News for Early Years Providers

Wraparound Childcare Conference

We are delighted to invite you to a free Wraparound Childcare Conference for school-run providers, PVI settings, and childminders across the East Riding. The event will take place in March 2026 at Beverley Racecourse and will also be an excellent opportunity for providers considering opening new wraparound provision.
The conference will be delivered on two dates:
• Friday 20th March 2026 – 8:45am to 3:30pm
• Saturday 21st March 2026 – 8:45am to 3:30pm
Please note that the same conference will be repeated on both days, so you only need to attend one. Places are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, so please book early to secure your place
________________________________________
What to expect
The conference has been designed in direct response to feedback from wraparound providers and will include:
Two specialist workshops delivered by The Bold Type (operators of the Out of School Alliance – OOSA), covering:
• High-quality playwork and the role of the playworker
• Creating inclusive environments and embedding inclusive practice
Opportunities throughout the day to speak with:
• East Riding Safeguarding Partnership – safeguarding advice and guidance
• East Riding Inclusion Team – inclusive practice and the Local Offer
• Families Information Service Hub – childcare entitlements, marketing your service on the Family Service Directory, and advertising job vacancies
There will also be dedicated time for networking with other wraparound providers from across the East Riding.
________________________________________
Booking your place
Please email the following information to debbie.matthews@eastriding.gov.uk and jessica.bruce@eastriding.gov.uk:
• Name(s) of person/people wishing to attend
• Preferred conference date
• Setting name (if applicable)
A confirmation email will be sent once bookings have been reviewed.
Places are currently limited to two attendees per setting. You are welcome to indicate interest in additional places, as further availability may be released.

Department for Education Updates


Early years qualification requirements and standards

Page summary:

The qualifications that staff must hold to be included in the specified staff:child ratios at levels 2, 3 and 6 of the early years foundation stage (EYFS).

Change made:

Removed ‘Early years qualification requirements and standards: until 1 January 2026’, which first came into effect on 4 January 2024. The requirements in the updated document come into effect on 1 January 2026.


Experience-based route for early years staff

Page summary:

How early years providers can implement the experience-based route for staff who do not hold full and relevant qualifications.

Change made:

Replaced ‘Experience-based route for early years: non-statutory guidance’ with an updated version, following changes to the law on 1 January 2026 to include the new Ofsted inspection framework.

Best Start in Life campaign communications toolkit

We are pleased to share the communications toolkit for the Best Start in Life campaign, which aims to increase awareness of the importance of early years in a child’s development and the role of early years education.

The Best Start in Life website brings together trusted advice, support and guidance for parents.

We would appreciate your support to help promote the campaign by:

• using the toolkit resources on your own channels
• promoting the website
• sharing the video: ‘The Story of You’ celebrates the journey of early childhood, highlighting to parents the vital role they play in their child’s lives and the support available