News
Advanced practitioner course for Autism
09 July 2024![Man and woman lying on stomachs playing with a toddler girl](/media/1579/familyhubsfotolia_49598519.jpg)
Find out about and register interest for the Advanced Practitioner Course for Autism.
![Woman talking to a young boy and looking at a book](/media/2437/learningtoreadfotolia_260748829.jpg)
A face to face course for parents and carers of children aged 5 or under, who have autism, whether diagnosed or not, or social communication needs.
Maths in the environment
24 May 2024![Young childs hand playing with abacus](/media/2041/abacus-shutterstock_1593015697.jpg)
Training sessions are being delivered face-to-face and virtually by a maths specialist. Please visit the Education Essex online booking system for further information and to book.
![Education Essex displayed on a laptop](/media/1657/imgpsh_mobile_save.jpg)
This programme is to ensure your role as a new PVI manager, deputy, or rooms leader is effective within the context of the Ofsted inspection framework.
Committee Forum - 27 June
24 May 2024![Woman cuddling a young girl](/media/1576/saferrecruitmentfotolia_99669527.jpg)
The committee forum is to give support and advice on issues around committee run settings.
![Woman sitting at a table with a laptop](/media/2620/pexels-jopwell-2422286.jpg)
Education Essex is excited to announce the transition to a new online booking system.
![Adult sitting at a table with young children painting](/media/2434/sustainabilityfotolia_65093194.jpg)
Do not miss this exciting opportunity. Read the article for further information and to book your place.
Introduction to the role of the Senco in early years for PVIs and childminders - 9 May 2024
19 April 2024![Adult reading with young child](/media/2437/learningtoreadfotolia_260748829.jpg)
Read the article for course information and how to book.
![Smiling toddler in yellow jumper holding her hands up](/media/1007/girlwithapron.jpg)
The summer Early Language and Communication Network meeting has been brought forward from 19 July to 13 June 2024 from 10am to 12pm. Read the article to find out more.
Facilitating a collaborative approach to support engagement in the annual review process
28 February 2024![The word training written on a blackboard](/media/2326/ey-send-page-tiger-training-image.jpg)
This training is open to all SENCos or persons from schools who are responsible for completing the young person's annual review for their Education Health and Care Plan.
![Nursery practitioner playing with children](/media/2434/sustainabilityfotolia_65093194.jpg)
Course Date: 19 March 2024; 12-1pm, 2:30-3:30pm, or 6-7pm* *Delegates only need to attend one of the sessions
New training offer - Advanced practitioner for Autism
07 February 2024![Book now](/media/1807/book-now-fotolia_171639734-reduced.jpg)
New 11 week course available for any practitioners working directly with autistic children/young people - all ages from nursery to college
![Young children laying in a circle](/media/2440/shutterstock_116955364.jpg)
Find out more about the new capital fund covering the whole County
Early Years Charter celebrate a successful 2023
04 January 2024![EY charter member logo](/media/2365/ds22_7535-ey-badge-287x192-003.png)
As we look back on 2023, we want to celebrate the success of our early years charter group. Read on for some of the achievements the early years charter has taken part in.
Autism Central peer education programme
14 December 2023![Adults seated having discussion](/media/1579/familyhubsfotolia_49598519.jpg)
Find out about the Autism Central peer to peer education programme and share with parents and carers
![young children in classroom](/media/2016/children-in-class-shutterstock_1335142337.jpg)
Training to support children's language development
Let's talk: A common language and understanding of emotional wellbeing and mental health
31 October 2023![Adult woman with young child](/media/2508/pexels-kampus-production-7078760-1-002.jpg)
A joined-up approach between services to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
New training courses now booking: To inspection and beyond
26 October 2023![Male hands near laptop](/media/1726/male-hands-near-laptop.jpg)
Information, guidance and support around Ofsted framework and inspections.
