The Department for Education (DfE) are seeking views on proposed changes to the early years funding system associated with the current offer of early years entitlements.

The proposals include changes to funding for inclusive practice, changes to the way funding is calculated for different local authorities, the Early Years National Funding Formula, changes to the way central services are funded and changes to the Ofsted Early Years registration fees.

To find out more about the consultation and to share your views, please visit Early years funding: proposed changes to the entitlements funding system - Department for Education - Citizen Space.

Working or volunteering in regulated activity with children

Due to changes introduced through the Crime and Policing Act 2026, the definition of regulated activity will change from Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

This change is particularly important for settings that use volunteers, as the supervision exemption is being removed. From September, all volunteers conducting regulated activity with children will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list information, even when they are supervised.

The change applies across a range of early years and childcare provision, including holiday clubs and wraparound care.

Providers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements now and review any recruitment, safeguarding and volunteer procedures that may be affected.

Full details are available in the DfE guidance: Regulated activity: removal of the supervision exemption (comes into force 1 September 2026) - GOV.UK.

New email contact for early years safeguarding support and advice

The Early Years Safeguarding Team has introduced a dedicated email address for all safeguarding-related enquiries from colleagues and settings:

EY.safeguarding@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

This new shared inbox has been created to make it easier for providers and professionals to access safeguarding support and advice, without needing to contact individual team members directly.

Using a single point of contact will help ensure enquiries are responded to efficiently and will enable the safeguarding team to maintain oversight of ongoing cases and requests. This approach also supports continuity when team members are unavailable due to annual leave, training, or other commitments.

From now on, all safeguarding-related emails, requests for advice and support enquiries should be sent to EY.safeguarding@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

For further information about early years safeguarding support, visit the Cambridgeshire Learn Together Safeguarding webpage.

Updated statement on safer sleep within the EYFS

Following proposed revisions to safer sleep requirements within the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, the DfE has issued updated advice on the use of floor beds, including coracles and sleep pods with rigid or semi-rigid sides.

After seeking expert safe sleep advice, the DfE recommends that floor beds should only be used with children over 12 months of age. This recommendation reflects concerns about the risks presented to younger babies, whose developing strength and coordination may increase the likelihood of becoming trapped against partially lowered or raised sides.

For babies aged 12 months and under, the safest sleeping environment remains a cot, carry cot, Moses basket or travel cot that meets relevant British Safety Standards and is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Providers should review their sleep arrangements to ensure they reflect current guidance and prioritise children's safety.

Improving help and child protection – DfE consultation

The DfE is seeking views on proposed changes to the statutory framework for help, support, and protection for children.

A person filling out a form on a clipboard with a pen.

This open consultation will help inform updates to Working together to safeguard children, the Children’s social care national framework, and the policy underpinning the development of multi-agency child protection team regulations.

The proposals are intended to strengthen the support available to children and families by improving clarity around roles and responsibilities, enhancing accountability across agencies, and promoting more effective multi-agency working. They form part of wider reforms designed to create a more consistent approach to safeguarding and child protection nationally.

The consultation provides an opportunity for professionals and organisations working with children and families to share their views and contribute to the development of future safeguarding guidance and practice.

Share your views on the Improving help and child protection: revised framework consultation by Friday, 4 September 2026.

Looking after children during hot weather

With warmer temperatures expected throughout the summer months, providers are reminded that government guidance is available to support the care of children during hot weather.

Watercolor illustration of a bright yellow sun with a spiral center and radiating rays. The simple, hand-painted style uses varying shades of yellow to create a warm, cheerful effect.

The guidance includes practical advice for early years settings on keeping children safe and comfortable, including maintaining hydration, managing outdoor play, reducing exposure to direct sunlight, and monitoring indoor temperatures.

There is also dedicated advice for parents and carers on keeping babies safe in hot weather, including recommendations on sleeping arrangements, clothing, and preventing overheating.

Settings may wish to share this information with families as part of their warm-weather communications and review their own procedures to ensure appropriate measures are in place during periods of high temperatures.

Further information is available on:

Early Years Pupil Premium eligibility

Following a rise in enquiries about Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) eligibility, we would like to clarify the current position for providers.

Once a child is confirmed as eligible for EYPP, they will continue to receive EYPP funding for as long as they access their funded early years entitlement.

