News - Archive

• Factsheets for childminders from OfSTED on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and the use of assistants  More.....
• Advice on starting a nursery from the NDNA  More.....
• New advice on gastric flu and advice on pandemics More.....
• Nominations being taken for the Nursery World Awards 2009 More.....
• NDNA launch a service for appeals re business rates More.....
• New tools can help settings improve their outdoor space More......
• EYFS Downloads : ideas for parents on early learning and care: National Strategies handbook for promoting children's development in the EYFS More......

The NCMA (National Childminding Association) has published some very helpful pointers on identifying your unique selling points (USPs) to publicise your childminding business. They have a helpful list of suggestions to download and offer a vacancy kit that you can purchase to help you promote your service.

You can also get helpful advice from your local Families Information Service (Children's Information Service) and from your local childcare development team and Business Support Officer. Contact your local Families Information Service for contact details

See the Looking for Work section of the website for details of jobs in Northumberland:  Family Support Workers, Community Development Worker, Early Years Practitioners

A new resource for childminders in England, designed to help them become more self-reflective of their practice, is now available from NCMA.  More....

Early Years Foundation Stage in Out-of-School Provision
On 20 January Ofsted published Delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage in out-of-school provision. This factsheet explains the legal requirements for delivering the EYFS in out-of-school provision and Ofsted’s approach to judging what is expected from early years providers at inspection. To download the factsheet visit the Ofsted website

Promoting the Early Learning Entitlement
From 30 January 2009 the DCSF is running another phase of advertising to promote the free early learning entitlement to Pakistani and Bangladeshi parents. For more details visit the Every Child Matters website

Survey of Childcare Costs by Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust launched their eighth annual survey of childcare costs in January.  More