![Toddler's hand on calculator](/media/1678/inclusion-funding-reduced.jpg)
These sessions are new for practitioners to keep up to date with the changes to the early years funding streams (Inclusion funding and SEN Premium)
Ofsted ready training for PVI and childminders - 2023/24
20 October 2023![Pre school practitioner painting with children](/media/2434/sustainabilityfotolia_65093194.jpg)
Training available to ensure you are Ofsted ready
![Boys with SEND smiling at each other](/media/2048/boys-smiling-at-eachother-shutterstock_186309821.jpg)
Dates: Session 1 - 6th November 2023 Session 2 - 20th November 2023 Time: 6.30 - 8pm Childminders need to attend both sessions
Essex Singing Together (music in the early years) Online sessions
15 September 2023![Adult playing with children](/media/2429/shutterstock_2029379054reduced.jpg)
The early years school readiness music project is now available online. Although it is better for delegates to attend the face-to-face session, this online option is available as an alternative opportunity to take part.
Early Years and Childcare Climate Advice Pack Launch 2023
14 September 2023![Kids around the world](/media/1711/kids_around_worldfotolia_61145869-reduced.jpg)
Join us for a free webinar to introduce the new Climate Advice Pack for early years. View the article to find out more and how to book.
Essex Early Years Facebook Page
06 September 2023![Early Years facebook page logo child cuddling a toy rabbit another child under dinosaur blanket](/media/2413/ecc-early-years-facebook-page-002.jpg)
The Essex Early Years Facebook page launched in April this year. Stay in the know, give us a follow
Observation and Assessment in the EYFS: 2023/2024
06 September 2023![Adults having a discussion](/media/1697/adults_discussion_fotolia_63419260.jpg)
New training for Autumn and Spring. Read for further details
One-to One and Group Support for Parents of Autistic Children
06 September 2023![mother showing 2 young children a screen](/media/2414/alexander-dummer-uh-xs-fiztk-unsplash-1-002.jpg)
Read more for information about peer group support
![Essex Early Years Charter Member 2023 logo](/media/2408/ey-charter-forum.png)
Details on the Essex Early Years Charter forum, with booking links to join for the Autumn 2023 term. Information on the Active Small Grants Programme is also available.
![Young girl in hard hat giving thumbs up](/media/1672/capitalopportunitiesfotolia_169775130-reduced.jpg)
Essex early years settings can advertise job vacancies for free for a whole year (saving £300 per setting)
Essex Teaching Awards 2023
06 June 2023![Essex Teaching Awards logo](/media/2403/eta-logo.jpeg)
Nominations are now open for the Essex Teaching Awards 2023
Transition Training
31 May 2023![Practitioner and children](/media/2045/practitioner-and-children_shutterstock_641754301.jpg)
Learn about best practice around transitions in the early years. Event dates 14 June 2023 / 15 June 2023.
![Young children on a mat talking with adult](/media/1716/richlearningenvironmentfotolia_114775027-reduced.jpg)
Interactive session - Strategies to better support the development of self-regulation in children. Event dates: 6th June 2023 / 8th June 2023
Early Years and Childcare Charter Members Forum
02 May 2023![Baby laughing](/media/2368/ey-baby-laughing.jpg)
EYC Charter Members Virtual Forum termly meeting - Date: 10 May 2023 from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm
Essex County Council Early Years Facebook Page
21 April 2023![ECC Early Years Facebook page logo](/media/2366/ds23_7869_ey-fb-profile-pic_v2_blue-002.jpg)
Follow the new Essex County Council Early Years Facebook page!
![Early Years Charter Membership badge 2023](/media/2365/ds22_7535-ey-badge-287x192-003.png)
Free virtual workshop 26 April 2023 6-9pm. Please come and join us for a free virtual workshop for Early Years Charter Members. The bespoke session will cover tips and advice on engaging families throughout the Early Help Intervention, including a Team around the Family meeting and creating an Early Help Plan.
New Transition to School Passport for Reception 2023
24 March 2023![Young girl in school setting](/media/1717/indoorenvironmentfotolia_114775355-reduced.jpg)
The Early Years Team have issued the new Transition to School Passport for children who are due to start in reception class in September 2023.
Springfield Bees Pre-school Welly Walk
08 March 2023![Parent and child learning outside](/media/2355/welly-walk-image-2.jpg)
Rachel Lane, Business Manager at Springfield Bees Pre-school, shared with us their recent Welly Walk event in a local park, enjoyed by their children and their families.
Parent Survey 2022
03 November 2022![Keyboard survey](/media/1679/keyboard-survey-reduced.jpg)
If you are a parent in Essex, please share your views with us by completing our Early Years and Childcare Parent Survey.