A simple graphic of a white crown icon on a black background. The crown features a cross at the top, circular ornaments, and fleur-de-lis shapes along its base, symbolizing royalty or authority.

Providers do not need to be concerned about eligibility being withdrawn because of changes in a family's circumstances during this period.

The EYPP is intended to help providers improve outcomes for disadvantaged children through targeted support and enhanced learning opportunities.

Further information about eligibility checks and funding arrangements can be found in the Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK.

New annual training programme

The new Professional Development Programme offers a variety of training opportunities for the 2026 - 2027 academic year to support early years and childcare practitioners to enhance their professional development at all career levels.

Explore the Learn Together website to view the available training courses in the following areas:

Photograph of a childcare setting promoting Cambridgeshire County Council's Professional Development Programme 2026-27 for early years childcare and school readiness service. The image features a caregiver interacting with young children at a table with colourful educational toys and blocks.

Remember to sign up for the Membership Offer to take advantage of training discounts – up to 40% off listed course prices. Many of the membership packages include credits which can be exchanged for places on essential (mandatory) courses free of charge. Once you have chosen your membership package, please sign up via the CambsEYC Annual Membership online booking form.

For support with membership, contact earlyyears.service@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the training programme, course costs, and bookings, email eyctraining@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or telephone 01223 706 349.

Developmental differences in children who spent time in NICU

Understanding how a child’s earliest experiences can shape their development is vital for everyone working with young children.

Our latest CambsEYC blog explores the developmental differences that may be seen in children who have spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Around one in seven babies born in the UK are admitted to a neonatal unit, and the impact of intensive medical care, ongoing stress, disrupted sleep, pain, and other environmental factors can influence how a baby’s brain develops. While some developmental differences may emerge in the early years, others can become more noticeable later, when children face more complex challenges such as reading, writing, concentration, social interaction, and forming friendships.

The blog highlights why children with a history of neonatal care may be at increased risk of developmental differences and, importantly, what early years settings and schools can do to identify and support them effectively.

To learn more and consider how your setting can respond to the needs of these children, read the full blog at CambsEYC blogs.

Impacts of technology use on children under two

A new research report from the iADDICT (interdisciplinary Action on Digital Device Immersive Conditions Team) multidisciplinary group of researchers presents a systematic review of the evidence exploring the impacts of technology use on children under the age of two.

Two young children sitting together and staring a tablet

The review examines how exposure to digital technologies, including screens and mobile devices, may influence various aspects of early childhood development, such as language acquisition, cognitive development, attention, sleep patterns, and social-emotional wellbeing. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into family life, understanding its potential effects on babies and toddlers is an important area of research for parents, carers, and professionals alike.

The report brings together findings from a range of studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence base and highlights areas where further research is needed. It offers valuable insights for those supporting young children's healthy development in the early years.

To learn more about the findings and recommendations, read the full report Impacts of Screen Time, Media, and Technology Use on Under Twos during the first 1001 Critical Days: A Systematic Review. Size: 1,457 KB File format: pdf

Maths and Forest Schools

Maths is available everywhere and can be easily overlooked during Forest Schools or Outdoor Play. When in nature, we can gather leaves or twigs to count and compare.  By using natural resources – wildflowers, pinecones, leaves, and so forth –   remember the rule of abundance: only pick what we need.

Children can create shapes/patterns and sequences whilst learning about the world around them and getting physical exercise outdoors.

A photograph shows a circle made of variously sized and coloured stones arranged on dry, brown soil. A metal rod or stick lies near the top of the circle, suggesting an outdoor setting or a nature-based activity

Observe your children as they develop skills such as naming shapes, finding shapes in the environment, and using the language of size. All these areas show how a child is developing against the EYFS framework, building their knowledge of shape, space, and measurement.

You should always look to the child for cues as you facilitate their play, ask open-ended questions and allow them time to problem solve themselves before you intervene. It is important to remember that maths is something we will use forever and becomes deep-routed, making maths fun at this early stage will foster a love of numbers and learning.

You can also extend the play by going on a number walk in a park or looking for big or small vehicles when out on a road trip. We can use maths in every part of our day.

Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

The summer holidays are approaching, which many of our children will be excited about. However, for some families, the costs that come with the holiday period can be a worry, especially for those who rely on free school meals every day to help keep food costs to a minimum.

Healthy Start card mascot and other foodstuff cartoon characters

If you know some families may need some extra help with the cost of food, have a discussion about Healthy Start to see if they are eligible and can claim.

Families that meet the following criteria can apply online:

You are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under four years old.
Your family’s monthly ‘take-home pay’, also called ‘earned income’, is £408 or less from employment.
You get Universal Credit.

Please share the following link with families to help them apply:

How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start).

Priority Services Register (PSR) – support for families and staff

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide service offering additional support to eligible households, particularly during interruptions to electricity, gas, or water supplies.

Parents and carers with children under five may be eligible to register, alongside people who rely on medical equipment, have a disability, chronic illness, mental health condition, or other circumstances that mean they may need extra support. Eligibility is not limited to these groups, and temporary vulnerabilities may also qualify.

Being registered can provide access to priority updates, tailored communications, and additional support during supply outages.

Parents, carers, and members of the early years workforce can register directly and find further information on the website: thepsr.co.uk.

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five is an exciting initiative full of low- or no-cost activities and events for families with children from birth to five years.

Activities range from discoveries in the woods to exploring how sound changes in different places to sharing stories and enjoying water play.

Events include song and rhyme times, summer fetes, stay and plays, dance classes, museum trails and many more.

Share 50 Things to Do | Cambridgeshire & Peterborough with parents and carers so they can download the mobile app for free and access the translatable activities.

Explore our new practitioners 50 Things to Do Before You're Five webpage, to download partner guides, family facing posters and discover ways to embed 50 Things to Do into your home learning offer for families.

Explore the Supporting Home Learning webpages or reach out to your Early Years Adviser to discuss how to strengthen your home learning offer, to give children the Best Start in Life.

Get Activated this summer with free and low-cost activities for families

Summer is here, and it is time for Cambridgeshire to Get Activated.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Get Activated summer activity campaign is back for 2026 –

Photograph of three children playing with colourful hula hoops outdoors in a green park, promoting physical activity and fun. A magenta banner at bottom displays "#GetActivated" with a sun icon and text "Free or low cost summer family activities," encouraging active summer engagement.

promoting hundreds of free or low-cost activities for children, young people, and families from local organisations across the county.

At locations across Cambridgeshire, the county council and our partners will be running a variety of fun events and activities to help children and families stay healthy and connected throughout the summer holidays.

From sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures, to wellbeing sessions, community events, and taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge – families will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities to keep everyone active, entertained, and having fun.

Look out for #GetActivated on social media over the coming weeks for a wide range of fun and healthy opportunities across Cambridgeshire.

Summer reading for children

The Summer Reading Challenge is designed for primary-aged children. However, birth to threes can join their own mini challenge.

To take part, simply choose and share six library books with your little one over the summer holidays, collect a sticker for each book and add it to a special sticker booklet.

Colourful graphic text design with words "READ to the BEAT" in large, bold letters transitioning from orange to purple. Musical notes are integrated into the letter "B," emphasizing a theme combining reading and music.

At the end of the summer, they will be awarded their very own Read to the Beat sticker medal and certificate.

Families can sign up in their local Library for free from Saturday, 4 July 2026 and start collecting special stickers from Saturday, 18 July 2026.

Everything really does change when you read.

Be water smart and enjoy water safely this summer

As warmer weather approaches, Cambridgeshire County Council has launched a new water safety campaign designed to equip families with important lifesaving knowledge.

A photograph featuring a dark blue water droplet-shaped graphic with white text "Be water smart" and blue water splash illustrations. The background shows a blurred canal scene with trees and a narrowboat, emphasizing water conservation awareness.

‘Be Water Smart’ aims to raise awareness of the potential risks of swimming in open water, like lakes and rivers, and the simple, initiative-taking steps you can take to ensure your children have the right skills and knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

With large areas of Cambridgeshire covered by inland water, there are some great opportunities for fun and safe experiences on the county’s waterways. However, unseen hazards, such as cold-water shock, strong currents, and hidden rubbish and debris, can cause difficulties for even strong swimmers.

Through sharing useful tips and resources, the campaign will remind families how they can stay safe in, on and around water, and help empower parents to take charge of their family’s water safety education.

