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'What's New with Birth to Five...' Archived Items

June 10 - Vetting and Barring Update
Please click here to access the latest information regarding Vetting and Barring.

June 10 - EYFSP Guidance – Children with SEN Guidance on assessing the attainment of young children with Special Educational Needs in the EYFS. This includes guidance for making judgements for children with severe and complex needs.

June 10 - EYFSP – Additional Cultures and Beliefs Guidance
Please click here to access additional guidance following the Cluster Group Meeting which focused on scale points linked to children’s understanding of ‘Cultures and Beliefs’.

June 10 - Leisure Activities for Children with Disabilities
A leaflet from the Peripatetic Advisory Service which aims to help more children with disabilities take part in fun activities. Click on a informative passport which can support communication during these activities.

June 10 - EYFSP - Data Submission Lock for Scale Points 4-8
A useful read for all practitioners completing assessments with Reception age children.

June 10 -Ofsted Complaints! New poster and a new telephone number.
Ofsted have issued a new poster with a new number for parents to contact Ofsted.  The posters have been sent out with information about the outsourcing of Ofsted inspections from September.  Please ensure that the new posters are clearly displayed for your parents to see and that the telephone number is updated within your complaints policy and procedure.  The new number is 0300 123 1231, the address for complaints remains the same. For further information on complaints procedures please click here.

 

May 2010

Title Information
  Open University  Have you considered further Education?  Maybe a course where you can study at home? Then OPEN UNIVERSITY could be the route for you? See the attached booklet for information on briefing sessions around the county.
   Ofsted Complaints! New poster and a new telephone number.  Ofsted have issued a new poster with a new number for parents to contact Ofsted.  The posters have been sent out with information about the outsourcing of Ofsted inspections from September.  Please ensure that the new posters are clearly displayed for your parents to see and that the telephone number is updated within your complaints policy and procedure.  The new number is 0300 123 1231, the address for complaints remains the same. For further information on complaints procedures please click here.
   BFS Update - Reception to Year One Transition  A useful document for all Reception and Year One Practitioners. This includes support for using the EY e-profile to support effective transition, guidance on creating an effective Y1 environment and a timeline for transition stages for the forthcoming months. A useful read.
   Parent Partnership Lincolnshire  This new Lincolnshire Website supports parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs(SEN), from preschool until school leaving age.
   'Taking the Lead' CfBT Newsletter  Please click here to access the latest Lincolnshire Primary Schools Leadership Letter - Issue 4, April 2010.
  Learning, Playing and Interacting. 
 This document considers the best approaches to play and learning for young children and clarifies the role of adults who support and enhance young children's learning.
  Profile (EYFSP) and Moderation Section  Please re-visit this area of the website to gain updates on all aspects of EYFSP information. This is relevant for all Reception-aged Practitioners.
  Birth to Five Service Early Years Conference 2010  This year's Conference is 'Celebrating Together - Thinking, Learning, Playing'. Places are no longer available.
   BFS Newsletter - Moderation 2010  An essential read for all Practitioners who are involved in the 'Observation and Assessment' process for the EYFS in schools. This includes moderation and data guidance.

April
2010

Title Information
  EYEE Fee Structure Early Years Providers must include their EYEE delivery hours in their Fee Structure.  These hours must be shown as completely free to a parent - please use the example fee structure information to support you
   Invite to the Birth to Five Service Early Years Conference 2010  This year's Conference is 'Celebrating Together - Thinking, Learning, Playing'. This takes place on Friday, 18th and Saturday, 19th June at Bishop Grossetesste College. Please click here to access further details and a booking form.  
  Profile (EYFSP) and Moderation Section Please re-visit this area of the website to gain updates on all aspects of EYFSP information. This is relevant for all Reception-aged Practitioners.
  BFS Newsletter - Moderation 2010 An essential read for all Practitioners who are involved in the 'Observation and Assessment' process for the EYFS in schools. This includes moderation and data guidance. 
  Public Service Vehicle Information Did you know that if your setting operates a vehicle with 9 or more seats, then you may have to register it as a Public Service Vehicle(PSV)?  For further information and full details on PSV,  please click here.
  Conjunctivitis Update  Please click here to access a letter from the NHS which outlines some useful facts related to 'Conjunctivitis'. This includes symptoms, preventative measures and treatments. A recommended read for all Practitioners.

