Training and development opportunities for early years and childcare practitioners in Devon
Please view some of the latest training coming up for early years and childcare practitioners in Devon which you can find on the Devon Education Services Shop.
You will need a Shop account in order to book onto training opportunities from the Devon Education Services shop. Register for an account here: Shop registration page | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk). We have provided instructions on how to create a shop account, if you haven’t already got one.
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Provider network meeting (face to face)
Provider network meeting (face to face)
These sessions provide an opportunity for early years and childcare providers to meet up and network with other providers in their area of Devon for an informal catch up session. You will also receive an update from your EYCA.
Open to all early years and childcare practitioners.
Dates:
- Wednesday 8 October 2025 (6.30pm- 8pm) at Beaworthy (Highampton Pre-School) – book here
- Wednesday 15 October (6.30pm- 8pm) at Fremington (Little Butterflies Day Nursery) – book here
- Thursday 16 October (6.30pm- 8pm) at Bideford (Muddy Boots) – book here
- Thursday 16 October (6.30pm- 8.30pm) – St. Ritas Centre, Honiton – book here
Fully funded.
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Safeguarding and Welfare Forums
Safeguarding and Welfare Forums
These forums offer practical advice and support with the aim of providing you with more confidence to carry out your role. The forums will help to keep the early years and childcare sector up to date with safeguarding and welfare elements of the early years foundation stage. Open to all early years and childcare practitioners including Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy Safeguarding Leads that work with children in an early years and/or out of school role.
Forums are offered on a termly basis (two dates per term). These remote sessions are accessed using Microsoft Teams. Each session will be delivered by an EYCA.
Virtual dates:
- Wednesday 12 November 2025 (6.30pm- 8.30pm)
- Thursday 13 November 2025 (1pm – 3pm)
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years and Childcare: Safeguarding and welfare forums | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
Fully funded.
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Safeguarding and child protection training
Safeguarding and Child Protection Core (all early years and childcare practitioners) (previously safeguarding awareness group 2 core)
The safeguarding awareness training is suitable for childminders and all those working in early years and childcare group-based settings (i.e.; assistants / apprentices/ volunteers).
To recognise your role and responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting children, know what concerns to be alert to and how to raise them in line with local processes. The training can be undertaken either as eLearning or a virtual session.
Needs to be refreshed every 2 years.
Virtual dates:
- dates currently full
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services website: Early Years and Childcare: Safeguarding and Child Protection Core (all early years and childcare practitioners) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
eLearning course:
Fully funded.
(as of Sept 2025 – safeguarding training will need to be refreshed every 2 years instead of 3, as set out in the EYFS)
Safeguarding and Child Protection Enhanced (DSL/DDSL) training
This Enhanced training is for people with designated child protection responsibilities in group-based settings and childminders. Other practitioners should attend the Safeguarding and Child Protection core (all early years and childcare practitioners). The name of the training has changed (previous known as early years child protection refresher group 3 training)
The training will comprise of a 4.5 hour session delivered either virtually or face to face.
In order to complete this Enhanced course, delegates must also have completed the following within the last 6 months:
- LADO video learning
- Safeguarding and Child Protection core (all early years and childcare practitioners) (virtual, face to face or eLearning)
Dates for virtual / face to face course:
- Saturday 4 October 2025 (9am – 4pm) – virtual (for childminders only – this virtual course combines the Enhanced and group 2 core in one session)
- Standard Enhanced dates to be confirmed soon!
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years and Childcare: Safeguarding and child protection enhanced (DSL/DDSL) training (online or in person) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
Fully funded for Designated Safeguarding Lead / Deputy.
* (*as of Sept 2025 – safeguarding training will need to be refreshed every 2 years instead of 3, as set out in the EYFS)
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) training:
LADO Video learning:
This video will give you the essential knowledge and understanding required to manage and respond to allegations appropriately, in line with the statutory guidance outlined in Annex C of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Access the video learning here: EYCS: Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) online learning | DES
Fully funded.