Changes to the Bookstart Scheme
21 September 2022![Young girl choosing a book](/media/1650/girlchoosingbookfotolia_165846832.jpg)
The Bookstart Scheme is changing this year. Please read our update to find out how pre-schools, nurseries, and childminders will be involved this year.
Training needs survey
13 September 2022![Post its with question marks](/media/1684/questionmarksfotolia_75171843_reduced.jpg)
Have your say! Please take the time to complete our training needs survey.
Kindness In The Community
20 July 2022![Hands holding](/media/2282/closeup-support-hands.jpg)
Stanway Preschool have shared with us an example of inspiring kindness in their community.
Oral Health Care
20 May 2022![Young boy brushing teeth](/media/2257/young-boy-brushing-teeth_23-2148630718.jpg)
Essex childminder shares good practice from local dental practice visit.
My Ofsted inspection experience - Rivenstars
17 May 2022![Picture of a room with tables and chairs in an early years setting](/media/1715/contiuousprovisionfotolia_102650454-reduced.jpg)
Rivenstars were recently inspected and had a very positive experience and outcome. In this article Ruth, who is the owner and manager, shares her experience and tips.
Observation and Assessment in the EYFS
05 May 2022![Teacher with young children](/media/1693/keypersonfotolia_17000730-reduced.jpg)
EYFS practitioners are invited to attend our free online webinars taking place on 7 and 9 June 2022
'The Early Years in Essex - a vision for change'
28 April 2022![Child with toy camers](/media/2253/child_with_toy_camera_reduced300px.jpg)
Saturday 21 May 9:30am – 5pm at a cost of £35 per person. Please come and join us for this year’s face-to-face EYFS Conference. The conference will take place at Colchester Community Stadium. Tea, coffee, and lunch will be provided
Summer Childcare Sufficiency Data Collection 2022
27 April 2022![Calendar](/media/2044/calendar-shutterstock_1151704334.jpg)
The summer term may bring longer days and sunshine, but it also brings the annual childcare sufficiency data collection. We are asking that by 1st July , all childcare providers take the opportunity to go into the Early Years Portal to review and update the details held on the system.
The Learning Walk - Ofsted
17 March 2022![Young child learning to walk](/media/1681/safeguardingtopicsfotolia_76262869-reduced.jpg)
Find out further information on the Ofsted inspection 'learning walk' and how this may benefit your setting.
Giving children in Essex the best start in life
10 February 2022![Child and practitioner playing with shapes](/media/1676/feee2-reduced.jpg)
Our new Early Years and Childcare strategy sets out our vision for children and families across the county, read more about our plans.
Essex Teaching Awards 2022 - Nominations are now open
10 February 2022![Essex Teaching Awards logo](/media/2234/eta-logo-002.png)
Nominations are now open for the Essex teaching Awards 2022 - anyone can nominate individuals or teams working in early years and childcare and educational workforce, in the Essex local authority area.
Communication and language approaches - Addressing disadvantage in the early years programme
02 February 2022![Early years practitioner assisting two young children](/media/2045/practitioner-and-children_shutterstock_641754301.jpg)
We are offering free Communication and language approaches training in early February and March 2022 for professionals working with 0-25s and families. To book your place please visit Education Essex Online booking system.
Maximising School Attendance Event
19 January 2022![Children in classroom setting](/media/2016/children-in-class-shutterstock_1335142337.jpg)
Education leaders, SENCOs, pastoral leads and attendance teams are invited to attend a free virtual session on Thursday 3 March 2022 9:30am - 12:30pm.
OMEP Education for Sustainable Citizenship (ESC) Awards
13 January 2022![Child pouring water into a watering can](/media/1789/pouring-waterfotolia_103952632.jpg)
Jayne's Nursery and OMEP-UK Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Citizenship (ESC) Award scheme, developed to support the early years sector to become more knowledgeable about sustainable development.
Role of the play-worker for out of school provision
11 November 2021![Adult playing with child](/media/1689/outstandingpractitionerfotolia_77590947-reduced.jpg)
The above training is taking place on 17 November 2021 09:30 - 11:30am . To book your place, visit Education Essex Online Booking System.