A range of practical advice, resources, and activities are available on the campaign website: Be Water Smart.

Information service for families

The Cambridgeshire Families Information Service (FIS) provide information, advice and guidance to families across Cambridgeshire.

They manage the Cambridgeshire Childcare Directory and offer brokerage support for families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25.

ogo featuring two stylised handprints in orange, purple, green, pink, and blue colours alongside text reading "Families Information Service."

Their advice is free, confidential, and impartial.

The FIS can help with finding childcare, understanding childcare funding options, childcare for children with SEND, and the SEND Local Offer.

For information on childcare and early learning, contact the FIS team: Lisa Watson, Families Information Coordinator, and Tracey-Ann Grant, Childcare Brokerage Adviser - SEND.

Email fis@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, telephone 0345 045 1360, or connect with them on Facebook @CambsFIS.

Free breakfast for summer at Morrisons Cafes

Morrisons and Kellogg’s have announced the return of their school holiday ‘Breakfast Clubs,’ offering free meals to families across the UK to help ease the financial pressure over the summer holidays.

As schools close for the summer holidays, many parents face a financial pinch, with new research from Morrisons showing that 54% of parents feel the strain during the long summer period. 48% of parents confessed they have skipped meals to ensure their child does not go without – breakfast being the number one meal skipped.

Families visiting Morrisons Café throughout the summer holidays can enjoy a free ‘Kellogg’s Breakfast,’ which includes a bowl of cereal and a portion of fruit. The best part is, it is not just for kids, adults get to eat completely free too.

Both kids and adults can choose from much-loved favourites Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, topped with their choice of dairy or non-dairy milk and a free apple or banana.

The offer is available nationwide until Sunday, 6 September 2026.

Fostering sessions and events

Do you want to find out more about fostering? Why not come along to one of our free information sessions?

Photograph of three people walking on a sidewalk beside a street with green bike lanes and trees in the background. One person has their arm around another, suggesting a close relationship, while the third carries a bag, indicating a casual outdoor setting during daylight.

Cambridgeshire County Council holds regular sessions and events, both virtually and face-to-face, where a fostering recruitment officer, a social worker and one of our experienced foster carers will give an informal presentation to explain everything you need to know about fostering.

You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and to talk one-on-one with a member of the team to see if we can help you further.

At our virtual events, we also hold 'private virtual rooms' after the presentation if you would like to talk more about fostering.

Visit Cambridgeshire County Council Fostering Information Session Registration to book your free place on the dates below:

Monday, 17 August, 12 noon to 1 pm
Wednesday, 15 September, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Thursday, 15 October, 12 noon to 1 pm

Email fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Telephone 0800 052 0078.

Your News

60th birthday celebrations

This year marks the 60th anniversary of ACE Nursery School, having first opened our doors in 1966. We are a community-focused nursery situated in the heart of Cambridge and are incredibly proud to mark six decades of growth and building connections.

Our ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ is always a special annual event, held in the paddock at Wandlebury Country Park, but with this year’s 60th festivities in mind, the afternoon passed with more than a touch of pizzazz and over 200 guests in attendance. We had live music from The Feather Heads, one member of the band being an ex-ACE child, now 11 years old, and Shake, Rattle & Roll, a well-known Cambridge family-friendly band. Stalls included face-painting, tin can alley, hook-a-duck, quoits, a scavenger hunt, stone painting, T-shirt decorating and much more. The glorious summer afternoon closed with nostalgic speeches and glasses were raised for a toast, before the cutting of the cake – a delicious lemon sponge baked and decorated by our in-house cook, Sharon, from our sister nursery: ACE Day Nursery.

At ACE, we feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful team, both past and present, who have made and continue to make ACE the special place it is, with dedication and heartfelt passion for what we do. We look optimistically to the future, reinforcing the nursery’s commitment to continuing its legacy of high-quality early years education for another 60 years. Happy Birthday ACE – Hip-hip hooray!

Photograph of a rectangular birthday cake decorated with white icing, yellow and blue balloons, and a yellow fence design, featuring the text "ACE NURSERY SCHOOL." Children wearing colourful clothing and hats surround the cake on a green and white checkered tablecloth, indicating a celebratory event at a nursery school.

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