March
2010

Title Information
  Public Service Vehicle Information
Did you know that if your setting operates a vehicle with 9 or more seats, then you may have to register it as a public service vehicle(PSV) This may also mean that you may need a special licence to drive the vehicle.  For further information and full details on PSV and a public service vehicle operator licences please click here
  Conjunctivitis Update
 Please click here to access a letter from the NHS which outlines some useful facts related to 'Conjunctivitis'. This includes symptoms, preventative measures and treatments. A recommended read for all Practitioners.
  Children Thinking Mathematically: PSRN Essential Knowledge for Early Years Practitioners  A recommended read. This booklet takes Mark Making Matters further and extends and develops the concepts explored there with particular reference to the three strands of PSRN. There are chapters on each of these, as well as guidance on creating an effective enabling environments for PSRN and a chapter on Continuity into Year One.
  Numbers and Patterns: Laying Foundations in Mathematics This comprehensive set of resources materials is intended to help practitioners working with children in the EYFS and teachers working with lower Key Stage One children, to plan their mathematics provision and help secure some of the key mathematical ideas. There is a strong focus on number and developing children’s understanding of patterns. An excellent resource.
  ISA Referral Guidance  The Independent Safeguarding Authority have recently release guidance on making referrals to the ISA, the guidance will help you to understand your duties under the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act 2006, understand the referral policies and processes and complete a referral form. Click here to download document 

February 
2010

Title Information
  ISA Referral Guidance The Independent Safeguarding Authority have recently release guidance on making referrals to the ISA, the guidance will help you to understand your duties under the Safeguarding vulnerable Groups Act 2006, understand the referral policies and processes and complete a referral form. Click here to download document
  Social and Emotional Aspects of Development (SEAD) Click here to access this new section of the website which includes SEAD guidance, support materials, resources and useful links.
  Updated Assessment and Record Keeping (ARK) Materials Please click here to access the updated documents which will support assessment and record keeping systems in Private, Voluntary and Independant Settings
  National Strategies, Early Years E-Newsletter - Spring 2010 Click here to access the latest newsletter which covers topics such as numbers and patterns and gifted and talented provision in Early Years.
  East Midlands Sustainable Schools Showcase 2010 Please click here to access details regarding this showcase which aims to raise awareness of the DCSF's framework for sustainable schools and to bring together organisations.
  The Welfare Requirements New tools and guidance have been added to the welfare section of the website, many documents support safeguarding and safer recruitment. Click here to go to welfare requirements section.
  Learning, Playing and Interacting - Good Practice in the EYFS This guidance considers the best approaches to play and learning for young children and clarifies the role of adults who support and enhance young children’s learning. A highly recommended read for PVI and School Practitioners. It includes links the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) Handbook.
  Sparklebox Website You may be aware that a number of local authorities, and a number of regional broadband consortia have blocked access to an educational resource which is widely used called Sparklebox.  Currently, the reasons given for the widespread blocking are unsubstantiated by any authoritative body
Becta are taking appropriate action to advise nationally, stating "This matter is in hand with the appropriate authorities and a statement will be made when we have legal clearance to do so" Lincolnshire County Council will not be blocking this resource until such time formal information is received that there is an issue of security or safeguarding, or that Becta have formally advised to block the resource.
Please look out for more updates on the Birth to Five website, which we will update as soon as further information is received.
Please see the following link for further information
www.embc.uk.com/news/Pages/Sparklebox.aspx  



December 09

Title Information
  School Newsletter - PVI Newsletter Please click here to access the two latest newsletters which have also been distributed to every setting within Lincolnshire.
  Ofsted, Childcare Summary  A Recommended Read. Click here to access the key findings from Ofsted regarding Childcare Standards. A Childcare Summary PDF can also be located within this page. 
  Recommended Christmas Reading   Please visit the latest recommendations from the Birth to Five Service. Ideal titles for a Christmas read. 
  Gallery of Effective Practice  Please return to this part of the website to view sixteen new images.
  CLLD Programme  For schools and settings on the CLLD Programme: support materials and programme guidance. 
  Phonics: Assessment and Tracking Guidance   Guidance for schools on using the phonic progress tracking sheet and suggested possible inks between the phonic phases and EYFSP/APP. 

November 09

Title Information
  Gallery of Effective Practice Please return to this part of the website to view sixteen new images.
  CLLD Programme For schools and settings on the CLLD Programme: support materials and programme guidance. 
 

Learning, Playing and Interacting - Good Practice in the EYFS

This guidance considers the best approaches to play and learning for young children and clarifies the role of adults who support and enhance young children’s learning. A highly recommended read for PVI and School Practitioners. It includes links the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) Handbook. 
   Phonics: Assessment and Tracking Guidance  Guidance for schools on using the phonic progress tracking sheet and suggested possible inks between the phonic phases and EYFSP/APP.

