Issue Twenty-five - November 2012 - Early Years

www.early-years.orgWelfare ReformProposed changes for Northern IrelandThe topic of welfare reform changes to the systemsthat currently operate in Northern Ireland and inthe other regions of the United Kingdom is onethat presently is receiving a considerable amount ofattention, both politically and in the media.The Welfare Reform Bill for Northern Ireland wasintroduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly bythe Minister for Social Development on 1 October2012 and is now in the process of going through thevarious stages of political scrutiny and debate beforebecoming an official Act.The measures contained within the Bill, and thechanges to the social security system proposed, havebeen described as the most radical shake-up of thebenefits system since the foundation of the welfarestate.Included in the Welfare Reform Bill for NorthernIreland are:• The introduction of a new online based integratedworking-age benefit – known as Universal Creditto replace Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit;Housing Benefit; Income Support; income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance; and income-relatedEmployment and Support Allowance.• Changes to payment delivery and paymentcycles.It is expected that the Bill will become an Act by theend of March 2013 with the new systems beginningto phase out and replace those presently in operationfrom 2013 onwards.Much of the detail around the Welfare Reformproposals is yet to be clarified and will only becomemore apparent as Assembly scrutiny and theDepartment of Social Development’s own planningnegotiations develops.However, in the meantime, further generalinformation on Welfare Reform, the Welfare ReformBill and how it might affect you can be found on thefollowing web pages of the Department of SocialDevelopment’s website:www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/ssa/welfare-reform-ssa.htmPension Reform for EmployersAdvice & GuidanceAs an employer you must introduce a pension scheme between October 2012 and April 2017. EarlyYears in conjunction with Verity Pensions have launched a scheme for members.Benefits to EmployerFace to face, friendly guidanceStep by step help on introducing the schemeOngoing support and advice• The introduction of new benefit called PersonalIndependence Payment (PIP) which will replaceDisability Living Allowance (DLA).• Changes to Housing Benefit.• The introduction of a benefits cap.• The introduction of new fraud and error powers.• Changes to the Social Fund.• Changes to Employment and Support Allowance.• Changes to sanctions and hardship provisions.028 796 32000www.veritypensions.comverity pensions isbrought to you by3EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 3 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenMinimum Standardsand HSCBImplementationGuidance FormallyLaunchedOn Thursday 4 October 2012 atan event held at Stormont, HealthMinister Edwin Poots formallylaunched the Minimum Standardsfor Childminding and Day Care forChildren under Age 12.Welcoming the standards, MinisterPoots said: “These standards willgo some way to ensuring qualitychildcare for all children and parentswho use registered services. For thefirst time, they mean that all parentsand children who use registeredchild care can expect to receive aconsistent minimum standard ofcare, no matter where they are inNorthern Ireland.”During the launch, the Minister meta number of key stakeholders whohad been involved in developing thestandards, including Early Years, aswell as providers of childmindingand day care services and someof the parents who use theseservices for their childcare needs.Minister Poots went on to say: “Thestandards were developed withquality child care for all in mind, andwe couldn’t have done it withoutthe assistance from our colleaguesin Early Years, the Northern IrelandChildminding Association, PlayBoardand Parenting NI, who all broughtinvaluable insight from the pointof view of parents, children andproviders.”At the event, the Health and SocialCare Board (HSCB) also launched itsguidance for the implementation ofthe standards. The implementationguidance document is designed toprovide information and advice forboth providers and Trust teams as tohow the standards should beHealth Minister Edwin Poots and Eastern Area Manager, RoisinMcGrann at the official launch of the Minimum Standards and HSCBImplementation Guidance.applied consistently in practice.New applicant providers will haveto comply with the standards withimmediate effect and existingproviders will be expected to complyfrom September 2013. Mr GerryConway, speaking on behalf of theHSCB, advised that the standardsand guidance would take time tobed in and would be reviewed interms of best practice advice andevidence as an ongoing processbut the implementation guidancewould complement and expandon the standards and set out howcompliance is to be achieved.The Minimum Standards and theImplementation Guidance can beaccessed from:Minimum Standards forChildminding and Day Care forChildren under Age 12(including Children’s Version)www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/phealth/sqs/sqsd-standards/sqsd-standardscare-standards.htmHSC Board ImplementationGuidance:www.hscboard.hscni.net/publications/20121003%20Minimum_Standards_for_Childminding_and_Day_Care_for_Children_Under_Age_12.htmlEarly Years is working with othercolleagues to deliver area-basedinformation seminars to providefurther information on the standardsand guidance. Please contact yourEarly Years Area Manager or Advisorfor further information.DHSSPS Standards and GuidelinesQuality Unit contact details:Standards and Guidelines QualityUnit, Room D1:4, Castle Buildings,Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SQ.Tel: 028 9052 2351 Email: SGQU@dhsspsni.gov.uk4EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 4 23/10/2012 23:02

