TOOLKIT

The Alliance has launched a free Winter Toolkit to help you and your families get through the colder months

We know that cold weather can present challenges for keeping children and staff safe and healthy, and this year, with the addition of the financial pressures caused by the cost-of-living crisis, it is likely that the winter season will be particularly challenging for both early years providers and parents.

That’s why this year’s Winter Toolkit includes a series of guides, posters and other resources not only providing information on topics such as infection control and prevention and winter safety guidance, but also advice on how to support families in poverty this winter.

As many parents are also likely to need clear advice and guidance this winter, not only on issues like managing illnesses but also on dealing with rising financial pressures, the Toolkit also includes handy posters and guidance for settings and services to share with parents including information on childhood immunisations, free and low-cost winter activity ideas and guidance on how to reduce food costs over the winter months.

The kit includes:

Information for providers

• advice from the Child Poverty Action Group on how early years settings can support families in poverty this winter
• information for settings on supportive services for parents, including food banks and baby banks
  
• guidance for baby-and-toddler groups on offering a ‘warm’ space to families this winter
  
• the Alliance’s emergency planning and response mini-guide, with an emergency evacuation plan template and a contingency plan checklist
  
• winter safety guidance for early years settings
  
• a template MP letter calling for early years settings to be given energy cost support beyond the next six months
  
• tips for supporting staff wellbeing in winter
  
• a staffroom poster encouraging eligible staff to book their Covid-19 booster jab a Whatever the Weather outdoor activity guide for the colder months
  
• the Alliance’s Infection prevention and control mini-guide
  
• guidance on supporting staff during the cost-of-living crisis
  

• free and low-cost activities ideas for parents

• information for parents on reducing food costs this winter
  
• a guide to children’s flu vaccines for parents and carers

• posters (in two alternative designs) encouraging parents and carers to book their child’s flu vaccine

• childhood vaccination schedule poster for parents and carers
  
• a poster outlining the tax-free childcare scheme

Get your FREE copy of the Winter Toolkit

Download your free copy of the Winter Toolkit by visiting the Alliance website at bit.ly/EYAWinter.