Cambridgeshire Early Years, Childcare, and School Readiness Service

13/09/2026

10/09/2026

Take the next step in your early years journey.
The National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) offers a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills, build confidence, and make an even greater lasting impact within your setting. The NPQEYL is designed to help leaders develop the knowledge and expertise needed to drive improved care and education outcomes for children.
Participants benefit from:
✅ Expert facilitators.
✅ A supportive network of local practitioners.
✅ A balanced and flexible approach to learning.
✅ Increased confidence in leadership practice.
✅ Improved outcomes for children and families.

The next cohort begins in November 2026 and runs until May 2028 – Register by Friday, 23 October 2026.
Find out more at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Teaching School Hub.

08/09/2026

Do you have a toddler aged two to two-and-a-half? You will soon be invited to a health and development review – a great chance to check how your little one is doing. It is a supportive conversation with a health professional, focused on your child’s development and wellbeing. Whether you have specific concerns or everything seems to be going smoothly, it is always tailored to your child’s needs.

06/09/2026

04/09/2026

Thought about a career in early years? Do something BIG. Work with small children. Search: Early Years Careers at the Department for Education

01/09/2026

Embark on an exciting journey in childcare and playwork. Empower, support, inspire. Be part of the wraparound movement and help change young lives.
Search: Early Years Careers at the Department for Education

30/08/2026

Help your child get ready for school with essential tips and resources to support their transition to reception. Download helpful materials and learn more about how you can make this important transition smoother for your child.

Visit the Learn Together website for essential skills for all children to practice before starting reception, and guidance to help children transition confidently into school.

26/08/2026

this summer with activity #45, Wonderful Waiting Games.
Waiting does not have to mean boredom. Whether you are waiting for the bus, at an appointment, in a queue or waiting for food, turn those everyday moments into opportunities to play, connect and learn together.

Simple waiting games can help children:
• Build patience and emotional regulation.
• Develop language, communication and turn-taking skills.
• Strengthen relationships and connection through play.
• Encourage observation, imagination and problem-solving.

Try:
• Finger games: Round and Round the Garden, Pat-a-Cake, This Little Piggy.
• Observation games: I Spy, counting red cars or listening for different sounds.
• Paper games: Noughts and Crosses, squares and doodle challenges.

These easy activities support wellbeing, social development and make everyday moments more fun, wherever you are.

24/08/2026

this summer with activity #36, Ready, Steady, Blow.

Did you know something as simple as blowing can help children feel calm, focused and ready to play?

This fun activity supports self-regulation and wellbeing, while also helping children build important muscles used for speech and communication.

Try these simple ideas at home or outdoors:
• Blow bubbles and watch them float away.
• Race feathers across a table.
• Blow dandelions and make a wish.
• Try whistles or blow on a mirror and see what happens when you blow.

Blowing activities can also help develop:
• Hand-eye coordination when using bubble mixture.
• This coordination supports later skills of gripping and controlling pencils, scissors and cutlery.
• Calm, confidence and joyful moments together.

Simple, playful and full of learning, perfect for summer days.

22/08/2026

CambsEYC blog spotlight ✨
Outdoor environments offer rich, sensory experiences that are vital for babies and toddlers.
The CambsEYC blog, 'Under twos in the outdoors', explores how time outside supports physical development, early communication, and emotional wellbeing for under twos, through movement, exploration and meaningful interactions.
With thoughtful planning and responsive adults, the outdoors becomes a natural extension of early learning.