet article / newsletter article
Printed challenge posters – request for hard copies

Thank you for your continued support.

Information sharing to safeguard children and young people

This new statutory guidance is now in force for all those who work with children and is intended to:

promote consistent implementation
support a cultural shift in how information sharing is understood and practised across sectors

The Information Sharing Duty guidance is for practitioners and organisations providing safeguarding and welfare services for children and young people including all settings.

It should be read alongside the statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-sharing-to-safeguard children-and-young-people

DfE and Ofsted Updates

Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) – New online format

The Department for Education has launched an online version of the Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL) on GOV.UK. The EYQL helps users determine whether a qualification is recognised as ‘full and relevant’ for the purposes of working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staff:child ratios in England.

Access here: https://check-an-early-years-qualification.service.gov.uk/early-years

The new format allows users to:

search qualification information online
view qualification details, additional requirements and notes more easily
access information without downloading a spreadsheet find full and relevant qualifications to study

Early years managers and practitioners can also use the Check an Early Years Qualification (CEYQ) service to support qualification checks.

Qualifications achieved outside the UK are not included on the EYQL. Holders of non-UK qualifications should continue to contact Ecctis for qualification recognition.

Early Years Quality Improvement Team's Weekly Bulletin

10 September 2026

Keep in touch

Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01772 539058

Web site: Early years support and training - Lancashire County Council

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LancsEarlyYears/ and http://www.facebook.com/groups/lancsearlyyears/

Complete this form to advertise your job vacancies for free: Recruiting and managing staff - Lancashire County Council

Your sector representatives

Are you a new manager at your nursery setting?

Congratulations on your new role! Please let us know by completing this quick form: New PVI Nursery Manager

This will ensure that the member of the team supporting your setting knows who you are and can support you.

Something to do this week...

Build healthy foundations through food

The early years are an important time to develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

From those first tastes during weaning to toddlers trying new foods, early years practitioners play a really important role to help children develop a positive relationship with food.

Practitioners should work with parents, asking for information about their child's dietary needs, allergies, preferences and stage of development which helps with a consistent approach between home and the setting.

Exploring new foods:

Children need to see, smell, touch and taste a food several times before they accept it. To encourage young children to try new foods try:

At each meal, offer a variety of foods on the plate
Pair unfamiliar foods alongside familiar favourites
Encourage children to explore the new food without pressure to eat it
Celebrate when small steps are achieved, a sniff, a lick or a tiny taste is progress

Create a happy, sociable mealtime:

Adults should sit with children and model good eating habits
Enjoyable conversations whilst sitting together encourages children to eat better
Children should be encouraged to be independent when eating
Adults should not pressure children to finish their food, in order to have the next course

Reflect on your practice:

Think about your snack and mealtimes - what could you improve?

Small changes can make a big difference in helping children develop healthy eating habits and lifelong enjoyment of food.

To support your practice, revisit Early Years Foundation Stage nutrition guidance

Why not try sensory food education: Help for early years providers : Sensory food education

For information on healthy food choices: The Eatwell Guide - NHS

Useful resources

Your baby’s first solid foods - NHS

Help your baby enjoy new foods - NHS

Drinks and cups for babies and young children - NHS

How to make up baby formula - NHS

Communication and language

We now have a dedicated section of website focusing on WELLCOMM, with a range of tools, advice, guidance and materials to support you in implementing it's use within your setting. You can find this here: WellComm

Early Years SENCO training - fully funded training now available

As part of the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving early identification and support for children with SEND, the Department for Education is funding an additional 9,500 Early Years SENCO training places until March 2028.

You may be eligible for priority access if your setting is in a lower Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) area. These priority settings are typically allocated funded places faster.

While fully funded places are available to eligible applicants across all IDACI bands, we strongly encourage those in priority settings to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.

Recruitment is open now. For further information, including eligibility and to complete your application, please see Early Years SENCO - Level 3 | Best Practice Network

Local government reorganisation

The Government has today announced a review of its local government reorganisation programme to ensure the process is robust, legally sound and aligned with its priorities.

As part of this review, the reorganisation proposals affecting Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool will be paused while further work is carried out. The Government has also confirmed that local elections in May2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries.

For now, there is no change to the council, or the support and services provided to you, children, young people and families. Childcare settings should continue to operate as normal, with the same support and relationships in place.