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Paediatric first aid training
Paediatric first aid training
This 12 hour course is consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS statutory framework.
This course comprises of:
- 6 hours independent study (eLearning)
- 6 hours skills assessment (in person; small groups of 12 maximum)
Dates of skills session:
- All dates now full – dates to be arranged soon!
Cost: £80 per person
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: EYCS Paediatric first aid training | DES
(you will need to add both products (eLearning and skills session) to your basket in order to pay and book).
(If you are paying on behalf of a staff member/s you will need to visit your ‘Admin area’ within your shop account and assign the eLearning to the member of staff).
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Block play training
Block play is crucial to children’s development of spatial and reasoning skills and is an important and sometimes underused part of continuous provision. This course will reignite practitioner’s passion for block play and explore the many ways in which it can support children’s holistic learning in the EYFS.
The training is for early years and childcare providers (i.e.; nurseries, pre-schools and childminders).
Training objectives:
- To develop understanding of how block play can support children’s learning in the seven areas of the EYFS
- To support our most disadvantaged children to progress through the use of block play
- To provide practical ideas that can be implemented in setting and will also support the home learning environment
Dates:
- Thursday 2 October 2025 (9.30am – 12pm)
- Wednesday 8 October 2025 (4pm – 6.30pm)
Fully funded.
Book your place by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years and Childcare: Block play training | DES
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How to complete your autumn headcount task
How to complete the autumn headcount task
Have you recently taken over responsibility for using the Provider Portal or need a refresher?
The Early Years Funding Team will be running virtual training sessions on how to complete your autumn headcount task.
Dates:
- Friday 19th September (11am – 12pm)
- Wednesday 24th September (6.30pm – 7.30pm)
For more information please visit the Early Years Funding Update page and click on the ‘Online support / training sessions tab’ to find the Microsoft Teams links to the sessions.
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The new inspection framework – Ofsted briefing sessions
The new inspection framework is set to be implemented in November 2025 following a comprehensive consultation process. The aim is to enhance transparency and fairness in educational assessments, introducing detailed report cards and a revised evaluation system.
Briefing session dates for Devon early years and childcare providers:
- Friday 14 November 2025 – 10.30 – 11.30am – Join the meeting now
- Monday 17 November 2025 – 6.30 – 7.30pm – Join the meeting now
There are also regional events running before this time if you wanted to attend: Education inspection framework: engagement programme – GOV.UK
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Moving and Handling training
Moving and handling of children with physical difficulties – Initial (in-person) (early years)
This course is provided by Devon Education Services. Early years and childcare places may be part-funded if eligible.
In-person theory and practical moving and handling initial training (for those people who have not trained in moving and handling previously). Suitable for any staff working with a child or young person who has physical/movement difficulties (not suitable for those working with children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties requiring physical interventions.)
Subjects covered:
• Legal Requirements
• Risk Assessment
• Handling Plan
• Intimate Care
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
• How to Keep Your Back Safe
• Handling Aids
• Practical TechniquesDates:
- Tuesday 7 October 2025 (9am – 3.30pm) – Exminster
- Wednesday 15 October (9am – 3.30pm) – Bideford
Cost: £151.50
(or £30* if you are an eligible early years or childcare setting. Please contact: eywd@devon.gov.uk to see if you are eligible to access a subsidised place. Please provide the following information: name and DOB of the child, the setting they are attending or due to start, name, job role and email address of practitioner wishing to attend and a brief description of the physical need of the child).
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Moving and handling of children with physical difficulties – Refresher (in-person) (early years)
Devon Education Services also run a Moving and Handling refresher course for those who have previously undertaken the moving and handling initial training (must have been within the past 12-18 months though or full initial training will be required again).
For dates and to book visit the Devon Education Services Shop.
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Wraparound online training ‘The Essential 3 series – marketing, team and finance
Running and growing a successful childcare organisation requires more than just dedication and hard work it requires a solid foundation in three areas to drive sustainable growth: Marketing, Team and Finance.