Part-Financed by the European Union throughits Programme for Peace and Reconciliationmanaged for the Special EU Programmes Bodyby Cross-Border ConsortiumEarly Years - the organisation for young childrenCAN PEACE III UpdateYear two of the PEACE III Media Initiative for Childrenproject in the Carrickfergus, Antrim and Newtownabbey(CAN) Borough Council areas has kicked off.Training has taken place in Antrim and Carrickfergus andpre-school and early years groups from across the twocouncil areas have taken part in training and are now takingreceipt of their resource boxes.Another training programme will take place as follows:Date: 6 – 8 November 2012Venue: Corr’s Corner, NewtownabbeyIf you are from the CAN area and would like to registerfor this training event please contact Paula Lewis ontelephone: 028 9066 2825 or email: paulal@early-years.orgSarah Gunning and Heather Harte from Fairview PrimarySchool, Ballyclare take part in the Media Initiative forChildren Respecting Difference training. Pictured also isMary Quirke, Senior Early Years Specialist.If you need further information on the content of thetraining, please contact Mary Quirke on telephone: 0289038 7961 or email: maryq@early-years.orgPEACE III North West ClusterWelcome to Noletta Smyth and Annamarie Roddy whohave taken up their new posts as Respecting DifferenceEarly Years Specialists for the Peace III North West Cluster.Part-Financed by the European Union throughits Programme for Peace and Reconciliationmanaged for the Special EU Programmes Bodyby Cross-Border ConsortiumBoth Specialists will be training and supportingplaygroups, daycare settings, nursery schools andSureStarts in the Omagh, Strabane and Derry CityCouncil areas to implement the Respecting Differenceprogramme to full service design. Noletta and Annamariehave a wealth of early years experience to draw on tosupport them in their exciting new roles.For further information on the Peace III NWCluster Respecting Difference project pleasecontact maryor@early-years.orgFermanagh Early Years Centre68 Killadeas RoadClougballyEnniskillenCounty FermanaghBT92 2FNT +44 (0)28 6634 2696www.early-years.orgwith compliments6EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 6 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgInternational MastersProgramme Gets UnderwayThe International Network on Peace Building with Young Childrenreached a very significant milestone recently with the commencement ofthe Masters in Applied Peace and Conflict Studies with early years.The Masters was a key activity of theInternational Network over the pastthree years and thanks to supportfrom the PEACE III Programme, EarlyYears and the Network have beenable to establish this programme inconjunction with the University ofUlster.Teaching on the Masters beganon the 24 September in the MageeCampus of the university, with a mixof both Northern Ireland studentsand international students.Welcoming the start of theprogramme, Siobhan Fitzpatrick said:“This is a truly exciting time for theInternational Network on PeaceBuilding with Young Children and forEarly Years as the lead partner in theproject. Much work has gone intothe establishment of this programmeover the past three years and thefact that we now have our very firstcohort of students is testament tothe hard work and commitment ofthe Network.I look forward to reporting on thedevelopment of the Masters over thecoming year.”For further information on theMasters Programme, please contactKevin Fearon, International ProjectManager on telephone: 028 90662825 or email: kevinf@early-years.orgEarly Years Visit To PalestineRepresentatives from EarlyYears and the InternationalNetwork on Peace Building withYoung Children (INPB) visitedPalestine to make work withyoung children visible throughthe launch of “From Conflict toPeace Building” and membershipon INPB. The visit was a longstandingcommitment to Dr.Ali Shaar, network member andcontributor to “From Conflict toPeace Building.” The purpose ofthe mission was to.