Early Years and childcare information for professionals

Find guidance, resources and support for early years professionals in Somerset. Access information on inclusion, safeguarding, funding, training and best practice

Provider training and resources

Early Years training and resources

Training opportunities through workshops for providers across a range of topics

Speech, language and communication recommended resources

Links to useful resources and information that can help you in supporting all children

Useful links for Early Years Providers

Useful links to different websites we work closely with to bring Early Years providers up to date and helpful information

Early Years Foundation Stage

The new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is mandatory for all early years providers

Early years providers guidance documents

Documents including the latest statutory guidance and Provider Agreement, and information on claiming, invoicing and charging

SEND Notification Form for Health Professionals

How to notify us of an Early Years child with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) under section 23

Find out about the form

Funding and entitlement for providers

Grant funding for activities during school holidays

Community Inclusion and Activity Team support providers to deliver inclusive activities across Somerset

Early Years Entitlement information for providers

All 3 and 4 years olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early years entitlement, or nursery funding, a week

Early Years Pupil Premium information for providers

Information on the pupil premium and qualifying criteria

Funding for 2-year-olds in supported families, information for providers

Families receiving support can apply for childcare funding for 2 year olds

Disability Access Fund for Early Years

Money that is available to a nominated childcare provider once a year

Funded childcare for working parents – provider information

Eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged from 9 months, starting in the funding period after they reach this age

Representation and communication providers

The Early Years Support Team

Part of the Somerset Council Education Leadership Team

Early Years key partner contacts

Helpful contact information for our key partners, including Somerset’s Area SENCos, Children’s Social Care Team and the Entitlements Team

Early Years Partnership

A consultative group discussing strategic issues and financial matters relating to Early Years

Early Years SENCO network

Groups that meet once each term for early years SENCOs to share updates, ask questions and take part in training