Early Years Update 27.4.21

Email dated 27.04.2021

Dear Colleagues,  

 As we head into the summer term and start to enjoy some warmer weather, the Early Years team would like to thank you and your staff, children, and families for everything you have achieved together in the most challenging first few months of the year. Bristol’s Early Years providers have demonstrated the most inspiring levels of resilience and commitment and we are in admiration of you all.  

 As many of you know we said farewell and thank you to Smi Pearce, who has retired as Foundation Years consultant for East and Central, and lead for assessment and transition, just before Easter. We wish Smi a long and happy retirement and are delighted that Ali Carrington will now be the East and Central Foundation Years Consultant, and that assessment and transition will be under Kate Irvine, both well known to you all. 

 The summer term is always one of great change as we say goodbye to our preschool children and work with families and our colleagues in schools to help them have a strong start to their school experience. As well as transition and responding to children’s changing learning needs through Covid, our whole sector is also preparing for change with the EYFS Reforms, and we would like to assure you that the Early Years Team has a range of support available to take each step of change together. We would like to remind you of the Crucial Cs (A. Adler) to support our resilience and wellbeing; stay Connected, be Curious, know that you Count and are valued, and be assure that you are Capable. Do look at the free wellbeing support sessions being offered, see below and in the network training for details.  

 There are a number of important updates for EY providers below and related attachments for your attention. Please contact your lead teacher or your Foundation Years Consultant if you need support with any specific details and we will be in touch soon with further sector updates as they arise.  

 Best wishes 

Bristol Early Years  

Contacts

Deborah Brown - (General Enquries)
Dawn Butler - (General Enquiries)
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