Lewisham Early Years

Lewisham Early Years Summer Term 2026 Training

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Our Lewisham Early Years training for Summer term 2026 is now available to book. Please note - more sessions will be added and we will email...

New screen time guidance for early years children

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

The DfE has released updated national guidance on screen time for children aged 0–5.

Best Start Local Plan (2026–2029) – Implications for early years

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Lewisham’s new Best Start Local Plan outlines priorities for babies, young children and families

Working Within Ordinarily Available Provision

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) describes the high-quality inclusive practice that should be in place for all children.

Childminders: Making the Most of Being Outdoors

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

For childminders, the outdoors isn’t just an optional extra — it’s one of the richest, most flexible learning environments available.

New! Lewisham Early Years Virtual Library Now Live

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

We’re excited to launch the Lewisham Early Years Virtual Library

The late claim window is now open

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

If you have missed any children from your original headcount submission, or if you have had any late starters this term,

Join Our Lewisham Early Years PVI and Childminder WhatsApp Community

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce that the Lewisham Early Years Service has set up a WhatsApp Community to share relevant...

Early Entitlement - Age criteria

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Under 2s

Working Parent Entitlement - Up to 30 funded hours per week are available to children from the term after their 9^th month birthday (or ‘the term after they turn 9 months’)

Survey – CCTV and digital device usage in early years settings

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

In December 2025, the Secretary of State for education announced that she would appoint an expert panel to review how CCTV and digital devices are used in early years settings

Important Information for early years, parents and carers regarding meningococcal disease

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

On Saturday, the UKHSA published Information for education settings in England regarding the meningococcal disease outbreak

Updated Parental Declaration – Please Use the New Form

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

The Parental Declaration form has now been updated and must be used for all new parents/carers going forward.

It's Springtime!! Making the most of the Season

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Spring brings lighter days, milder weather, and endless opportunities for outdoor learning. You could include:

Spotlight on Early Reading: Guidance from the National Literacy Trust

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

The National Literacy Trust has recently shared updated practitioner guidance on supporting reading in the early years,

Makaton Early Years Virtual Taster Session

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Makaton Taster sessions are designed to provide general information about Makaton and how it can help develop language and communication skills.

Ideas for using your SEN Inclusion Funding

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

The Special Educational Needs Inclusion Fund (SENIF) is designed to help settings include children with additional needs within high‑quality, inclusive early education.

Measles - Letters to Early Years Settings and Parents

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

As you are aware, there is an ongoing Measles outbreak in North London.

Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving - February 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Department for Education has published the schools white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving.

The Maths Champions Programme

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Maths Champions programme is a national early years initiative developed by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) to strengthen the quality of mathematics...

Hourly Rates From April 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

At the end of December the DfE confirmed the overall hourly rates that Lewisham will receive for the delivery of the full range of EY entitlements.

The Masked Singer x Do Something Big: Little Makers is Here

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Do Something Big has partnered with ITV's The Masked Singer to create Little Makers - a three-part series where a mystery celebrity surprises...

SEND training offer - released 16th January 2026

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

See all details here...

Lewisham Safeguarding Children Practice Survey 2026

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships have a Statutory Duty to assess whether agencies in their area are fulfilling their statutory obligation...

National Children’s Bureau (NCB) - Natural Thinkers Training

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is delighted to offer two “open to all” sessions of the evidence-based natural thinkers training...

February in Early Years

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

February offers a natural moment in the early years to pause and reflect on relationships, belonging and community. Across Lewisham, children bring with them rich family...

Thumbelina - A Fun Family Musical Theatre Show

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Thumbelina - Tiny but Mighty is coming to Sydenham Centre every Saturday and Sunday during March. Join the world's smallest superhero in this...

Coram PACEY's Magic of Childminding campaign

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

This campaign across England and Wales celebrates the vital role childminders play in supporting children

Reminder: Provider Portal Now Open for Spring 2026 Claims

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Provider Portal is now open for you to enter details of funded children for Spring 2026. Please note: the portal will close on Friday, 23 January 2026...

Wonderful Winter - Exploring, Creating, and Staying Cosy this Season

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

January is often seen as the month of new beginnings, offering a gentle opportunity for reflection and quiet contemplation...

Family Information Service Update January 2026

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Do you have vacancies - Parents are now looking for childcare provisions to access from Spring term 2026. Access to early education...

Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) Issue Safety Alert on Baby Sleep Pillows

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Safety Alert to warn about the risks associated...

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 - DfE Case Study Request

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

As part of the Do Something Big early years recruitment campaign the Department for Education (DfE) are currently looking for early years apprentices who...

