​Ofsted EIF inspections and the EYFS
What schools, registered early years providers and childminders need to know about delivering the current and revised early years foundation stage (EYFS) and Ofsted inspections under the education inspection framework (EIF).
Early years inspection handbook for Ofsted-registered provision
This guidance will come into force on 1 September 2022.See the guidance that will come into force on 1 September.
Warning of Extreme Heat Conditions expected Sunday 17th to Tuesday 19th
"Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather" guidance is for individual providers to undertake a full risk assessment when making decisions on whether to remain open or to close the setting in the event of extremes of weather. Providers should refer to government guidance and weather forecast updates over the coming days.
'Looking after children and those in early years settings during heatwaves' provides guidance on protecting children both indoors and outdoors, as well as information on how to spot and treat heat-related illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
DfE consultations
Early Education are holding an online briefing to go through the implications of the DfE’s early years funding consultation, with particular emphasis on the funding for maintained nursery schools.
Online briefing session
2-3pm on Thursday 14 July
For more and how to book see here.
How connecting with nature benefits our mental health.
Nature is an important need for many and vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy. When it comes to mental health benefits, nature has a very wide definition. It can mean green spaces such as parks, woodland or forests as well as blue spaces like rivers, wetlands, beaches or canals.
Research at the Mental Health Foundation has shown that spending time outdoors has been one of the key factors enabling people to cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, nearly half (45%) of people in the UK report that they were visiting green spaces, such as parks, helped them to cope. It found that people visiting and noticing nature in particular was important in supporting their wellbeing.
This is a really important point, as it helps us to understand that a connection with nature helps unlock the mental health benefits – and it also gives us essential clues on how to maximise these benefits for our wellbeing.
You can read the report here.