While the review is taking place, councils across Lancashire will continue to work closely together. We remain committed to working collaboratively and ensuring everyone receives clear and consistent information.

Thank you for your continued professionalism and for everything you do to support children and young people across Lancashire.

Virtual School Autumn Newsletter

We hope you had a lovely summer break. Please see the link below for the Virtual School autumn newsletter which contains important updates including the new PEP, the Key Stage 4 Conference, Empower Academy and much more. https://sway.cloud.microsoft/PtlAgzRlPFDuRdYX?ref=Link

Designated Audit Tool for CLA

would like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you already do to support Children Looked After (CLA), Previously Looked After Children (PLAC), Children with a Social Worker (CWSW), children in kinship care and other vulnerable learners within your settings. Your commitment to ensuring these children and young people achieve, belong and thrive is greatly appreciated by the Lancashire Virtual School team.

As part of our ongoing work to support schools, settings and colleges, we are pleased to share a suite of audit and self-evaluation tools for schools, early years settings and post-16 providers. These resources have been developed to support leaders and designated professionals in reviewing the effectiveness of their provision for Virtual School learners, identifying strengths and priorities for development, and evidencing the impact of their work on outcomes for children and young people. The tools have been designed to support self-evaluation and professional reflection and are aligned with relevant statutory guidance and current inspection frameworks. The audit tools draw upon:

The Designated Teacher for Looked-After and Previously Looked-After Children statutory guidance (DfE, 2018);
Promoting the Education of Looked-After Children and Previously Looked-After Children statutory guidance (DfE, 2018);
The September 2026 Ofsted inspection toolkit and associated inspection guidance for state-funded schools;
The September 2026 Ofsted Early Years Inspection Toolkit and EYFS inspection guidance;
The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework;
Relevant post-16 accountability expectations and guidance relating to progression, inclusion and learner outcomes

We would like to emphasise that these tools are not compulsory and there is no expectation that schools, settings or colleges complete them in full. They are intended as practical resources which schools may choose to use in whole or in part, depending on their context, priorities and existing quality assurance arrangements. Some schools may find the full audit useful as a comprehensive self-evaluation tool, whilst others may wish to utilise specific sections to support particular areas of development. Designated teachers will find these audit tools useful in prioritising their tasks as well as helping others to understand the importance of their role.

The tools may assist schools in monitoring and reporting on the quality of provision and outcomes for Virtual School learners. They provide a framework for reviewing areas such as leadership, inclusion, attendance, achievement, personal development, safeguarding, PEP quality, learner voice and transition arrangements. They can also support reporting to governors, trustees and senior leaders by providing a structured way to evaluate strengths, identify priorities and evidence impact.

You may also find the inclusion, learner case-sampling and Assess-Plan-Do-Review (APDR) sections particularly helpful in demonstrating how needs are identified, support is implemented and reviewed, and how provision is contributing to improved outcomes and experiences for learners.

Our Virtual School Education Consultants will be using these audit tools as part of their work with schools and settings. The intention is not to evaluate or judge provision, but rather to support professional dialogue, celebrate effective practice, identify opportunities for development and work collaboratively with schools to strengthen provision for Virtual School learners. The audit framework will provide a shared language for discussions during visits, consultations and support meetings, helping consultants tailor advice and challenge to each school's individual context.

We hope you find the attached resource useful and that it support your ongoing work to improve outcomes for Lancashire's most vulnerable learners.

Thank you once again for your continued commitment, care and dedication to the children and young people you support every day. Kind regards,

Vanessa Nice

Early Years Funding Consultation - Last chance to have your say!

We strongly encourage and value responses to inform policymaking. The consultation closes on 14 September.

Changes to the funding system for early years entitlements - GOV.UK

The consultation outlines the government's vision for a reformed early years funding system, alongside proposals to support the transition to the new arrangements in 2027– 28.

The proposals aim to maximise the impact of entitlements funding to:

improve access to early years education and childcare for families on low incomes;
strengthen support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years;
increase efficiency and simplify the way funding is allocated, helping funding to work more effectively for children, families and providers

See the accompanying summary of proposals document, which provides an overview of the consultation proposals and the existing funding system: Early years funding consultation: summary of proposals.

Inclusion Sway

Welcome to the first edition of the Inclusion Newsletter of the academic year: Inclusion Newsletter (schools and settings) 9 Sep 2026

Recruitment opportunity: Growing Together, Lancashire and beyond Early Years stronger Practice Hub

We are pleased to share a recruitment opportunity from our colleagues at Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.

