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:
- tbc
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:
- All dates currently full – new date 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 LADO 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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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:
- 5 March 2026 (9am – 3.30pm) – Exeter
- 16 June 2026 (9am – 3.30pm) – Exeter
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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News, training and professional development from Devon Education Services
News, training and professional development from Devon Education Services – October 2025
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