Join us for fully funded training in partnership with Devon County Council, Plymouth and Torbay. The sessions will be interactive and informative enabling you to implement changes to support your growth and development.
The big picture – marketing wraparound care
Session aims and objectives: To give you the tools you need to confidently promote your wraparound care provision. Throughout the session, you will be completing a Marketing Canvas that you can continue to complete and use to support your new marketing plans.
- Mon 29 September 2025 (10am – 11.30am)
To book please follow this link to Eventbrite: The Essential 3 Series: Marketing, Team & Finance | Eventbrite
Recruitment and retention – attracting and keeping the right people
Session aims and objectives: To give you the tools and confidence you need to recruit and retain the right people for your organisation by aligning recruitment strategies with your company’s vision, values and culture; whilst also keeping the team engaged and committed when salary increases aren’t an option.
- Tues 23 September 2025 (7pm – 8.30pm)
- Tues 14 October 2025 (10am – 11.30am)
To book please follow this link to Eventbrite: The Essential 3 Series: Marketing, Team & Finance | Eventbrite
Financial sustainability for people who would rather be playing
Session aims and objectives: The purpose of this session is to help providers feel more confident in understanding their numbers. It is aimed at those who would rather be doing anything else than thinking about finances but will contain hints and tips for anyone working in a childcare setting. By attending this session, providers will understand what is important when running their setting and how they can support parents with making fees more affordable. And, it will be delivered in a fun, informative way.
- Mon 6 October 2025 (7pm – 8.30pm)
To book please follow this link to Eventbrite: The Essential 3 Series: Marketing, Team & Finance | Eventbrite
The Essential Three series poster.
Please also see the Out of school play and childcare conference 2025 | DES which will take place on 26 Sept!
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Conferences and roadshows
Early Years Foundation Stage conference: Growing up well
Join us for the annual EYFS conference – this year focusing to ensure every child can thrive in their early years and will also explore how we can reduce the ‘disadvantage gap’ and ensure that we give all children the very best life chances.
Keynote speakers
- June O’Sullivan – discussing social injustice and sustainability
- Dr Valerie Daniel – exploring unconscious bias
- Chris West – delving into sensory connections
- Matt Bawler – sharing ways to develop strong foundations in positive mental health, wellbeing and growth mindset from early years upwards
Follow the link below to see our full programme and book now! Early Years Foundation Stage Conference 2025 | DES
Date:
- Thursday 9th October 2025 (9.30am – 4pm) – Sandy Park, Exeter
Cost: £125
Book by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years Foundation Stage conference: Growing up well | DES
Out of school play and childcare conference – 26 Sept, Exeter (funded for Devon wraparound and HAF providers)
This conference is to celebrate school aged children’s play in Devon.
Promoting all aspects of out of school childcare provision, including Wraparound Childcare, Holiday and Food Programme (HAF) and the Breakfast Club programme, the conference is a must for all staff and managers working within the sector.
Key note speakers and supporting workshops will cover the importance of play and the positive impact it can have on children’s development, the economic importance of having reliable and dependable childcare to enable parents to work or train and much more.
Keynote speakers:
- Wendy Russell – discussing the co-production of space where all children can play
- Ben Kingston-Hughes – discussing the impact of playwork
Date:
- Friday 26 September 2025 (9.30am to 3.45pm) – Exeter racecourse, Kennford
Book by visiting the Devon Education Services Shop: Out of school play and childcare conference 2025 | DES
Cost:
Fully funded for all Devon schools and settings who provide wraparound childcare, HAF and access to Early Adopter Breakfast Clubs.
Please note, if you cancel with the 10 day cancellation policy or do not arrive on the day of the event, we will have to charge an £85 late cancellation fee.
If you are a provider but outside of Devon, the conference is chargeable at £55.
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News, training and professional development from Devon Education Services
News, training and professional development from Devon Education Services – Sept 2025
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