Please note that the vacancies outlined below are for Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub. Any further questions regarding the posts, please contact their hub directly on the email: growingtogetherEYSPH@dukestreet-nur.lancs.sch.uk

They are currently recruiting for the following flexible Associate roles:

Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser – Group-Based Provision 4 positions available
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser – Childminder Provision 1 position available

Location: Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Travel across the region will be required.

These roles offer an exciting opportunity for experienced early years professionals to support settings through coaching, mentoring and professional dialogue, deliver evidence-informed training and learning walks, share effective practice and develop strong professional networks.

Applicants should have significant experience in early years provision, an excellent understanding of the EYFS, a passion for high-quality, evidence-informed practice, and experience of supporting, coaching or leading others.

Closing date: Friday 18 September 2026 at 9.00am

How to submit your Expression of Interest

The relevant Expression of Interest forms were attached to the original bulletin email.

Please complete the appropriate form for the role you are interested in and return your completed Expression of Interest directly to Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub at: growingtogetherEYSPH@dukestreet-nur.lancs.sch.uk

Please refer to the information attached to the original bulletin email for further details.

We are sharing this opportunity to support our colleagues at Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond in reaching as many early years professionals and providers as possible.

Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who may be interested.

Lancashire SEND roadshow

SEND Roadshows are a great way to find out more about the support and services available across Lancashire.

Come along and:

find out about local services and organisations
ask questions and get advice
meet other families and professionals
find the support that's right for you

Click here for more information: Lancashire SEND roadshow

Early Years Quality Improvement Team's Weekly Bulletin

3 September 2026

Keep in touch

Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01772 539058

Web site: Early years support and training - Lancashire County Council

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LancsEarlyYears/ and http://www.facebook.com/groups/lancsearlyyears/

Complete this form to advertise your job vacancies for free: Recruiting and managing staff - Lancashire County Council

Your sector representatives

Are you a new manager at your nursery setting?

Congratulations on your new role! Please let us know by completing this quick form: New PVI Nursery Manager

This will ensure that the member of the team supporting your setting knows who you are and can support you.

Welcome

The weekly bulletin will continue to bring you the latest updates, news and information from the Early Years sector and Lancashire County.

Alongside this, the 'something to do this week' section will take you through weekly, bite-sized aspects of your responsibilities under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework. By undertaking weekly reflection on your practice, at the end of the academic year, this will help you to strengthen your knowledge and understanding and feel confident that you are meeting the statutory requirements while continually supporting high-quality outcomes for children.

You will also have received an email informing you about the new district teams to strengthen how we support you to improve outcomes for children in Lancashire. We look forward to working with you in the new academic year and will be in touch to introduce you to the new team for your area and your individual named team member who will support you this year.

New website

Lancashire County Council are currently changing our website so you may have noticed that your saved links to our webpage and other teams you work with no longer work.

Please visit us at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/early-years/early-years support-and-training/ and save the new link. You will find everything is still there waiting for you. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Early Education Funding - www.lancashire.gov.uk/early-years/early education-funding/

SEND Information for Professionals - www.lancashire.gov.uk/professionals/supporting-children-and-families/send information-for-professionals/

Children Looked After Guidance for Early Years Settings - www.lancashire.gov.uk/early-years/children-looked-after-guidance-for-early years-settings/

LADO - www.lancashire.gov.uk/professionals/supporting-children-and families/safeguarding-children/local-authority-designated-officer-lado/

Something to do this week...

Preventing choking and keeping children safe whilst eating

Did you know?

Choking remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children. While food is the most common choking hazard, small object can also pose significant risk. Understanding how to prevent choking and how to respond quickly is an essential part of keeping children safe.

Why are young children more at risk?