October 09

Title Information
  LOCAL AUTHORITY EARLY YEARS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

 The Birth to Five Service is delighted to announce that at the recent Nursery World  Awards 2009,  we gained the Local Authority Early Years Team of the Year Award.
  PSRN - Recommended Books For Children
Please click here to access the BFS recommendations for a range of Children's books which can be used to support PSRN opportunities.
   New E-Profile Program  The latest version of the E-Profile software is now available. The new version is 3.1 and replaces the last years 3.0 version.

September 09

Title Information
  New E-Profile Program The latest version of the E-Profile software is now available. The new version is 3.1 and replaces the last years 3.0 version.
  Same Rhyme, Same Time Join in Lincolnshire National Bookstart Day's nursery rhyme event on 9th October.
  Early Years Team of the Year Award The Birth to Five Service Team has been chosen for the Early Years Team of the Year category of the Nursery World Awards. Two other teams have been shortlisted and the winner will be announced on the 25 September.
  Latest Ofsted Registration Guidance Click here to access the latest Guidance for Childcare Registers for Childminders, Home Childcarers and Childcare Providers on Domestic or Non-Domestic Premises. 
 
NEW WEBSITE SECTION – Effective Transition from Reception to Year One
A new section which provides support and guidance to ensure a successful transition between these year groups. This includes case studies, useful resources and links, and support documentation.  A recommended read for all Year One and Reception Practitioners. 
  Transport Themed Websites for Children Please click here to access some interactive websites linked to the theme transport. 
  New out of hours contact details for the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children's Board 01522 782333  

 

August 09

Title Information
  NEW WEBSITE SECTION – Effective Transition from Reception to Year One A new section which provides support and guidance to ensure a successful transition between these year groups. This includes case studies, useful resources and links, and support documentation.  A recommended read for all Year One and Reception Practitioners.
  Books to Support Transition into Key Stage One  The Birth to Five Service Team highly recommends these recently published books related to Transition.
 
  Early Years Education Entitlement  This new section has recently been developed with information about the new EYEE Pilot Schemes.
  Poster - GUIDANCE on Infection Control in Schools and other Child Care Settings  This poster should be displayed in all settings. Further copies of this poster can be obtained from: The Health Protection Agency, Tel: 0300 1231002
 
  Amended Complaints Procedure  Please click here to access the updated Complaints Policy. It is an EYFS legal requirement that all settings have this in place. 
   Recommended Poems The latest recommendations from the Birth to Five Service team. 
  Summer PVI Newsletter  The latest Birth to Five Newsletter for PVI settings has been published. Click above for an electronic copy. 

July 09

Title Information
  New CfBT School Improvement Service Consultancy, Courses and Conferences for Primary and Special Schools 2009-2010 Click here to access this site in order to search for Maintained courses.
  EYFS Welfare Audit Letter Essential reading for all Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Settings.
  CfBT 'Taking the Lead' Click here to access the first issue of this Newsletter which is aimed at all Primary School Leaders across Lincolnshire.
  EYFS Profile - Exemplification Video Clips The National Assessment Agency has developed a range of on-line exemplification materials illustrating the EYFS profile assessment scales and scale points. These take the form of a series of video clips displaying children's behaviours and activities in a variety of different situations and contexts. A useful resource that we would highly recommend and was promoted during Moderation.
  Update your Health and Safety Law Posters The poster – which employers have a legal duty to display – sets out in simple terms what employers and employees must do for health and safety. Any old Health and Safety Law posters must be replaced with this new version by 5 April 2014. This can be purchased from HSE Books or ESPO. 

June 09

Title Information
  The Vetting and Barring Scheme - Frequently Asked Questions
 
Click here to access the most frequently asked questions about the scheme. An essential read.
  Recommended Reading for Early Years Practitioners  Click here to locate three additional recommended reads for Early Years Practitioners. These were distributed to the PVI Managers who attended the recent ‘Managers' Briefings’ in Lincolnshire. 
  Ofsted Guidance and Inspections  Click here to access support materials related to Inspections and ensuring quality in Early Years Settings. 
  Early Years Foundation Stage Questionnaire  An opportunity for all EYFS practitioners to let QCA know how well it has been implemented, and to help identify the challenges, issues, strengths and possibilities that exist. This will help QCA establish a broad and accurate picture of the EYFS. 
  Ofsted Online Newsletters These include the latest news, reviews and information about new arrangements to inspection, regulation, plus helpful tips and advice straight to your inbox. 
  Update your Health and Safety Law Posters The poster – which employers have a legal duty to display – sets out in simple terms what employers and employees must do for health and safety. Any old Health and Safety Law posters must be replaced with this new version by 5 April 2014. This can be purchased from HSE Books or ESPO. 

