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The Early Years Foundation Stage framework

All Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to five. For guidance, practical support and information about meeting the requirements of the EYFS, other helpful resources, and to download the statutory guidance use the following links:

GOV.UK

As well as the full framework, GOV.UK has a section of support for early years providers:

Foundation Years Website

EYFS Moderation

  • Early years foundation stage profile - Handbook 2022.This guidance has been produced to help teachers and early years practitioners make accurate judgements about each child’s level of development at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and to detail the statutory requirements for the EYFS profile assessment in the 2021/22 academic year

Links to more information to support you to deliver the EYFS

Meeting the needs of children with additional needs

Information and documentation is available online to help childcare providers to best support children with SEN, disabilities and vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

Effective safeguarding and child protection

The Children and Families Hub

It is everybody’s responsibility to keep children and young people safe. If you are not sure if a child is at risk, seek advice from a ‘designated person’ in your setting or speak to a Children and Families Hub worker (020 8545 4226). The Children and Families Hub provide advice online about what do if you are worried about a child

The Children and Families Hub is the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns regarding children and young people in Merton - The Children and Families Hub

Contact protocols for safeguarding referrals

If a childcare provider has concerns about a child, or a child is seriously injured in their care they should follow the Contact Protocols below for safeguarding of children.

Merton’s Continuous Improvement Team

Forms

Ongoing suitability of staff safeguarding and health declaration forms:

Useful Links

The Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP) website provides resources for professionals and practitioners who work with children and young people. This includes guidance, strategies and details of teams and organisations working in safeguarding in Merton.

The MSCP also offers safeguarding training and learning on a number of topics. This is free for early education and childcare providers.

Gov.uk: What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - Advice for practitioners

Resources and tools to help you sustain your childcare business

Support from Merton Council

GOV.UK

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years

The PACEY website has a business support section: Business Smart | PACEY which, as well as ideas, inspiration, planning and marketing tips, includes online calculators to help you to understand the cost of delivering your childcare service:

National Day Nurseries Association

The Early Years Business Zone | NDNA | Nursery Business Support offers free resources for childcare providers to help them run their business. You must register with the NDNA (for free) to access the hub.

London Business Hub

  • As well as advisor support, London Business Hub early years and childminding support provides lots of business resources to help you develop your business regardless of what stage it is currently at.

Merton Chamber of Commerce

Merton Chamber of Commerce is an organisation that offers events, resources, information and more for local businesses.

Resources for providing funded childcare

If you are unsure about whether to provide free (funded) places and Tax-Free childcare for parents, or need more information, there is guidance available:

Mental wellbeing and business support

Resources from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families:

Nurturing Future Minds  - links to resources to help Early Years practitioners support parents, the social and emotional learning and wellbeing of children and their own / staff wellbeing.

The Strong Early Years London webinar archive includes events on a range of topics, including staff morale and motivation.

Contact us

We do not have a direct phone line option for Early Years providers to call. Please use email to contact us at all times.