Welcome to this July edition of the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub newsletter. This issue features a range of guidance including:
Transitions to Reception.
Safer sleep & care.
Ofsted inspection changes & a blog from our partners at Bridgwater College Childcare Centre.
New resources including an on demand webinar by Sarah Clarke on the importance of attachment and a SEND blog by Ruth Glover on the sensory side of behaviour.
Fully funded training and network sessions running throughout July and August.
Website survey with wellbeing giveaway.
Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with fellow practitioners, or find fresh strategies to support the children in your care, there's something here for you.
SUPPORTING SCHOOL TRANSITIONS
Starting Reception
Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and their families. To help make the transition into Reception as smooth and positive as possible there are a set of practical resources available that you can explore and share with parents and carers from the Starting Reception website.
Starting Reception is designed to support families in preparing children for school through simple activities, helpful advice and clear guidance on the key skills and routines that help children feel confident and ready for their first day. The website covers everyday aspects of school readiness, from independence and communication to managing routines at home.
Explore the resources online or download the guides using the link below:
Evie Shore outlines findings from the Born in Bradford study and its partners looking at school readiness and child development.
SLEEP AND CARE GUIDANCE
Safer Sleep Guidance
In collaboration with the Lullaby Trust, the Department of Education has shared guidance for Safer Sleep, which supports planned updates to the EYFS Statutory Framework due in Septmeber 2026.
There are a number of dedicated resources to support potty training and children’s toothbrushing. These skills can help children feel more comfortable,independent and confident.
Caren's message is a reassuring one: when practice is rooted in children's needs, inspections simply reflect what's already happening. She explores how leaders can stay groundedby keeping the focus on daily practice, protecting staff wellbeing, and making the most of sector support like Stronger Practice Hubs.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Department for Education:
Early years child development trainingis a free,online programme designed by early years experts to support practitioners working with children from birth to reception.
To support settings to plan how their use their EYPP funding, the EEF has also published a new EYPP Planning Tool.
The EEF are trialing Positive Early Childhood Education (PECE) a comprehensive coaching and professional development programme for early years settings, designed to support 3-4 year olds with self-regulation. Sign up closes 31st July 26.
NEW RESOURCES
Webinar: Talking About… Babies and Attachment with Sarah Clarke
In this webinar, Sarah Clarke shares practical strategies for supporting secure attachments with babies and looks at how we can create emotionally responsive environments that nurture strong, trusting relationships in the first 1001 days.
Blog: The Sensory Side of Behaviour by Ruth Glover
Ruth Glover, CEO of Springboard Opportunity Group, advocates for a sensory-informed approach to better interpret children’s needs, proposing strategies to create supportive environments. By viewing behaviours as signals rather than challenges, educators can enhance inclusion and self-regulation, ultimately aiding children’s learning and development.
We want to make sure our website is working well for you, and we’d love your help making that happen. We’re running a short survey to find out what’s working, what isn’t, and where we could do better.
It should take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and every response will help us improve the experience for practitioners across the South West.
As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into our Wellbeing Giveaway draw. We have two prizes to give away!
The Department for Education is launching a consultation in Shaping the Future of Early Years Teaching to reform how early years teachers are trained and supported. Closes: 24th Sep 26
The Bristol & Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is funded by the DFE and is providing evidence-based CPD and network opportunites for those working and caring for Early Years children. Thank you for reading our Early Years Recommendations.
Best Wishes,
Anna & the Stronger Practice Hub Team
Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub, Little Bishop Street, City Of Bristol, Bristol BS2 9JF
