Latest News & Blogs

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  BLOG: Managing reopening anxiety

  The Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult for most of us and feelings of anxiety, worry and uncertainty can be commonplace, particularly as new restrictions are put into place or eased.

  The changes on 19 July saw almost all Covid-19 restrictions removed in England and for many children who have had formative years over the pandemic this may bring new challenges as they experience a world they haven't been used to.

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  NEWS: PACEY writes joint letter to Education Secretary in England

  Today PACEY, NDNA and the Early Years Alliance wrote to the Education Secretary in England to raise the issue of  early years & childcare practitioners not being included in the list of critical workers offered an exemption to self-isolation rules.

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  NEWS: Government announces critical workers exempt from isolation rules

  This week the government in England announced that some 'critical workers' who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from self-isolating if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and identified as a close contact of a positive coronavirus case.

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  NEWS: Fire safety guidance for Childminders / Canllawiau diogelwch tân i warchodwyr plant

  How childminders can keep themselves and children in their care safe from fire / Ffyrdd i warchodwyr plant ddiogelu eu hunain a’r plant dan eu gofal rhag tân.

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  NEWS: DfE publishes minor updates to its Development Matters Guidance

  Today the Department for Education has made minor changes to its non-statutory curriculum guidance Development Matters to make it easier for practitioners in England to navigate. 

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  NEWS: DfE issues Early Years Q&A document ahead of Step 4 changes in England

  Today the DfE has issued additional resources, including an Early Years Q&A document ahead of the changes due to come into force for early years and childcare settings in England, in line with the lifting of coronavirus restrictions on Monday 19 July.

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  NEWS: DfE issues additional guidance ahead of Step 4 changes in England (Updated 16 July)

  Today the DfE has issued further guidance around the changes due to come into force for early years and childcare settings in England in line with the lifting of coronavirus restrictions on Monday 19 July. 

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  NEWS: Update on fifth and final SEISS grant

  This week the UK government published details of the fifth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant. This is available to those living in the UK who are self-employed or a member of a partnership and covers May to September 2021. 

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  NEWS: Step 4 measures announced for early years and childcare settings in England

  Today the DfE updated the guidance for early years and childcare settings in line with the wider plans for Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown in England. 

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  NEWS: Contact groups guidance (Wales)/ Grwpiau cyswllt

  The Deputy Minister for Social Services has announced the removal of the requirement for childcare and playwork settings to keep children in consistent contact groups from 19th July.  Y Dirprwy Weinidog a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol wedi cyhoeddi ei fod yn cael gwared ar y gofyniad i leoliadau gofal plant a gwaith chwarae gadw plant mewn grwpiau cyswllt cyson o'r 19eg o Orffennaf.

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  NEWS: Ofsted report shows decline in providers in England

  This week Ofsted published its report on the childcare and early years providers in England, which shows a decline in the number of registered providers driven mainly by a reduction in childminders. 

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  BLOG: Using outdoor provision to support learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage

  Learning outdoors is not only great fun for children and carers, it has also been proven to boost confidence and motivation and to help develop social skills, physical skills, knowledge and understanding. PACEY Advisor, Anne explores the importance of outdoor play and some simple ideas for you to try.