May 09 Title Information
  Early Years Quality Improvement Support Programme (EYQISP)  Useful guidance materials to provide leaders of early years settings with tools to support continuous quality improvement in line with the principles of the early years foundation stage framework and every child matters.
   Improving Quality and Raising Standards in the Early Years: A directory of resources for Local Authorities This directory lists resources that can help support and guide Early Years Practitioners.  Many may already be accessed in your setting, however, you may find further information to help improve the quality of your provision. 
   Early Childhood in Focus 1 - Attachment Relationships This excellent document brings together an international group of child-development scholars and their established research-findings in relation to attachment. The document is essential reading when exploring research findings that have underpinned the key person approach. 
   The Independent Safeguarding Authority
As discussed in the Managers' Briefings, please visit this website to keep up-to-date with recent vetting and barring developments. 
   Give Two-Year -Olds The Best Start in Life Click here to gain information on a conference in Birmingham which supports the development and outcomes of this ' In- Between' Age Group. 

April 09 Title Information



 
The JOLLY JELLYFISH jumps into literacy.  This useful booklet supports Parents/ Carers and Pre-School Practitioners with guidance on activities to support the discrimination between sounds, especially speech sounds. 
  Progress Matters - Reviewing and Enhancing Young Children's Development  Guidance for Leaders and Managers in order to review Children's Learning and Development in line with the Principles of the EYFS Framework.
 
  Recommended Traditional Tales  The team has included their favourite traditional tales in the 'Recommended Books Section'. This includes ideas of how to use these in the setting. 
   Recommended Welfare Websites Please visit this new section of our website for advice and support. 
  Birth to Five Service Correspondence   Please visit this part of the site to access the latest newsletters and notices.
   Institute of Education - Early Years Continued Professional Development  The Institute of Education, University of London offers a range of Early Years courses. These are held outside of Lincolnshire. Click here for details.
     

 

March 09 Title Information

 

 
 
Private, Voluntary and Independent Training Directory  Click here to access the new training directory. This will be distributed to PVI settings at the beginning of the April. Bookings are now accepted.  
  Newsletters  Click here to access the latest Newsletters 
   Continuing The Learning Journey
This pack builds has been designed to help schools to give children a positive experience of transition as they move into Key Stage 1, and to show practitioners and settings how to make effective use of the information available from the EYFS profile. 
  EYFS Welfare Support Section  Please access this new section of the Birth to Five Service Website. These pages will be regularly reviewed and updated. 
  Updated Parent / Carer Support & Guidance on Special Educational Needs  This guide aims to help parents and carers understand what special educational needs are and what they can do if they are worried that their child may be having difficulties at, or before, they go to school.
Available in other languages here. 
  First ‘Early Years Professional’ Network Meeting 
 
Click here for further details. This meeting is for those who have successfully completed the EYPs and also for those who are currently training for this status. 
  EYFSP Handbook Amendments
 
 Changes to EYFSP Handbook exemplifications. Please update your handbook immediately to reflect these amendments.

Feb 09 Title Information
 
 
This booklet provides guidance for all Practitioners to ensure that  a challenging and enjoyable programme of learning is met for boys as well as girls during their time in the EYFS.
 
  Literacy Trust - Talk to your Baby 'Talk To Your Baby' has produced a series of quick tips for parents/carers and practitioners to help children develop good talking and listening skills. Each sheet is available in thirteen languages. 
  Indoor and Outdoor Quiet & Reflective Areas Visit our updated 'Gallery of Effective Practice' to discover our two new sections which link to SEAD. 
  Pancake Day Websites Visit our recommended website page to access several sites which can be used with Children. 
  Nominated ARK Settings - Spring 09 Please read the latest letter for further details. 
  Learning and Growing together Wallchart
Learning and Growing Together is a height chart for parents, carers and their children to use together. It is available in twenty-one different languages including Polish, Chinese and Arabic. This contains fun activities that Parents/ Carers can do with their child to help them learn and be healthy. 
  EYFS Profile - Exemplification Video Clips The National Assessment Agency has developed a range of on-line exemplification materials illustrating the EYFS profile assessment scales and scale points. These take the form of a series of video clips displaying children's behaviours and activities in a variety of different situations and contexts. A useful resource that we would highly recommend. 

