Support and guidance for early years providers post Covid-19
Managers meetings, facilitated by the Warwickshire Early Years TSA, are an opportunity for managers, practitioners and childminders to hear the most current information from the local authority on safeguarding, funding and Ofsted as well as being a valuable forum for sharing best practice and improving access to support and guidance for those working in the Early Years.
These meetings are proving extremely popular and for the autumn term these will now be held online via Microsoft Teams - making it even easier to attend as there's no travelling involved!
Settings are now able to book more than two members of staff to attend the meeting with all places being offered free of charge.
Five different dates, one for each geographical area in Warwickshire, are on offer for the autumn term (Sept/Oct), however if you are unable to attend the meeting for your area you are able to book a date/time that is more suitable for you.
The theme of the autumn term meetings will be 'Support and guidance for providers post Covid-19.'
For further information and to book your place visit: www.warwickshireearlyyears.co.uk/book-online
Paediatric First Aid Training Level 3
Warwickshire Early Years is providing Paediatric First Aid training (Level 3 award) to early years staff to equip them with the vital skills to save a life should they need to, which in the current climate is more important than ever.
Training is delivered by MDD First Aid and despite being done virtually via Zoom, will still include practical elements, such as being able to demonstrate CPR.
Two start dates are currently available: 4 July and 1 August 2020.
For further information and to book please visit: www.warwickshireearlyyears.co.uk/book-online
Reception baseline assessment
In response to the 2017 primary assessment consultation, the government announced plans to introduce a statutory reception baseline assessment (RBA) in autumn 2020. Due to the challenging circumstances faced by schools in the context of the covid-19 pandemic, statutory introduction of the RBA has been postponed to Autumn 2021. Instead, schools have the opportunity to sign up to the RBA Early Adopter year.
Please find the guidance here.
Help to protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases
Help to avoid a resurgence in serious vaccine-preventable diseases
During Covid-19 our GPs have reported a drop in attendance for pregnancy and childhood vaccinations across Warwickshire. 
Good vaccination coverage is essential to avoid a local resurgence of serious vaccine-preventable diseases, such a Measles and Meningitis, which could have a major impact on women, children and vulnerable groups, as well as placing a significant pressure on our local NHS.
Of particular concerns is the risk of a Measles outbreak, as the vaccination rate in Warwickshire prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was low: in 2018/19 MMR 2nd dose coverage was 88.1% in Warwickshire, lower than the 95% required for herd immunity.
As an important route to many of our families, your support in raising awareness of this concerning issue would be greatly appreciated.
Please see below a drafted article that could be included in your newsletter, and click here [https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carryonvaccinating] to access print ready posters for display and notice boards.
Suggested article - Help to protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases
During Covid-19 local GPs have reported a drop in the uptake of pregnancy, infant and pre-school booster vaccinations in Warwickshire.
Attending routine vaccination appointments is important, as it helps to stop an outbreak of serious vaccine-preventable diseases such as Measles, Meningitis and whooping cough.
If you are pregnant or have a young children, it’s important that you continue to attend your scheduled vaccination appointments on time. If you cancelled these appointments during lockdown, please rebook now.
Your GP surgery will have all the necessary precautions in place to keep you and your child safe from COVID-19. If you have any questions about the steps they have put in place, why not talk to the receptionist to help ease your concerns.
Attending your routine vaccination appointments not only protects you and your children from very serious illnesses, but also protects more vulnerable people who would be at very great risk if they were to contract these diseases.
If you’re unsure about the schedule and when vaccinations are due, check your child’s Red Book or visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/