• Advocate with ECCDprogramme and policyofficials for peace buildingprogrammes within ECCD;• Network with PalestinianECCD and youthprogrammes;• Negotiate exchangeprogramme withPalestinian institutions(academic and servicedelivery).We really appreciated the culturalcontext and visits to Nablus,Bethlehem and Hebron.The opportunity to discuss broaderpolitical context and exploresimilarities and differences withNorthern Ireland was mutuallybeneficial. The visit has ensuredwe are recommitting to strengthenrelationships with Palestine withinthe Network and bilaterally with thebroader ECD community and EarlyYears.7EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 7 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgimportant asset – our people – that we can ensure that theNorthern Ireland of the future can compete economicallyon a global scale.Today we have groups representing the private, public andvoluntary sectors reflecting a cross section of NorthernIreland businesses. Employers range from those withfour employees through to one with almost 2,000, withina variety of sectors including Pharmaceuticals, Retail,Construction, Information Technology, Pest Control andchildcare amongst us.”Congratulations to Eskra Childcare ltdEskra Childcare ltd, Co.Tyrone is among 28 organisationsfrom across Northern Ireland awarded with the prestigiousInvestors in People (IiP) accreditation.Speaking at a celebration event held at Hillsborough Castleto congratulate the organisations, Stephen Farry, Ministerfor Employment and Learning, said: “It is heartening toonce again recognise the achievements of a wide rangeof businesses receiving Investors in People accreditation.Everyone knows we are experiencing a challenging timein terms of keeping businesses viable and competitive.However, I am convinced that this is the time to raise theskills levels of the workforce so that we are well prepared forthe opportunities ahead. It is only by investing in our mostThe Minister added: “Leading European organisations haveidentified the development of the people they employas the best way of gaining a market advantage. It is anencouraging sign for our local economy therefore that somany organisations, particularly Small to Medium SizedEnterprises (SMEs) continue to work with IiP to makesignificant business improvements. I hope that this groupof successful organisations serve as an example to otheremployers not yet capitalising on the bottom-line businessbenefits of IiP.”Investors in People has long been acknowledged as themost successful framework for business improvementthrough people. It helps organisations of every size, sectorand location to compete and succeed through improvedpeople performance. The approach to its delivery hasrecently changed, becoming more tailored and flexible toindividual business needs, with no longer a requirementfor a paper trail. Three new tiers of Bronze, Silver and Goldaccreditation sit above the existing standard and are aimedat both promoting a higher level of achievement andassisting organisations achieve long-term ambitions.Splash Sure Start BeginsTwo Year Research ProjectOver the past 18 months the Splash Sure Starthealth visiting team has been developing its owntailored intervention group called Sociable Babiesaimed at working with families where there arebonding and attachment issues. Sociable Babiesis an eight week programme that brings togethera host of information on child developmentand baby brain development and combines itwith other hands-on interventions such as babymassage, baby yoga, 1-to-1 home visiting andvideo interaction tools.Splash Sure Start is keen to ensure that there is a strongevidence base for this new group and we have beenworking with the Office for Research Ethics CommitteesNorthern Ireland (ORECNI) to develop and gain formalapproval for a research project around Sociable Babies.In January 2012 the ORECNI approved our two yearresearch project entitled “A Study of the Effectivenessof Sure Start Intervention, Sociable Babies, aimed atimproving maternal infant interaction and increasing themother’s positive maternal feelings towards her infant.”The project will use a range of primary and secondaryassessment techniques to measure the improvedbonding and attachment outcomes for mothers andchildren participating in the programme. The assessmenttechniques include pre group/post group recording ofparticipants that are independently scored to determineimprovements in mother/infant interactions.The research will be completed by January 2014.For further informationplease contactSplash Sure Start on028 3831 33609EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 9 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenContinued successwith family focusedhealth initiativeEarly Years has been running a familyhealth initiative entitled “HealthierChoices, Healthier Families” as part as theUP4IT! Project since October 2011 and it isgrowing from strength to strength. Its aimis to tackle and prevent childhood obesitythrough the provision of communitybased, family centred programmes.We have two Management Programmescurrently running which are aimed atparents with children aged 8 to 11 years:• Seagoe, Old School;• St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School,Loughgall.There are three further preventionprogrammes for parent and child aged0 to 5 years. These programmes arecurrently being delivered in:• St Oliver Plunkett’s, Loughgall;• Buzy Bee’s, Warrenpoint;• Craigavon Presbyterian Church.We are hoping that the UP4IT!Programme will continue to providefamilies with the information, support andskills they require to achieve a healthierfamily lifestyle.For further information on ourprogrammes as well as photographs fromevents visit the Family Health Initiativeweb section at www.early-years.org/health or the Early Years Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/earlyyearsorg.You can also contact Diane Boyd,Community and Health Coordinator(CAWT) on 077 9133 4012 or DavinaKelly +44 (0)28 8554 9416.Showcase Event ‘UP4IT!’ Tackling Obesity - the family wayAt a recent cross border event inMonaghan and Londonderry, the issue ofobesity in children was starkly highlighted.Professor Donal O’Shea, ConsultantEndocrinologist stressed that preventingobesity from as early an age as possiblewas key. Once a child becomes overweightthey are most likely to carry this weightinto adulthood and it becomes moredifficult to tackle the problem.The success of the ‘UP4IT!’ obesityprevention and management programmeswas revealed. Early Years has beendelivering the programme in the SouthernTrust area, known locally as the FamilyHealth Initiative.Participants heard directly from parentsand children who engaged in the ‘UP4IT!’Programmes. Families had lots of funtogether and through setting weekly goalsembedded new habits for a healthierlifestyle. Notably many families felt thatbecause the programme was so beneficial,“all families should get the opportunityto attend as part of being a healthy,responsible family.”View all photos from the event onlinewww.early-years.org/health/gallery.phpSpeakers pictured at the CAWT ‘UP4IT!’ cross border obesity showcaseevent held in Monaghan. Front row (left to right): Pauline Walmsley,Director of Knowledge Exchange, Early Years and Dr Maura O’Neill,Head of Health Improvement, Western Trust. Back row (left to right):Tracy McCrorie, Research Fellow Northern Ireland Centre for Food andHealth (NICHE), University of Ulster; Paul Morgan, Director of Childrenand Family Services, Southern Trust; and Claire McGinley, ProjectManager ‘UP4IT!’ Obesity Project.Early Years staff members pictured at the CAWT ‘UP4IT!’ cross borderobesity showcase event held in Monaghan (left to right): DianeBoyd, Community Health Co-ordinator; Michael Brown, Director ofDevelopment Media Workshop; Davina Kelly, Early Years NutritionStudent; Shirley Hawkes, Community Development Manager; PaulineWalmsley, Director of Knowledge Exchange; Rachel Hawthorne,Community Dietician SHSCT and Audrey Rainey, CommunityDevelopment Advisor.10EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 10 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgPhysical Activity and Early YearsHighlighting the importance of physical activity in Early YearsThe evidence and learning seminar held on Wednesday19 September 2012 was jointly hosted by the PublicHealth Agency (PHA) and the British Heart Foundation’sNational Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC).The key message delivery from the seminar was that“Working together to increase physical activity in earlyyears is vital to improving children’s overall health andwellbeing.”“Giving every child the best start in life is crucial toreducing health inequalities across the life course. Thefoundations for virtually every aspect of the humandevelopment - physical, intellectual and emotional - arelaid out in early childhood” (Marmot 2010).Creating enabling environments is pivotal to thedevelopment of children under five years and bybecoming enabling practitioners we can positivelyinfluence this process. We need to consider ‘active play’opportunities rather that ‘physical activity’ opportunities.“For the under-fives, being active is very beneficial as itimproves brain development, improves self-confidence,supports the development of social skills, enhancesbone and muscular development and helps to developcoordination” (Angela McComb, Health and SocialWellbeing Improvement Manager, PHA).Recent Chief Medical Officer (CMO) guidelines on physicalactivity for early years came to fruition from the latestscientific evidenceon the importanceof physical activityfor the under fiveage group. Theserecommendationsrefer to 180 minutesof daily activity, whichincludes all levelsof activity withoutspecific reference tointensity whether itis light, moderate orvigorous.Research has also shown that involvement of parents/adults has a significant positive impact on the amount ofactivity children participate in and the most successfulphysical activity interventions have been based in childcare settings.Therefore parents and carer’s play an important role inensuring that children have the opportunity to exploreand develop through an ‘active’ environment.