Fw: FW: Foundations Newsletter December 11

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Best wishesMaggie

Foundations Newsletter December 11

Issue no. 4 - December 2011

News that brings our sector together

Festive Greetings

Welcome to the last edition of the Foundations for the Future newsletter in the year 2011, and what a year it has been! It has been a busy year indeed for all those involved in the early years as we have championed our work to ensure it remains a high priority both nationally and locally. We have responded to at least 5 Department for Education consultations; considered the findings of 5 high profile reviews; prepared for the publication of a revised EYFS Framework and Profile; began to get to grips with payment by results as well as implementing a new government policy agenda - "Families in the Foundation Years". All of these bring challenges, as well as opportunities, which sit alongside what have often been difficult local circumstances.So I wish you a very happy festive break and may you return refreshed in 2012 to overcome these challenges, and take advantage of these opportunities, in order to ensure that children continue to receive the highest quality experiences that you provide for them.Merry Christmas and all the very best, Sue Robb.

What is the Strategic Parternership?

The strategic partnership is a group of voluntary and community organisations designed to bring the early years and childcare sector together to improve quality, influence government policy and promote best practice.Events5th January: Safeguarding NDNA network event, NewcastleBegins 17th January: Parent's Guide to Children's Behaviour 4 week evening courses, Birmingham17th January, Tendering Masterclass, London18th January, Early years conference, LondonBegins 19th January: Parent's Guide to Children's Behaviour 4 week evening courses, Slough23rd January: Practitioners Guide to Children's Behaviour training, Birmingham23rd January, AcE 3 Day Training, Birmingham24th January, Marketing Fundamentals, Birmingham25th January, Marketing Fundamentals, Leeds25th January: NDNA EYFS and Safeguarding Training, Bristol26th January, Evidencing Outcomes & Measuring Impact 2 Day Training, Birmingham26th January: Masterclass in measuring Children's Centre impacts, London30th January: Safeguarding NDNA network events, Poole31st January: Business Partner Seminars, London1st February, NCB early years networks regional event, LondonBegins 1st February: Parent's Guide to Children's Behaviour 4 week evening courses, Worcester13th February, QCF Unit Plus to Promote Young Children's Physical Activity and Movement Skills, London13th February: Practitioners Guide to Children's Behaviour training, Manchester14th February, QCF Unit Plus to Promote Young Children's Physical Activity and Movement Skills, London22nd February, Early Intervention Seminar 2012, Leeds23rd February,Early Intervention Seminar 2012, London27th February, Early Intervention for Families with Multiple Problems, LondonFebruary 27th: Practitioners Guide to Children's Behaviour training, Stafford28th February, Early Intervention Seminar 2012, Birmingham8th March, Masterclass: Measuring Children's Centre impacts and outcomes, Birmingham13th March, Masterclass: Measuring Children's Centre impacts and outcomes, London20th March, Early Intervention Seminar, Leeds27th March, Early Intervention Seminar, Birmingham29th March, Early Intervention Seminar, London

News

Government response to EYFS consultationBetween July and September 2011, the Government received over 2,300 online responses to its consultation on the revised draft Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and conducted an intensive series of meetings, workshops and events with a range of stakeholders. Today they have published their response. Read more >2 Year Old OfferAmongst the few bright points in the Chancellor's autumn statement was the announcement of further investment in free childcare for 2 year-olds, with 40% of families now set to benefit. The Coalition will provide an additional £380 million of early investment a year by 2014/15 to cover a further 130,000 free childcare places. Read more >Children are Unbeatable!Many parents would like to get more information on how they can deal with difficult behaviour without resorting to smacking. The Foundation Years website has now been updated to include links to resources for parents on effective positive discipline from the Children Are Unbeatable! Alliance.Read more >Learn, Explore, Debate Children England and 4Children ran a series of 'Learn, Explore, Debate' events throughout November and December designed to give early years professionals the chance to learn more about the recent policy reforms from the Department for EducationRead more >

News from the Sector

Contact a Family are running a campaign this Christmas to ask the Prime Minister to rethink cuts to disabled children's benefits, you can access the campaign via the CaF website or direct via EDCM.

Read more >Contact a Family's 'Strengthening Children's Centre' project (funded through the National Lottery by the Big Lottery fund) are offering parents with disabled children access to themed workshops in children centres on a range of topics including: benefits; sleep; managing behaviours and stress and coping sessions. Read more >New research from Contact a Family shows that social, emotional and financial isolation is causing almost three quarters of families with disabled children to experience poor mental health such as anxiety, depression or breakdown. Read more >The Daycare Trust this month published the results of a survey into Family Information Services (FIS) in England and Wales. Read more >

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Best wishesMaggie FisherNetmums Regional Coordinator and On Line Health VisitorMobile 07831 32 3393maggie@... www.netmums.com

Netmums is the UK's fastest-growing and biggest online parenting organisation with more than I million members, mostly mums. Netmums is a family of local sites that cover the UK, each site offering information to parents on everything from where to find play groups and how to eat healthily to where to meet other mothers. The local sites are backed by a wealth of evidence based parenting information that start with pregnancy and follow through each stage of childhood helping mums to enjoy a happy and healthy family life. The site also provides support services for those in need of help. For more information, visit: www.netmums.com