Young children are still developing their skills needed to eat safely:

Chewing and swallowing skills continue to develop until around 4 to 5 years of age
Young children can become distracted, excited, or want to move around while eating
Their airways are much smaller than those of adults, making it easier for food to become lodged
Gagging is a normal part of learning to eat but choking is different and is often silent, making close supervision essential

EYFS Statutory framework safer eating requirements:

Children are always within sight and hearing of an adult
Appropriate seating is used and distractions are kept to a minimum
Adults position themselves so they can clearly see children face on while they eat
A paediatric first aider is present
Any allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements, preferences, or medical needs are known and shared with staff
A designated person checks that food provided is suitable for each child
Food if prepared and presented in ways that minimise choking risks
Parents are supported throughout the weaning process, with children progressing at their own pace
Any choking incidents are recorded, reviewed for patterns and shared with parents

Reflect on your practice:

Does your practice cover all the bullet points above?
Ask yourself - What would I do if a child started choking?
A quick refresher on how to deal with an incident of choking will ensure that you remain confident and prepared.

Useful resources:

The Early Years Foundation Stage Nutritional Guidance has information on preventing choking

Food safety - Help for early years providers - GOV.UK (education.gov.uk) includes important messages around the preparation of foods and links to useful resources regarding keeping children safe whilst eating.

The Food Standards Agency have created a useful poster to display where food is prepared and served to children Choking hazards poster

Dates for your diary ...

Best start in life district conference:

These brand-new district conferences will be held annually. These are live virtual meetings that are for all early years settings working in each specific district. This includes childminders, PVI nurseries, maintained and section 27 nurseries and reception classes. These sessions will provide you with important information from the Children, Family and Wellbeing Service and the Education Improvement Service.

Please see your 'Digital Early Years Leadership Quality Improvement Toolkit' for more details and dates to add to your diary.

Live virtual termly update meetings

PVI and Section 27 members Wednesday 23rd September 9.30 -11.30 am Childminder members Thursday 24th September 7 – 8.30 pm

Manager's time to talk termly cluster meetings

Face-to-face meetings: For further dates and to book your place, please see: Manager's time to talk - Lancashire County Council

Not a member yet? Click the link to join: Membership and other support services - Lancashire County Council

September training

Our face-to-face and live virtual training programme for the September 2026 is live on our web site, containing a range of professional development opportunities to support and enhance your practice.

We also have a range of instant access training and e-learning courses so you can learn at a time that suits you. Don't forget that group settings can also request in house training sessions.

Find out more: Training and information for all early years settings

Every Baby matters Webinar Series

The Every Baby Matters Webinar Series has been designed to build on key themes and provides an opportunity to explore topics in greater depth, learn from expert speakers and consider how as childcare practitioners we can continue improving outcomes for babies, children and families.

Sessions are free and for an hour duration over lunchtime. They are suitable for professionals supporting young people and families across health, social care, education, early years, policing, community and voluntary sector organisations, and partner agencies.

For further information and to register, please visit: Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership Training

Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond

Early Years Stronger Practice Hub

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young children?

The Lancashire and beyond early years stronger practice hub are looking for experienced and inspiring early years professionals to join the team as Early Years Stronger Practice Advisers, supporting group-based or childminder providers across our region. These are flexible, associate roles.

Location: Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness (travel required)

Closing Date: Friday 18th September, 9.00am

Working with the Stronger Practice Hub, you will:

Support early years settings to improve practice through coaching, mentoring and professional dialogue.
Deliver evidence-informed training and learning walks.
Share effective practice and help build strong professional networks.
Work collaboratively with local authorities and partner organisations to improve outcomes for children.

They're looking for someone who:

Has significant experience in early years provision.
Has an excellent understanding of the EYFS.
Is passionate about high-quality, evidence-informed practice.
Has experience of supporting, coaching or leading others.
Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Why join?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to early years practice across the region while working with a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to improving outcomes for every child.

How to apply

You are invited to submit an expression of interest, using the form attached, outlining your relevant skills and experience.

Please submit your expression of interest form to the Growing Together, Lancashire and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub at – growingtogetherEYSPH@dukestreet-nur.lancs.sch.uk

For more information contact Sue Conron: head@dukestreetnur.lancs.sch.uk

Together, inspiring practice and improving outcomes for every child.

New safeguarding resources from the DfE

DfE have published new safeguarding guidance for early years providers to help practitioners, managers and childminders understand and apply the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS.

The new content provides practical information and advice on creating a strong safeguarding culture, recognising concerns early, responding appropriately, and ensuring children are safe, healthy and supported to thrive.