Early Years Online Conference: Leading the Way: Navigating Leadership and Inclusion in Early Years through the New Ofsted Framework

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Bi-borough Early Education and Childcare Service...

Checking Working Parent Entitlement Codes and Eligibility for Spring Term 2026

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

If you receive a working parent entitlement code from a parent/carer you must check the code...

Introducing the Lewisham Family Hubs to Early Years Provisions

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Lewisham Family Hubs provide a central point of support for children, young people and families. They bring together a range of services...

Being a Parent Course Starting in January 2026

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This is a free 9 week group programme offered to parents/carers of children aged from 2 to 11 years old starting in January 2026...

Family Community Work Coach Skills Bootcamp

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Skills Bootcamp is an 8-week programme with a Level 1 Childcare qualification at the end AND a guaranteed paid job with a nursery to complete...

Ideas For Your Winter Classroom

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As the weather turns colder, it is easy to forget the importance of our outdoor classrooms. However, winter is an ideal time to think about how you can use the season to enhance...

Health and Wellbeing During the Festive Season

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

As we enter the festive season, our priority is creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both children and staff. The holidays can often feel...

Sharing REAL with Parents - Spring Term Dates

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Sharing REAL with Parents are group-based sessions delivered through workshops for families to understand and share ideas in how to support their child's...

Attention to Autism™ Training

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Attention Autism Programme Foundation Level Course 2-day Training. This 2 day course equips attendees with the skill to set up and run the 4 Stage Attention to Autism™ Programme...

Free NHS webinar on childhood vaccinations - 26 March, 12:30 - 1.30 PM

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Please can you share this with your parents and carers

Wellbeing

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

You can try these wellbeing activities that include breathing and mind activities with the children within your setting. I can breathe - breathing activities, Balloon breathing...

Wellbeing - Activities for Children

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Here are a few wellbeing activity ideas that you can do with the children within your setting. Calming glitter jar - Take a jar or plastic bottle and fill ¾ with water....

Early Years Business Information - Ready to Boost your Childcare Business?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, our guide to ‘Marketing your Early Years Business’ is packed with...

The Best Start in Life Campaign

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to share with you the launch of the new Best Start in Life campaign along with the new tool kit which can be used to support the campaign. The campaign aims to increase...

Changes to Lewisham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and Families First Contact Point (FFCP)

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) used to be the name for Lewisham’s central point of contact for concerns...

The Updated Healthy Early Years London (HEYL) Programme is Now Live!

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Attention all HEYL Participants - We’re delighted to let you know that the Mayor of London’s updated...

Best Start in Life Website and Brand Launch

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Best Start in Life website (beststartinlife.gov.uk) has officially replaced the Childcare Choices website as a main source of information for early education...

Ofsted Inspections - Changes to Inspections from September 2025

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Ofsted inspections are changing from September for all early year’s providers. In September 2025, Ofsted will publish its revised inspection framework...

Changes to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Safeguarding Requirements: September 2025

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

During the summer we informed you of the new changes to the early years foundation stage (EYFS) safeguarding requirements...

Prime Minister's Letter to Parents on Best Start in Life

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

To mark this beginning of the new childcare expansion milestone, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to parents reaffirming his Plan for Change promise to..

Updated Early Years Foundation Stage Frameworks - Now Published

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

On the 14th July 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published the revised EYFS statutory frameworks alongside the current frameworks...

Updated Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Early Years Team and Complex Needs & Feeding Team Referral Form

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Please see a message below from Michelle, Advance Speech & Language Therapist...

Lewisham Family Hubs - Parenting Programmes

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

We want to share the following documents below from Lewisham Family Hubs about the parenting programmes on offer for parents and carers living...

Heath Professionals for Safer Screens

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Heath Professionals for Safer Screens - Our Children, their Screens and the evidence! Health professionals are concerned about the serious negative...

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Safeguarding Reforms

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 23:00:00 GMT

On 17th October 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) published its official responses to the consultation on proposals to strengthen...

Department for Education Free Early Years Child Development Training

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Department for Education (DfE) Early Years Child Development Training is a free online programme that has been...

New Disability Guidance and Training for Early Years Providers

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday 8th July 2025, the Council for Disabled Children published guidance and training designed to support all those working in the early years in understanding...

Updated Easy Explainer: Early Years Funding Rates

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Department for Education has updated the Easy Explainer: Early Years Funding Rates which is designed to support providers to understand the early years funding system...

Ban on wet wipes containing plastic

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

A UK-wide ban on the sale and use of wet wipes containing plastic is being introduced.

Key 2026 Sustainability Updates

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:18 GMT

Early years settings are expected to formally prioritise sustainability, with a key requirement being the appointment of a dedicated sustainability lead to champion eco-conscious practices and a Climate action plan.