“Physical activity should be encouraged from birth”(Start Active Stay Active 2011).For further information please refer to:www.bhfactive.org.ukwww.publichealth.hscni.netPromoting health and wellbeing with Active BelfastEarly Years recently received funding from Active Belfastto work in partnership across two SureStart areas todeliver an Active Play Initiative. This Initiative aims topromote healthy living and increase physical activitywith East Belfast and Glenbrook SureStarts.The programme is made up of three core elements thatinclude:• Family Health Initiative Workshops• Start to Play Top Tots Training• Education through Movement TrainingIn addition, each SureStart area will be supportedto host a health fair. This will promote an increasedunderstanding of available health care and healthpromotion resources within the local areas. Everyone iswelcome to these events which will comprise of a rangeof activities for all the family, including:• advice from dieticians• BMI measurements• cholesterol checks• storytelling with Liz Weir• advisory stands• refreshments and healthy food tasting• smoothie making• start to play activities• baby massage and yoga• cookery demonstration• incentives for all the familyBelfast Strategic Partnership leads Active Belfastalong with the Public Health Agency and BelfastHealth and Social Care Trust.11EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 11 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenCookstownSuccess at theKilkenny andMayo HighScopeRoad ShowsWestportKilkenny12EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 12 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenBranch Officer Training SessionThe Early Years Branch supports Early Yearsmembers operating at local level across NorthernIreland. The Branch is open to all Early Yearsmembers within the local area.Early Years held two Branch training sessions on Monday 10September and Monday 17 September 2012.The sessions focused on good governance for Branch andprovided a supportive environment for members to get to knoweach other, share ideas and solve problems.It was clear from the session that our Branch members needadditional support, particularly online resources. This has led to aBranch web area being developed to ensure our branch officerscan access templates for letters, minutes and agendas. The newgovernance manual will also be available on the web area. Toaccess the area please log in to the Early Years Members Areawww.early-years.org/membershipFurther development is under way from ideas articulated in thesession. We will see over the coming months a re-vamp of theMembers Area. This will include a further developed Brancharea where our officers will get a chance to share images andevaluations from events, any upcoming events planned fortheir Branch and Branch reports – an exclusive hub for all ourBranches.Thank you to all who attended and provided these creativecontributions, ensuring our Branches are fully supported.Committee Management Training– Free courses for November 2012Dates are still available for the Financial SustainabilityTraining in November 2012.This training aims to assist trustees/committeemembers to recognise and have better understandingof how good governance is essential in everydaypractice and how the elements of financialmanagement such as staff, pay roll, financial forecastingand pensions impacts on the sustainability of thesetting.An important element of the above training will focuson the NEW control sheets and how they have changed.Members of the Fund Management team will be inattendance to provide advice and support on how thecontrol sheets should be completed.Courses are open to all management committeeswithin community and voluntary early years settings(Playgroups, Nurseries, Daycares and Parent and ToddlerGroups).Reserve a place today by contacting the FundManagement team at Early Years on028 9038 7900.Date Venue Time12th Nov Belfast HQ 6.30-9.30pm14th Nov Canal Court Hotel, Newry 6.30-9.30pm19th Nov Sandal Centre Coleraine 6.30-9.30pm21st Nov Clooney Hall L'derry 6.30-9.30pm26th Nov Belfast HQ 6.30-9.30pm28th Nov Seagoe Hotel Portadown 6.30-9.30pmEarly YearsSalary ServiceSalary Service To MembersPlease complete the expression of interestform and return it to:Mr Colm McCaughleyEarly Years6C Wildflower WayBelfastBT12 6TAPhone 028 9066 2825Fax Number 028 9038 1270Email pgwages@early-years.orgWe will• Maintain pay and deductions records for your staff.• Process SSP/SMP/student loans as required.• Provide monthly payslips for your employees.• Calculate HMRC liability (P32) and forwardedpayment slip to you each month.• Process leavers and provide P45.• Process new employees.• Process Pension contributions.• Provide government departments with statisticaland financial information as requested.• Complete the end of year return to the HMRC andonline filing as required.• Provide year-end P60 to all employees.Cost of Salary Service for the year 2012 – 13Including Online Filing1 to 3 employees £342.91 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum4 to 6 employees £415.75 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum7 to 10 employees £505.86 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum11 to 13 employees £578.73 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum14 to 16 employees £651.55 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum17 to 20 employees £724.37 (inclusive of 20% VAT) per annum14EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 14 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgEarly Years International Conference and AGM 2013The Foyle and Sperrin Branches of Early Years will hosta major International Conference as part of the “City ofCulture Celebrations” in Derry-Londonderry focusing onthe importance