Jan 09 Title Information


 

 Sample EYFS Parent / Carer Leaflet  A booklet which can be adapted in order to inform Parents / Carers about the Early Years Foundation Stage
   Chinese New Year Websites  Visit our recommended website page to access several sites which can be used with Children. This year, Chinese New Year falls on the 26th January.
   New Non-Fiction Recommended Books
 A selection of non-fiction books which members of the Birth to Five Service Team recommend.
   Excellence and Enjoyment: Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL)  Updated SEAL Red Set Booklets which now refer to the EYFS. These promote social and emotional skills. Highly recommended materials to use with children in the Pre-School and Reception age-range. Order from DCFS Publications quoting Ref: 00840-2008FLR-EN or call 0845 60 222 60.
   Social and Emotional Aspects of Development: Guidance for EYFS Practitioners  A booklet for Early Years Practitioners which provides guidance on Social and Emotional Development for younger children in the EYFS (birth-36 months). This resource will also be valuable for practitioners supporting children in the older ages and stages.
   Calling all EYPs  The Birth to Five Service is developing a network for all those who have achieved EYPs and also those who are currently on the EYPs pathways.

December 08 Title Information
  Pre-School Transfer of Records Parental Consent Form
Example of a Parental Consent Form to support transfer of a child's records from Pre-School to School. This can be accessed from both the Continuity and Transition and the Assessment and Record Keeping Pages. 
  PVI - Autumn 2008 Newsletter The latest Birth to Five Service Newsletter for Private, Voluntary and Independent Settings. Features this term include information on the Early Years Capital Grant, Assessment and Record Keeping (ARK) and Training news. This will be circulated by post to settings in December.
  Websites to use with Young Children  Please remember to visit this part of the site. This month twelve new sites have been added, many of which include a ‘Winter’ or ‘Christmas’ theme. 
  Gallery of Effective Practice In the last few weeks, several photographs have been added to the indoor and outdoor galleries. Please enter this area of the site to gain ideas and observe practice that is taking place in other settings in Lincolnshire.
  Recommended Christmas Reading Check out the latest recommendations from the Birth to Five Service. Ideal titles for a Christmas read. 

November 08 Title Information
  Early Years Conference The 2009 Conference is entitled 'Celebrating Together' and is taking place on 19th and 20th June 2009. Watch this space for further details.
  Recommended Christmas Reading  Check out the latest recommendations from the Birth to Five Service. Ideal titles for a Christmas read.
  Family Diversities Reading Resource This is an exciting resource produced by Bishop Grosseteste University College and is an annotated bibliography of children’s books showing the diverse family experiences of children. Its intention is to provide a range of age appropriate  texts that can be used by parents and carers, schools and other child-care settings, to value and to support a diverse community of learners. 
  News and Correspondence  Please remember to access this area of the website in order to keep up-to-date with all general correspondence. 
  Early Reading Connects  The National Literacy Trust have announced a new initiative, Early Reading Connects, backed by the DCSF, targeting all early years practitioners. Resources include a website and a family involvement toolkit. 
  Mark Making Matters A booklet which explores making marks within an encouraging emotional environment. This supports Practitioners to enable young children to become confident and competent communicators, both orally and on paper, in all six areas of learning and development. 
October
08
Title Information
  Early Years – Leading to Excellence  A useful report. Part 1 charts changes in the quality of provision and Part 2 gives examples of best practice in the way settings are organised, led and managed to promote the best possible outcomes for children. 
  Updated Welfare Audit  An updated version which can be used to ensure that you are meeting the legal requirements related to the EYFS 
  Story-Telling Leaflet 
 
A simple guide for Parents and Carers to support the development of story-telling. 
  Gallery of Effective Practice  Issues with this page are now resolved. If you still have difficulty, please refresh your browser.  
  (SEF) Self – Evaluation Form.   The SEF will enable Early Years Practitioners to evaluate practice against all aspects of the EYFS that Ofsted will inspect and make judgements on. Please click here to access the SEF.
September 08 Title Information
  Assessment and Record Keeping Information 
 
The Assessment and Record Keeping (ARK) documentation has been developed by a working party consisting of practitioners from a range of settings and schools across Lincolnshire. 
  Children's Books Recommendations  The Birth to Five Service Team have compiled a list of their favourite Early Years books to link with 'The National Year of Reading 2008' 
  Recommended Websites and Reading   A useful list, especially if you are new to the Early Years age range. 



 

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