Early Years Professional Development Programme (PDP) update
In light of the latest national lockdown and rise in infections due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department for Education (DfE) have decided to postpone the next phase of training delivery of the Early Years Professional Development Programme (PDP) until such time as the majority of participating settings are better able to engage with CPD activity. DfE are currently revising the delivery plans and will be working towards restarting training after the Easter holidays.
The PDP is a £20m DfE programme of training and professional development for pre-reception early years staff in disadvantaged areas in 51 participating local authorities, selected on the basis of their levels of deprivation and outcomes in the EYFS Profile. Delivered by training partners Education Development Trust (EDT) and Elklan, the programme aims to raise practitioners’ skills in supporting young children’s development in early language, literacy and mathematics.
Promoting NSPCC safeguarding resources during lockdown
Data shows that children face an increased risk of suffering from abuse at this challenging time, and that it is more likely to go unreported. It is vital that the general public are able to step up in their duty to report any concerns about child welfare.
We need to amplify the message that, whether it be worries about a child in your family, or others outside your bubble, it is important that everyone is aware of the signs that indicate when something is wrong. We also need to make sure that the public is aware of the correct avenues to report any concerns, which are via Local Authorities, the NSPCC, or the police.
In order to increase awareness of the warning signs to look out for, as well as the advice available should anyone have concerns about a child, please actively direct people in your networks here.
COVID-19 resources hub
The Foundation Years COVID-19 resources hub will continue to be updated to include the latest information and guidance, in addition to hosting a variety of resources to support early years settings during the COVID-19 outbreak.
National lockdown restrictions are in place in England. Early years settings and childminders can remain open and parents can continue to use these settings as normal. The rationale for this decision can be found here.
Foundation Years will continue to provide updates via our mailing list, Facebook, Twitter and on the Foundation Years website.