The guidance includes information on:

the safeguarding responsibilities of early years providers and practitioners
the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
creating and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture
recognising signs of possible abuse, neglect and harm
raising, recording and reporting safeguarding concerns
whistleblowing procedures and when to use them
safer recruitment and vetting requirements
working in partnership with parents and carers to keep children safe
staff training, supervision and ongoing safeguarding practice
attendance, absence monitoring and information sharing
resources, posters and links to further guidance and support

By using this guidance and supporting resources, you can strengthen safeguarding practice in your setting, support staff confidence and help ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing and protective environment.

New - DfE and NSPCC early years safeguarding training

The Department for Education has launched an online early years safeguarding training package, developed in collaboration with the NSPCC. This training covers sections 1 and 2 of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework’s safeguarding training annex, which all early years educators must be trained in line with every two years. The training is free to access for all early years educators including childminders and reception staff.

A link to the training can be found on the landing page of the EYFS

Section 3, the training for DSLs, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework’s safeguarding training annex is provided by the local authority and can be booked on here. Please note, there is a cost to attend this training.

Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership Newsletter

Lancashire Safeguarding is a multi-agency partnership established to ensure safeguarding measures are met, vulnerable children and adults across Lancashire are protected from harm & abuse ….

Read the full newsletter here: August 2026 - Lancashire Safeguarding Partnership Newsletter

Updated EYFS Statutory Framework

The Department for Education has published the updated EYFS Statutory Frameworks for both childminders and group and school-based providers, which come into effect from 1 September 2026.

This includes clarification of existing expectations as well as a strengthening of safeguarding requirements. Do take time to consider the changes, and update policies and practice if needed. If you work with others, do ensure that all staff understand the changes.

Changes include:

Safer Sleep - the safer sleep requirements are now included in the Statutory Framework reflecting the importance of safer sleep practices in reducing the risk of sudden infant death.
Banned Dog Breeds - new paragraph regarding banned dog breeds being kept on the premises or visiting the setting (including nannies and voluntary registered early years providers).
Screen Use – specific guidance on children’s screen use in early years settings has been included (Help for early years providers: Screen use.).
Notifications to Ofsted - you must now notify allegations of harm, rather than serious harm, involving anyone living, working or caring for children on the premises. This change reinforces the importance of early reporting and transparency.
Safer Recruitment - has been strengthened again, requiring:
1. Enhanced DBS checks for all volunteers, including those who are supervised.
2. New employees must not begin work before their enhanced criminal record check has been received.
Staff Suitability - further details of what staff are required to disclose which may affect their suitability to work with children.
Domestic Premises - for group settings operating on domestic premises there is now a requirement to notify Ofsted (or a Childminder Agency) of changes to anyone aged 16 years or over living or working at the premises. This is to brings it into line with existing childminder requirements.
Early Years Qualifications Requirements and Standards - The Early Years Qualifications Requirements and Standards document has also been updated from 1 September 2026, to clarify the Level 2 English requirements.

These changes will be included in Live Virtual Members Update Meetings and you will receive a copy of the brand new EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements audit.

Wednesday 23rd September from 9.30 to 11.30am

Thursday 24th September from 7 to 8.30pm

Updated early years operating guide, toolkit and inspection information

From 1 September 2026, Ofsted Inspectors will be using the updated early years operating guide, toolkit and inspection information when inspecting early years settings.

Key changes include:

providers must meet the grading standards as well as the relevant EYFS requirements to be graded at the ‘expected standard’
detail on safer sleeping arrangements and safer eating practices
clarity on inspecting when there are no early years children on roll or present
inspectors will speak to SENCo and other relevant leaders with inclusion roles
information about children with personal education plans

You can find out more about the changes here change note and blog post. They have also updated the Early years inspections: frequently asked questions blog post.

Have your say: Early Years Funding Consultation

Just under two weeks remain to respond to the Department for Education’s Early Years Funding Consultation:

Changes to the funding system for early years entitlements - GOV.UK

The consultation outlines the government's vision for a reformed early years funding system, alongside proposals to support the transition to the new arrangements in 2027– 28.

The proposals aim to maximise the impact of entitlements funding to:

improve access to early years education and childcare for families on low incomes
strengthen support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years
increase efficiency and simplify the way funding is allocated, helping funding to work more effectively for children, families and providers

See the accompanying summary of proposals document, which provides an overview of the consultation proposals and the existing funding system: Early years funding consultation: summary of proposals. We strongly encourage and value responses to inform policymaking. The consultation closes on 14 September.

