Summer is more than just a season -

it’s a time of transition and change.

This issue is packed with updates, events, and professional development

designed to help you navigate the changes coming your way.

Safer Sleep Guidance

lullaby trust logo. In partnership with The Lullaby Trust the DfE has released new guidance on maintaining safer sleep environments for infants and young children.

These updates support the revised EYFS statutory framework, which is expected to take effect in September 2026.

The National Year of Reading: Go All In Live Event!

Join a live celebration of music and imagination designed for Early Years, KS1, and childminders. Inspired by John Hegley’s Stanley’s Stick, this session blends rhythm and storytelling to help children discover the outdoors.

Celebrate National Share-a-Story Month with this exclusive, joyful online event!

Wednesday 20th May 2026, 10:00-10:30am, online. Register here.

national smile month logo.jpg Promote healthy habits in your setting with these oral health resources:

● Activities & Ideas:

Visit the Brush website for family engagement tools.

● Starting Reception:

Check out the brand-new Toothbrushing Guide.

● Best Practice:

Review the DfE oral health guidance to refine your setting’s approach.

Department for Education’s Early Years SENCO Training

Are you a current or aspiring SENCO in your setting? Best Practice Network have been awarded the national contract to deliver the Department for Education’s Early Years SENCO training programme. Applications for the programme are now open for Childminders and Setting Practitioners.

Free Early Years CPD: Join the TWiTCH Trial

The TWiTCH programme is looking for Early Years settings to join its latest research trial. This free CPD opportunity focuses on enhancing children’s language and communication through book sharing.

Participating settings receive:

● Specialist Support: Ongoing coaching from literacy experts.

● Funding: Up to £1,000 compensation for your time.

Apply for the TWiTCH Trial here

Starting Reception: Transition Webinars

Supporting children as they move to reception?

Visit the Starting Reception website for resources designed to bridge the gap between home and setting. To help settings support families to reach key developmental milestones, we are hosting a webinar series aligned with these themes:

Toilet Training: 21 May, 8:30 – 9:30am Book here
Oral Hygiene: 3 June, 8:00 – 9:00am Book here
Less Screen Time, More Play Time: 18 June, 4:15 – 5:15pm Book here
Physical Development: 1 July, 8:15 – 9:15am (booking link coming soon)
Building Relationships: Date TBC (booking link coming soon)

RSR logo.png

If you are in Bradford, ask your families if they have received their 50 Things to Do Ready, Steady…Reception booklet for children starting Reception this year. If not, they can collect one from your local Family Hub after the 18th of May.

Save the Date in your Diary fo our Early Maths Conference!

Maths Conference.jpg Join us on Wednesday 10th June, 2026 for our Summer Conference Early Maths Matters!

With a keynote speech from Dr Andrea Lancaster we will be exploring all things shape and space whilst reigniting passions for how we support children to develop these important early mathematical concepts.

Join us on Wednesday 10th June, 2026 at Archive, Leeds, LS3 1HD at 1:30-4:30pm or 6:30-8:00pm

Book your place here: afternoon session | eveninng session

Free Professional Development Opportunities

We continue to offer a comprehensive programme of webinars, free training and our informative Communities of Practice. For all the latest events go to events page to book your places.

Follow our social media to keep up to date with our news and events