of “Culture, Creativity and CommunityConnections” in early childhood on Thursday 6th and Friday7th June 2013.Keynotes will be delivered by Dr Lilian Katz and Toni Christie. Both keynotespeakers will also facilitate a master class as part of the conference.Dr Lilian G Katz - Keynote SpeakerVenue Details:City Hotel Derry,Queens Quay,Derry,Co. LondonderryBT48 7ASwww.cityhotelderry.comLilian Katz taught at the University ofIllinois, USA, for more than 30 years –from 1968 until 2000. Her three majorareas of contribution to early childhoodeducation are curriculum, teachereducation and the disseminationof information. Lilian is a worldclassprovocateur. She is constantlychallenging all of us in the earlychildhood field to examine our practiceand to reflect upon the reasons for whatwe do. She has been instrumental inprofessionalising and elevating the workof caring for young children.For further details about the 2013conference please contact:Joanna Loane, Events ManagerT: 028 6863 3098E: joannal@early-years.orgFor regular updates on Master Classes,Field Visits and Seminars please visit:www.early-years.orgBUSINESSES CAN NOW APPLY TO EXHIBIT AT THE CONFERENCE.SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE APPLY TODAY!Toni Christie – Keynote SpeakerToni Christie and her husband Robin foundedChildspace Early Learning Centres andsubsequently the Childspace Early ChildhoodInstitute in Wellington, New Zealand. Theyhave both taught in early childhood learningcentres. Currently their work involves teachingadults about the importance of the earlyyears. Toni and Robin have written books andresources, they publish a quarterly magazine,hold annual conferences, design and buildenvironments for children and they lovetheir jobs! Toni and Robin have applied theirtalents internationally in Australia, Canada,Cook Islands, Denmark, Germany, Fiji, Ireland,Malaysia, Mexico, Scotland, India, Singaporeand the United States.15EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 15 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenEarly Years is delightedto announce their newpartnership with SallyFeatherstone, with10% discount off theRRP for all Early Yearsmembers.Partnership withSally FeatherstoneFounded in 1997 by husband and wife teamPhill and Sally Featherstone, FeatherstoneEducation is the market-leader in books forteachers and educators of 0-6 year olds. Ithas won numerous awards for its publishing,including the Education Publisher of the Yearaward from the Independent Publisher’s Guild.Brought to you byFREEDELIVERYNo minimum spend requiredThe Sally Featherstone publications includethe Including Children With…series which helppractitioners plan and provide an effective curriculumfor children with a range of additional needs. TheLittle Book series is one of the most popular rangeof books from Sally Featherstone with 67 titles andare a value-for-money resource with hundreds ofgreat ideas on a large variety of topics. The Baby andBeyond range of books looks at simple activities andresources for each of the developmental stages frombirth to 60 plus months. The 50 Fantastic Thingsseries are an ideas bank of 50 great things to do withfor example a water tray, a sand tray, and are idealfor a busy practitioner allowing a “dip in” approach toaccess ideas. The Key Issue series addresses someof the major challenges facing early years settingsand primary schools. This prize winning series wasfirst published in response to the Every Child Mattersreport, and aims to help early years providers andpractitioners deliver the objectives of Every ChildMatters. Sally Featherstone also provides a wide rangeof publications on the following topics:Hassle Free ReturnsNES, No 1 choice for early years resources…As the professional’s choice we pride ourselves on offeringour customers a wide range of quality resources ataffordable prices, we haveover 10,000 resources tochoose from, ranging acrossEarly Years, Maths, Art &Craft, furniture, Stationeryand much, much more.Price Match Promise10% OFFfor all Early Years members all year around -please quote NA1175 when placing your order*• Personal, social and emotional development• Literacy• Physical and creative development• Observation, assessment and planning• Professional development• Practitioners guides• Transition into Key Stage 1• Music• Communication and languageThe complete range of Sally Featherstone publicationswill be available from the Early Years online bookstore,and to celebrate this fantastic partnership, Early Yearsis offering all members 15%* off their first order, and10% off every additional order thereafter.