Introduction to Role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) - face to face Harlow
22 October 2021![Practitioner with children](/media/1693/keypersonfotolia_17000730-reduced.jpg)
SENCOs (new and established) are invited to attend a free introduction session in Harlow on Monday 22 November 2021 10am – 3pm
Safeguarding Level Two training bundle offer
22 September 2021![Pair of hands holding paper cut out of family group](/media/1680/safeguarding-reduced.jpg)
The safeguarding training arrangements for EYFS settings have recently been reviewed. All staff within a setting must have Level two training, at least annually. The safeguarding lead must have Level three training. We are offering a discount bundle for Safeguarding level two training for Essex early years and childcare education establishments (including childminders with assistants).
Autism Education Trust Training
16 September 2021![Education Essex on laptop screen](/media/1657/imgpsh_mobile_save.jpg)
Autumn training opportunities about Autism now available on Education Essex online booking system
Information event – Early Years S106 Funding
31 August 2021![Education Essex laptop screen](/media/1657/imgpsh_mobile_save.jpg)
Book your place for advice regarding the S106 application process.
New EYFS framework
15 June 2021![Girl standing with EYFS changes advertised](/media/2141/eyfs-changes.png)
The revised EYFS framework should be followed from September 2021.
![Laptop screen with hands](/media/1657/imgpsh_mobile_save.jpg)
Find out how to book for courses on offer at Education Essex.
Early Years Foundation Stage Reforms briefing 2021
22 March 2021![Children learning in class](/media/1693/keypersonfotolia_17000730-reduced.jpg)
An invite to a free briefing on the upcoming Early Years Foundation Stage reforms.
Early years mental health event
02 March 2021![Computer keyboard with e-learning button](/media/1657/imgpsh_mobile_save.jpg)
Book your place on a virtual training event on understanding emotional dynamics in the early years setting.
EYFS Annual Conference 2021
02 March 2021![Book now graphic](/media/1807/book-now-fotolia_171639734-reduced.jpg)
All the details you need - including how to book - for this year's EYFS conference.
Elklan Training 3 to 5 years
08 September 2020![Children writing in class](/media/1019/fotolia_61132910.jpg)
Book your place on a virtual course aimed at professionals working with pupils aged 3 to 5 years old.
![child holding adult's finger](/media/1897/holding-hands.jpg)
Safeguarding children level 1 by the Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB) is now available again.
Fun resources for children about dental health
28 April 2020![Young child brushing teeth](/media/1874/brushing-teeth-787630_640.jpg)
A range of resources by Community Dental Health to teach young children about dental health and healthy eating.
Fun learning ideas with Talk, Listen and Cuddle
20 April 2020![Talk, Listen and Cuddle logo](/media/1722/tlc-cropped3-reduced.jpg)
Find out about the fun learning activities for parents, families and carers to do with their young children at home.
![Teddy bear with a bandaged leg and head](/media/1872/injured-teddy.jpg)
Advice on what to do if a child becomes unwell or is injured during the COVID-19 pandemic.
![COVID 19 - Coronavirus - Cancelled training programme](/media/1841/sneeze.jpg)
Essex is working closely with the Department for Education and the Department for Health, monitoring the Covid19 situation on a daily basis.
![Child hands washing under a running tap](/media/1845/child-washing-hands.jpg)
Public Health England video encouraging children to wash their hands regularly.
Coronavirus Update 13 March 2020
13 March 2020![White question mark on pink background](/media/1797/qeustionmarkfotolia_64163476-reduced.jpg)
Coronavirus Update 13 March 2020
![A suitcase](/media/1844/luggage.jpg)
Updated travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Public Health England about travelling to and from Italy.
Coronavirus Update from Clare Kershaw
12 March 2020![Post it notes with question marks on](/media/1684/questionmarksfotolia_75171843_reduced.jpg)
Coronavirus Update from Clare Kershaw
![Action plan](/media/1843/action-plan.jpg)
Information from the Department for Education about the government's Coronavirus action plan launched on 4 March 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): new helpline launched
04 March 2020![Male hand washing with soap](/media/1842/wash-hands.jpg)
Information about the Department for Education Coronavirus helpline.
![Child sneezing into a tissue](/media/1841/sneeze.jpg)
26 February 2020: updated advice to all early years providers, schools and further education providers from the Department for Education (DfE).
