This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Service Lead for Early Years and Prevention, Michael Jarrett, for the attention of the Early Years Sector.
Please find below communications from the Early Years and Prevention Service to keep you informed of various different initiatives and government updates for 11/05/2020. We hope you find this informative and if you have any suggestions about content please contact us on earlyyears@slough.gov.uk
It is important to keep in contact with families during this time, so please share this information across all of your contacts.
What’s New
Our Plan to Rebuild | The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy
It has been confirmed by the DfE that, although early years providers weren’t referenced in the Prime Minster’s address yesterday, they will be asking all early years providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children at the same time as reception, year 1 and year 6 return (from 1 June). Further details / guidance to follow.
To aid planning, the Government's current aim is that the second step will be made no earlier than Monday 1 June, subject to these conditions being satisfied. Until that time the restrictions currently in place around the activities will continue. The DfE are planning to share further guidance on this matter in the next couple of days, once we have clarification we will share the details with you.
Training and CPD
During the pandemic it may be appropriate for some staff to complete some online training to support their continuous professional development. We have updated the attached spreadsheet ‘Early Years Training Online’ which now includes an online training course from the Virtual Collage on Prevent COVID-19.
COVID-19 | Hungry Little Minds Update 2
Foundation Years - Thank you again for supporting our Hungry Little Minds campaign, which we have launched to support parents to engage in activities that support their child’s early learning and help set them up for school and beyond, which is more important now than ever.
Further to our previous communication, we are delighted to be able to share some new social media assets with you.
- New social media images can be downloaded here.
- A document with some draft tweets you could use and adapt on your social media channels can be found here.
- A series of videos can be downloaded: animals, drummer, pegs.
You are free to use these resources in your communications and on your social media pages, and we would be very grateful if you could continue to support us in this way. https://foundationyears.org.uk/2020/05/covid-19-hungry-little-minds-update-2/
New Government Updates for 11/05/2020
Conducting a SEND Risk Assessment During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Guidance for special schools, specialist colleges, local authorities and any other settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND). Updated to reflect the SEND regulations changes. Also added information about how the guidance affects children/young people with an EHC plan and a social worker and new information on how to keep staff and pupils safe and reduce the risk of infection in educational settings. If you would like to know more information on this please click here.
Staying safe outside your home
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home
PM to Address the Nation on Coronavirus on 10 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on coronavirus. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-address-to-the-nation-on-coronavirus-10-may-2020
Our Plan to Rebuild | The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy
The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis.
It has been confirmed by the DfE that, although early years providers weren’t referenced in the Prime Minster’s address on 10th May 2020, they will be asking all early years providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children at the same time as reception, year 1 and year 6 return (from 1 June). Further details / guidance to follow. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy
Staying Alert and Safe (Social Distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
Keeping in Touch and Targeted Support for Early Years Settings
During this unfamiliar time the team would like you to know that we are here to offer you support, in whatever way you may need it? We are on the other end of the phone or email and will continue to provide you with daily email updates. Even if you are currently closed the team can offer a range of support from discussing government guidance documents to reviewing local area initiatives.
We understand that this is a difficult period for everyone and in these uncertain times it can often help to share concerns, questions and queries with others, so please do keep in contact and pick up the phone anytime for a catch up.
You can email and call individual members of the team or for general enquiries contact earlyyears@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 476554.
If your setting is currently still open and are considering closure please discuss with the Early Years Service and for further information, advice or guidance please contact the team on 01753 476554 or email earlyyears@slough.gov.uk.
Reminders
Early Help Provision
We appreciate that our children, young people and families may experience some challenges in the coming weeks.
Where possible, the Early Help Hub will continue to provide support to families through our family support. If you require support from the EH Hub team and you have a family support worker already, please contact them directly or call us on 01753 476589.
If you are not currently supported by our family support workers but require support and advice, please call us on 01753 476589 and our Family Information Service will be happy to provide you with information and advice to ensure you get the support you need. If this line is not available you can access the website by clicking on the following link: www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk.
If the child or young person requires immediate protection please call the Front Door Hub on 01753 875362 and send the electronic multi-agency referral form (MARF) to sloughchildren.referrals@scstrust.co.uk
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If providers have any children or young people displaying any Mental Health and or well-being concerns, then please contact the East Berkshire Getting Help Service at: CAMHSGettingHelpEast@berkshire.nhs.uk