*15% discount off first order is only available toEarly Years Members and is only available until 28thFebruary 2013.Early Language & Literacy Pretend Play ConstructionVisit us at www.nesarnold.co.uk to view our full rangeor call 0845 120 4525 to request a catalogue*Discount valid until 31st March 2013. Can only be used against the 2012/13 NES catalogue andcannot be used against sale catalogues. Only one discount per order and discount cannot be usedin conjunction with any other offer. † See website for full terms and conditions.HHD12For more questions and queries, or to place yourfirst order of Sally Featherstone publications, pleasecontact Debra Wilson, Information Officer on +44(0)28 9038 7940 or email debraw@early-years.org16EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 16 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgSafeguarding - Disclosure and BarringChanges from 10 September 2012The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 establishedthe Vetting and Barring Scheme with the aim of preventingunsuitable people from undertaking certain paid or volunteer workwith vulnerable groups, including children (regulated activity).It does this by vetting all those who wish to do such work withvulnerable groups and barring those where the information showsthey pose a risk of harm. Following a review of the Vetting andBarring Scheme in 2011, changes were made to the SafeguardingVulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 by the Protection of FreedomsAct 2012. Some of these changes came into operation on 10September 2012 and include:• A new narrower definition of ‘regulated activity’ - which aperson who has been barred must not do. Regulated activityhas been scaled back to focus on work which involves closeand unsupervised work with vulnerable groups. The Protectionof Freedoms Act requires the publication of guidance to assistorganisations in deciding whether they are supervising certainpersons working with children to such a level that they are notin regulated activity.• Repeal of ‘controlled activity’ - the controlled activity categorywill no longer exist. This category covered people who mighthave less contact with vulnerable groups, for example somepeople who deal with records. It will no longer be possible tocheck whether such people are barred, although some mayremain eligible for enhanced disclosure checks, depending ontheir role.• Repeal of registration and continuous monitoring - therequirement for anyone wishing to work with vulnerablegroups to register with a central scheme and be continuouslymonitored for any new criminal record information has notbeen introduced and is now formally repealed.To view a summary of the new regulations and to accessinformation resources, please log in to www.early-years.org/membershipNew Legislation - Access Northern IrelandUmbrella Group Changes from April 2012Access Northern Ireland has now laid a new set of Regulationsin the Northern Ireland Assembly which came into force on (orapplied from) 2 April 2012. The Regulations make four changes tothe scheme. Of most significance to our members is that the newregulations enable Access Northern Ireland to refuse registrationfrom organisations that countersign, or are likely to countersign,fewer than 20 Standard or Enhanced applications per annum.Access Northern Ireland can also de-register existing RegisteredBodies that countersign fewer than 20 applications within a periodof a year from the date the legislation applies. Organisations thatare unlikely to make at least 20 applications in any 12 monthperiod should begin to consider alternative arrangements toobtain disclosures in the 2013/14 financial year. Early Years iscurrently considering setting up as an Umbrella Body to facilitatethe processing of Access Northern Ireland checks for members.In practice, this would mean that members could submit AccessNorthern Ireland applications for their employees to Early Years andthese would then be forwarded to Access Northern Ireland.Early Years has issued a survey to assess what level of servicewould be potentially required for our members. Complete thesurvey online www.surveymonkey.com/s/accessniNew Early Years Sector Vetting RequirementsThe Health and Social Care Board introduced new vetting guidancefor Early Years Services on 10 February 2012. Guidance notes areavailable online www.early-years.org/membershipThe Child Protection HubA new child protection resource has been developedunder the North-South Ministerial Council’s ChildProtection Programme and is being offered free to allsmall voluntary* and community organisations workingwith children and families throughout Northern Irelandand the Republic of Ireland.You’ll have one-stop access to essential information tohelp you:• protect children during their contact with you;• ensure your child protection policies andprocedures conform to best practice and statutoryrequirements; and• provide staff and volunteers with the most upto-dateinformation about child protectiondevelopments, training and important news andevents relevant to the voluntary sector.You’ll also be able to access all sections of the Hubcurrently used by child protection professionals,including the latest research, inspection, inquiry reportsand other important publications!To register your interest or for further information pleasecontact Childlink with your contact details on 028 90243022 or email: info@nscph.com*Groups/organisations with an annual income of around£100,000/€125,000 or less.17EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 17 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenAre your premises protected for the winter ahead?Protecting our premises from fire and weather related lossesIn recent years, many settings havesuffered