Latest coronavirus updates from the Department for Education (DfE) for all early years, children’s social care, schools and further education providers, including information about vaccinations for eligible staff in education settings, at-home testing kit supply and delivery, plus links to updated guidance for parents and families.

Startwell Team Leader, Sarah Bates, shares how the Birmingham team have adapted to virtual ways of working, developing and updating resources in order to continue to support Nurseries and Children’s Centres throughout the pandemic.

Update from Lindsey Trivett, Head of Early Years, Childcare and Children’s Centres at Birmingham City Council on the recent confusion around COVID-19 vaccination priority for early years workers.

Manager of Dodford Children’s Farm, Kelly Broadfield, tells us how it all began and why the farm, a staple residential destination for early years settings across the West Midlands, is still going strong 70 years later!

At this challenging time, we would like to offer some positive reminders to all the amazing staff working across the Early Years sector in Birmingham (and beyond).

Update from Lindsey Trivett, Head of Early Years, Childcare and Children’s Centres at Birmingham City Council, including new national lockdown measures, Spring Term funding, and further information about support for vulnerable children and families.

A lot has happened at BEYN since we launched our website back in May, and whilst we’re looking forward to seeing the back of 2020, like many others, we couldn’t let the New Year roll in without acknowledging some of the fantastic work that’s happened throughout an incredibly challenging and uncertain time.

CAUTION: Attempting to read this story if you don’t work in the Early Years may lead to severe confusion and a possible headache! You have been warned…

This September, many children and families will be returning to school and settings for the first time since March — as such, it’s vital that we’re prepared for the next phase of living through this pandemic.

Janice, Early Years Consultant from Birmingham City Council, discusses how to start a conversation about anti-racism, including how to talk to children about race and racism.

In this guest post, Ruth Harris talks about transitions and how she came to create “Singing SENCO” - a free bank of easy to sing “songs of transition” to support daily transitions in nurseries, childminders, schools and home.

Our newsletter is the main communication tool we use to keep the community up-to-date with key information, activities, and professional development opportunities across the 10 districts, and Birmingham as a whole.

Here are 5 reasons why you should subscribe to our newsletter today (including an exciting incentive from Letterbox Library!)