Information for Early Years practitioners

If you work in a childcare setting in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames you will find the pages in this section offer you information, advice and guidance.

If you are a childcare provider and would like to update your details please print and return the Childcare Provider Profile Form(pdf, 97KB)

Data Protection - important reminder

It is the responsibility of those who hold data to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.

This includes the requirement to notify (sometimes described as registering with) the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (previously known as the Data Protection Agency).

Notification is a statutory requirement and every organisation that processes personal information must notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), unless they are exempt. Failure to notify is a criminal offence.

In order to find out whether or not they need to register, and how to register, or to change or update their registration (which can be done on-line, by phone, or by filling in a form), settings can contact the ICO at

The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Their Help line number is 01625 545740

The ICO has a step by step guide.

DCSF Code of Practice on Provision of the Free Early Education Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds 2010 - 2011

The DCSF Code of Practice on provision of the free early education entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds is now out for consultation. The closing date is 8 January 2010.

You can access the consultation documents on www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations.

Members of the Early Years and Childcare service have attended information sessions with the DCSF during the first part of November to learn more detail of how the changes may impact upon the services currently offered.

An information sheet has been sent to all day care providers. You are strongly encouraged to make your individual responses on line to the DCSF. If you wish to, you can forward a copy of your response to early.years@richmond.gov.uk

A final version of the Code will be published early in 2010. We shall then invite all providers to a meeting to discuss how to ensure local services comply with the Code of Practice which will apply to all Local Authorities from September 2010.

Update on the Single Funding Formula (SFF)

Update on the Single Funding Formula (SFF)(pdf, 36KB)

Training

There is also a wide range of training courses available - details on our Training page.