loss or damage to theirpremises and contents arising fromfire and weather related events. Lossescan lead to a substantial financial costin addition to disrupting the day-todayoperation of a setting and causingemotional distress to staff, childrenand the community.Allianz is providing the finest customerservice to all our member groups,ensuring we are aware of the stepsinvolved for preventing or reducingthe risk of damage this winter.Allianz sets out basic loss preventionmeasures that can be implementedwith minimal cost, to reduce groups’susceptibility to a fire or weatherrelated loss, with attention on thefollowing key areas:• Frost/Freeze• Storm• Flood• Fire• General MaintenancePlease log in to the Early YearsMembers’ Area to view Allianz“Protecting Your School from Fire andWeather Related Losses” brochurewww.early-years.org/membershipAdditional guidance regarding Allianz‘Burst Pipes Endorsement’ is alsoavailable on the Members Area.Detailed loss prevention measures are availablefrom our local Insurance representative DebbieGalbraith at Lockton on 028 9024 8989.The Early YearsInsurance Schemejust smIlE!because we always protectthe things you lovetel: 02890 248989fax: 02890 233902Your Early YearsApproved Broker18EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 18 23/10/2012 23:02

www.early-years.orgFREE Parental MembershipParental Membership entitles you to:• Preferential rates or discounts with a number of companies, including:Serving Businesses throughout NISpecialising in the Childcare Sector• Health and Safety - Policies and Procedures• Fire Risk Assessments• Certified Training – Fire Awareness, ManualHandling, Accident Investigation, FoodHygiene etc.• First Aid Courses including Paediatric First Aid• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and FixedWiring Testing• Fire Extinguisher Supply, Servicing andTraining• Asbestos Management• Tailored packages to suit your businessCall today for your free no obligationconsultation with a member of our teamT: 028 9346 0696M: 079 1265 9280 – LeoM: 078 9466 3565 - HayleyE: leo.larkin@healthandsafetyprofessionals.co.ukHayley@healthandsafetyprofessionals.co.ukW: www.healthandsafetyprofessionals.co.ukHSP – Your ‘One Stop Shop’ for yourHealth & Safety requirements• Discounts on insurance including home and motor insurance with AllianzDirect (normal underwriting criteria applies).• Parental membership benefits with IKEA such as quarterly newsletter withmoney off coupons, catalogue delivered to your door and many more.• Receive copies of our Early Years newsletter by email throughout the year.• Receive our information briefings by email throughout the year.• Access the exclusive member login area of our website, providing you with upto date member information and tools enabling you to effectively communicatewith other Early Years members.• Access to friendly, practical and accessible information, advice and publications.• Full access to Early Years’ Information and Resource Centre and a members’discount of up to 80% on publications, videos, training materials and conferences.• Generous discounts and preferential booking for all Early Years run events,including our annual International Conference which provides opportunitiesto attend workshops and keynote addresses by international experts in earlychildhood.• Access to a strong lobbying organisation with the aim of influencing policy onbehalf of young children and their families.For more information on Early Years membership please contact Liz Graham,Membership Officer on 028 9038 7904 or email lizg@early-years.orgMembership survey winners!Early Years drew the winners of the membership survey 2011/12recently and they are as follows:First prizeA selection of Early Years publicationsRainbow Playgroup, CarrickfergusSecond prizeA year’s free membershipGlenravel Community Playgroup, BallymenaKrafty Kidz Afterschool, Coalisland.Rasharkin Community Playgroup, BallymenaEarly Years welcomes UTV internet asone of the new corporate partners for2012/2013. Members will be offered a 20%discount on broadband and calls, witha guaranteed saving of 40% off BT rates.More information will be provided in themembership information booklet.19EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 19 23/10/2012 23:02

Early Years - the organisation for young childrenEarly Years Member Events 2013FOLK DAY 2012DateWednesday 24th April 2013Thursday 25th April 2013VenueUlster American Folk ParkZOO DAY 2012DateWednesday 22nd May 2013Thursday 23rd May 2013VenueBelfast Zoological GardensPut the dates of our Early Years Member Events in your diary today!NB. Details of both events will be sent to members in early 2013.Early Years Online CommunityKeep up to date with all sectoral developments, contribute yourideas and get involved with the Early Years Online Community.Follow us today:Early Years Facebook: www.facebook.com/earlyyearsorgEarly Years Twitter: www.twitter.com/earlyyearsorgEarly Years YouTube: www.youtube.com/earlyyearsorgTo receive email updates please contact the MembershipOfficer, Liz Graham on 028 9066 2825 or email lizg@early-years.org to submit your email address.20EY Newsletter (25) Nov2012 v2.indd 20 23/10/2012 23:02