Department for Education and Ofsted vodcast on safer sleep in early years settings

The Department for Education and Ofsted have recently published a joint vodcast on safer sleep in early years settings. This includes an overview of the updated wording in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and then a Q&A with Ofsted colleagues on what this means for inspections.

SEND Roadshow

It's the beginning of a new school term and our SEND Roadshows are a great way to find out more about the support and services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The roadshows are for families and professionals. They aim to help you access information, advice, and support in one place, making it easier to find the support you need.

They are part of the SEND local offer. The local offer brings together information about services in Lancashire for people aged 0 to 25 with SEND, and their families. If you're a parent, carer, young person or someone who works with children and families, come along and join us.

These events are a chance to:

Meet local services and organisations
Find out what help and support is available
Ask questions and get advice
Meet other people from your area

To find out when the SEND roadshow is coming to a Family Hub near your setting, please click on this link: Lancashire SEND roadshows - Lancashire County Council

Home learning environment for children with SEND

Early years practitioners and Best Start Family Hub staff can discover more about the Best Start in Life strategy, and the role of Best Start Family Hubs and early years practitioners in supporting the home learning environment for families with children with SEND in a series of free webinars this autumn.

Follow the links below to book a place:

22nd September 7 to 9pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special-approach-to making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets-1991759455147

1st October 12:30 to 2.30pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special-approach to-making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets 1991760129163

13th November 9:30 to 11:30am www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special approach-to-making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets 1991760293655

Heads up Health Protection Bulletin

Click HERE for the latest 'Heads up Health Protection Bulletin'

Supporting toilet independence before school

You may have seen previous updates on getting children out of nappies between 18 and 30 months.

The Best Start in Life campaign on toilet training helps families prepare their children for starting school. This includes Toilet Training Talks, a new film featuring Reception teacher Georgia Lucas and NHS GP Dr Emily MacDonagh, as well as practical guidance to help parents support their child's confidence and independence with everyday toileting skills. The resources acknowledge that every child develops at their own pace and that some children, such as those with bowel or bladder conditions or SEND, may benefit from additional time or tailored support.

Practitioners may wish to use and share these resources with parents, alongside the sector-led Potty Training Guide, developed with early years and health experts. As part of the campaign, we've also highlighted some additional resources below that practitioners may find helpful when supporting children and families with toilet training.

Resources

Toilet Training Talks hero film: Toilet Training Tips Before Starting School - YouTube
The Best Start in Life / NHS potty training guidance: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/toddler/potty-training your-child/
The Potty-Training Guide: https://startingreception.co.uk/potty training/
ERIC – Potty training children with additional needs
Dingley’s Promise – Support with Toileting
BBC Tiny Happy People – Potty training children with additional needs

BBC CBeebies parenting resources to support pre-school children

Share BBC CBeebies Parenting resources and content with parents and caregivers to support pre-school children as they prepare to start their adventure in early years settings or school.

Check out the ‘skills for starting school’ collection on the CBeebies Parenting website for free, expert advice and activity ideas to grow children’s independence and support their development.

Find help with everything from introducing the potty and toilet independence, taking turns and sharing, to helping with shyness around starting school and managing separation anxiety.

Families can also enjoy a selection of songs, stories, games and advice from CBeebies on BBC iPlayer.

There is also a special CBeebies Parenting Download episode exploring how confidence, communication, emotional reassurance and growing independence can all help children settle into a new environment.

Early years professionals can join free monthly Champions Training sessions to find out more about CBeebies Parenting and how you can use the information with families. Visit the Professionals section for resources to print and share, and sign up to the monthly newsletter for regular updates. If you want to contact the team directly for more information, please email CBeebiesparenting@bbc.co.uk

Selected Ofsted Updates

Paying your annual fee: what you need to know - Published a blogpost by Jayne Coward, Deputy Director for Early Years Regulatory Policy and Practice, explaining the main things childcare providers need to know about fees.
Glossary: education inspection terminology - Updated glossary to reflect the changes made to inspection documents that will come into force in September 2026.

Early Years Quality Improvement Team's Summer Bulletin

Welcome to this extra summer bulletin

Keep in touch

Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk

Telephone: 01772 539058

Web site: Early years support and training - Lancashire County Council

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LancsEarlyYears/ and http://www.facebook.com/groups/lancsearlyyears/

Complete this form to advertise your job vacancies for free: Recruiting and managing staff - Lancashire County Council

Your sector representatives

Are you a new manager at your nursery setting?