Coronavirus Update
26 February 2020![Thermometer](/media/1810/thermometerfotolia_251447137-reduced.jpg)
Update and guidance from Clare Kershaw, Director of Education on the Coronavirus
Coronavirus: government advice
11 February 2020![Thermometer](/media/1810/thermometerfotolia_251447137-reduced.jpg)
Advice From the Department for Education (DfE) for all early years providers, schools and further education providers
Funding boost for the free early education entitlement
20 January 2020![A stack of coins](/media/1808/coins-reduced.jpg)
A message from Carolyn Terry, Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency and Sustainability Manager about the new funding rates for the free early education entitlement (FEEE) from 1 April 2020.
Stay cool in the summer heat!
31 July 2019![Ice cubes](/media/1725/ice_cubesfotolia_36237867-reduced.jpg)
Advice from Public Health England on how to keep yourself and your little ones cool in the summer heat.
Hungry Little Minds
15 July 2019![Baby in trolley Hungry Little Minds campaign](/media/1714/hlm_social-post-02_586px.jpg)
Information about the Department for Education's three year campaign to encourage parents and carers to adopt positive activities and behaviours to boost children’s communication, language and literacy development and ways how on you can support the campaign. Kids love it when you read with them. It all goes in. Every single word.
![Guidelines](/media/1704/guidelines-reduced.jpg)
See the latest update to the Southend, Essex, Thurrock (SET) Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures.
Be the first to know!
03 June 2019![Subscribe](/media/1696/ebulletinarchive_fotolia_211208480_reduced.jpg)
Sign-up to our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Newsletter to hear about upcoming courses and other news.
Have you notified Ofsted of changes to individuals?
21 March 2019![Woman on the telephone sitting at a desk using her laptop](/media/1624/fotolia_78657824.jpg)
Early years and childcare providers, including childminders, must use Ofsted's EY3 form to notify them of certain changes to individuals, including names, addresses and any start or leave dates...
Parental mental health
21 March 2019![Man with his head in his hands](/media/1625/mentalhealthnewsfotolia_204224386.jpg)
Advice and guidance from the NSPCC about the effects of parental mental health problems on babies and children.
![Computer key saying Internet Security](/media/1631/internetsecuritynewsfotolia_119340619.jpg)
Government guidance to help those who work in early years settings consider their practice and to take steps to safeguard both children and adults online.
Road safety resources for 3 to 6-year-olds
20 March 2019![Adult holding children's hands crossing the road](/media/1622/roadsafetyarticlefotolia_117858361.jpg)
A range of resources released by the Department for Transport's THINK! campaign designed to help practitioners and teachers highlight the dangers of the road to young children.
Digital support for childminders from the HMRC
20 March 2019![Hands using a calculator](/media/1623/fotolia_12870065.jpg)
Find out about the support on offer for childminders from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Keeping under fives safe online (ChildNet)
19 March 2019![Boy using a laptop](/media/1620/boyatcomputershutterstock_388413190.jpg)
Guidance by ChildNet aimed at parents with children under five on how to support children in their internet use.
Example menus for early years settings
19 March 2019![Food on a plate](/media/1621/fotolia_100337851.jpg)
Example menus developed by Public Health England to show how early years settings can offer food and drink to young children to meet the early years foundation stage welfare requirements.
Warning of giving whole grapes to children
14 March 2019![Grapes](/media/1685/grapes_fotolia_253994852_reduced.jpg)
Nursery World highlights findings in a report by doctors who advise cutting up grapes and similar types of food into halves and ideally, into quarters to avoid young children choking.
Government Childcare Choices website
14 March 2019![child playing with a toy teapot](/media/1618/information-for-managers.jpg)
The Childcare Choices website helps parents to find government support. There's also information for childcare providers.
Safer recruitment - checking references
14 March 2019![Lady being interviewed](/media/1695/interview_fotolia_17689816-reduced.jpg)
Advice to early years and childcare providers to ensure that references are checked before employing anyone.
Early years physical activity
13 March 2019![Baby crawling](/media/1828/a-career-in-childcare-fotolia_109055936-reduced.jpg)
The Department of Health's infographic to promote physical activity in the under fives.
Got a DBS query?
13 March 2019![Colured tiles with question marks on them](/media/1684/questionmarksfotolia_75171843_reduced.jpg)
Find answers to the most common questions about the Disclosure and Barring Service by using their website.