Early years

For current childcare practitioners and those wishing to enter the sector.

Find information about the Early Years Foundation Stage, training, funding, careers in childcare, as well as handy hints and the latest industry news.

Childcare jobs Search for opportunities.
Early years SEND inclusion

For specialist advisors and practitioners who support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) from birth until they start school.

Childcare practice

Supporting providers with guidance, information, partner links and templates that relate to the four Ofsted inspection outcomes in the common inspection framework.

Training and Professional Development

Information about qualifications and training courses.

Setting up and running a childcare business

Our business development advisors can help you to build your business and keep it profitable.

School readiness toolkit

Information for early years providers and schools to support school readiness

Safeguarding

Guidance information from the LRSCP, DfE, Ofsted and partner organisations.

School readiness - information for parents

Information for parents on how to prepare their child for school.

Early Years Provider Portal

Information about the new Provider Portal and how to use it.

FEEE information for providers

Tools and information to help providers administer FEEE successfully, including 30 hours extended FEEE.

Inclusion and equality in early years

The Early Years Inclusion and Childcare Service established a working party in June 2020 following the death of George Floyd and are committed to stand up against racism and promote racial diversity and inclusion.

Out of School providers (OOS)

For childcare providers who give Out of School care for children in Leicestershire.

Holiday playschemes

Information to enable childcare providers to apply for the Playscheme Grant.

Latest news

Local and national early years news including training opportunities, safeguarding updates and Funding advice and guidance.

SEND - the Local Offer

Information for schools and settings about providing and managing Leicestershire's 'Local Offer' for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Support from the Local Authority

Find contact details and how the Early Learning and Childcare Service supports new and existing childcare providers to improve outcomes for children.

Recruitment and Retention of Staff

For owners / managers, childcare staff and those wanting to enter the sector. Advice and guidance on all areas of the recruitment process, from individuals starting a career in childcare to employers safe recruitment and retaining quality staff.

Children in Care

If you are an early years provider you may have a Child in Care (CiC) attending your setting.

Out of School Digital Media Project