Congratulations on your new role! Please let us know by completing this quick form: New PVI Nursery Manager

This will ensure that the member of the team supporting your setting knows who you are and can support you.

Join the team!

We are currently seeking an Early Years Project Officer to join our team. This is a permanent, part-time role (14.8 hours per week on Mondays and Tuesdays) from the 1st of October 2026, or as soon afterwards as possible. Please note, this is not a term time only post.

For full details of the job description and person specification please visit Early Years Project Officer| Permanent| Part-Time 14.8hrs - LCC Career Site Careers

For an informal discussion, please email your contact details to james.farrow@lancashire.gov.uk Closing date: 24th August 2026

New website

Lancashire County Council are currently changing our website so you may have noticed that your saved links to our webpage and other teams you work with no longer work.

Please visit us at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/early years/early-years-support-and-training/ and save the new link. You will find everything is still there waiting for you. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Some other teams who may have moved: Early Education Funding - www.lancashire.gov.uk/early-years/early education-funding/

SEND Information for Professionals - www.lancashire.gov.uk/professionals/supporting-children-and-families/send information-for-professionals/

Children Looked After Guidance for Early Years Settings - www.lancashire.gov.uk/early-years/children-looked-after-guidance-for-early years-settings/

LADO - www.lancashire.gov.uk/professionals/supporting-children-and families/safeguarding-children/local-authority-designated-officer-lado/

New safeguarding resources from the DfE

We have published new safeguarding guidance for early years providers to help practitioners, managers and childminders understand and apply the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS.

The guidance includes information on:

• the safeguarding responsibilities of early years providers and practitioners
• the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• creating and maintaining a strong safeguarding culture
• recognising signs of possible abuse, neglect and harm
• raising, recording and reporting safeguarding concerns
• whistleblowing procedures and when to use them
• safer recruitment and vetting requirements
• working in partnership with parents and carers to keep children safe
• staff training, supervision and ongoing safeguarding practice
• attendance, absence monitoring and information sharing
• resources, posters and links to further guidance and support

New - DfE and NSPCC early years safeguarding training

A link to the training can be found on the landing page of the EYFS or accessed here.

Section 3, the training for Designated Safeguarding Leads, from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework’s safeguarding training annex is provided by the local authority and can be booked on here. Please note, there is a cost to attend this training.

Updated EYFS Statutory Framework

The Department for Education has published the updated EYFS Statutory Frameworks for both childminders and group and school-based providers, which come into effect from 1 September 2026. This includes clarification of existing expectations as well as a strengthening of safeguarding requirements. Do take time to consider the changes, and update policies and practice if needed. If you work with others, do ensure they all staff understand the changes.

Changes include

Safer Sleep - the safer sleep requirements are now included in the Statutory Framework reflecting the importance of safer sleep practices in reducing the risk of sudden infant death.

Banned Dog Breeds - new paragraph regarding banned dog breeds being kept on the premises or visiting the setting. Screen Use – specific guidance on children’s screen use in early years settings has been included (Help for early years providers: Screen use.)

Notifications to Ofsted - you must now notify allegations of harm, rather than serious harm, involving anyone living, working or caring for children on the premises. This change reinforces the importance of early reporting and transparency.

Safer Recruitment - has been strengthened again, requiring:

• Enhanced DBS checks for all volunteers, including those who are supervised.
• New employees must not begin work before their enhanced criminal record check has been received.

Staff Suitability - further details of what staff are required to disclose which may affect their suitability to work with children.

Domestic Premises - for group settings operating on domestic premises there is now a requirement to notify Ofsted (or a Childminder Agency) of changes to anyone aged 16 years or over living or working at the premises. This is to brings it into line with existing childminder requirements.

These changes will be included in Live Virtual Members Update Meetings and you will receive a copy of the updated audit. Wednesday 23rd September from 9.30 to 11.30am Thursday 24th September from 7 to 8.30pm.

Department for Education and Ofsted vodcast on safer sleep in early years settings

Home learning environment for children with SEND

Follow the links below to book a place:

22nd September 7 to 9pm: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special-approach-to making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets-1991759455147

1st October 12:30 to 2.30pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special-approach to-making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets 1991760129163

13th November 9:30 to 11:30am www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-special approach-to-making-it-real-to-support-families-and-practitioners-tickets 1991760293655