The Early Learning and Inclusion Team works with early years providers, schools, childminders, children and families across Waltham Forest to improve outcomes for children from birth to five years. We support high-quality early education, promote inclusive practice and help ensure children receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
The team work in partnership with maintained schools, academies, private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings, childminders, health services, Family Hubs and other professionals to help children achieve the best possible start in life.
Early Years Advisory Teachers work alongside schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to support high-quality teaching, learning and assessment for all children.
Through our Unlocking Potential Offer, we provide advice, guidance, challenge and professional support to help settings strengthen practice, improve outcomes for children and fulfil the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Our aim is to empower early years professionals to reflect on practice, build confidence and continuously improve the quality of education they provide. By working collaboratively with settings, we help unlock every child’s potential and support them to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The Early Years Inclusion Team supports early years providers to develop inclusive practice and improve outcomes for children with emerging needs, developmental delay and SEND.
Through the Support, Empower, Enrich (SEE) Offer, they work alongside practitioners to build confidence, strengthen inclusive practice and ensure children can fully access and participate in their early years education.
The Early Years Inclusion Pathway (EYIP) provides targeted support for children with emerging needs and developmental delay. Working in partnership with families and providers the pathway helps ensure children receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
The team administers and supports access to SEN Inclusion Funding (SENIF) for eligible children with identified additional needs attending an early years provision.
SENIF is intended to support providers to meet children’s needs within their setting and promote participation, inclusion and positive outcomes.
Our aim is to empower providers to meet the needs of children within their provision, strengthen practitioner confidence and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, learn and achieve their full potential.
The Childminding Development Team provides support, guidance and professional development opportunities for Ofsted-registered childminders across Waltham Forest.
Through their Ofsted Registered Childminders Core Offer, they work in partnership with childminders to promote high-quality early education, inclusive practice and positive outcomes for children and families.
The team recognise the important role childminders play within the early years sector and are committed to supporting them to deliver high-quality, inclusive childcare in home-based settings. Through their core offer, we help childminders develop their knowledge, skills and confidence while remaining connected to the wider early years community.
The Best Start in Life offer supports children and families from pregnancy through to starting school. Working with partners across education, health, Family Hubs and the wider community, we help ensure children have the foundations they need to thrive, learn and succeed.
They support providers and families through a range of initiatives focused on early development, family engagement and school readiness.
Best Start Family Hubs provide welcoming places where families can access information, advice and support. They bring together services for children and families, helping parents and carers access the right support at the right time.
Starting School Together is Waltham Forest’s school readiness and transition programme. It supports families, schools and early years providers to work together to ensure children experience a positive and successful transition into Reception.
The programme promotes partnership working between settings and schools, helps families understand how they can support their child’s readiness for school and ensures children are supported emotionally, socially and academically as they move into primary education.
Our aim is to give every child the best possible start in life by strengthening home learning, supporting family wellbeing and helping children develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need for school and beyond.
The team provides a range of training, workshops, networks and professional learning opportunities throughout the year to support the development of the early years workforce in Waltham Forest. These opportunities focus on teaching and learning, inclusion, SEND, leadership, school readiness and effective early years practice.
For advice, support or information about any aspect of the Early Learning and Inclusion Team, email earlylearningandinclusion@walthamforest.gov.uk.