Training and development opportunities for early years and childcare practitioners
Please view some of the latest training coming up for early years and childcare practitioners in Devon.
You will need a DEL training account in order to book onto the DEL training. If you do not have a DEL account please email: eywd@devon.gov.uk with your full name, a unique email address, the name of the setting where you are currently employed and your job role.
You will need an 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)
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Safeguarding and child protection training
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. You will receive a Teams link upon booking. Each session will be delivered by an EYCA.
(these sessions replace the provider network and safeguarding forums)
Virtual dates:
- Wednesday 5th June 2024 (6.30pm- 8.30pm)
- Thursday 6th June 2024 (1pm – 3pm)
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Safeguarding Children Awareness (Group 2)
This course aims to raise awareness of the need for child protection and to have a knowledge and understanding of relevant procedures. These workshops are suitable for all those working in the early years and childcare (level 2).
It can be undertaken either as eLearning or a virtual session. Needs to be refreshed every 3 years.eLearning course:
Virtual dates:
Monday 17th June 2024 (1.30pm – 4.30pm)-CANCELLED
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Child Protection (Group 3 Core)
This course is suitable for staff and volunteers who work with children, young people, families and parents or carers where they are in a position to identify signs of child abuse or neglect and who may then be asked to contribute to assessing, planning or intervening and reviewing the needs of the child and parenting capacity where there are safeguarding concerns. This course is also suitable for Designated Safeguarding Officers and Deputies.
Dates:
- 10th June 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 17th June 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 1st July 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 15th July 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 17th July 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 4th September 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 9th September 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 23rd September 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
As well as attending a virtual session, you will need to complete two eLearning modules and a quiz.
Fully funded for Designated Safeguarding Lead / Deputy.
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Enhanced (DSL/DDSL) training (previously titled Early Years Child Protection Refresher (Group 3) 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 or face to face)
Dates for virtual course:
- Tuesday 16th July 2024 (9.30am – 2.30pm)
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Dates for face-to-face course:
Saturday 15th June 2024 (9.30am – 2.30pm) – Teignbridge Children’s Centre, Newton Abbot – CANCELLED
Fully funded for Designated Safeguarding Lead / Deputy.
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) training:
LADO Teams training:
We now offer live Teams training every 2 months facilitated by a LADO. This is the preferred way for you to develop your knowledge and understanding about the LADO service. This will give you an opportunity to meet some of the team and to ask any questions.
The LADO training is aimed at all staff and volunteers who are in regular contact with children and young people.
Dates:
- 24 June 2024 (2pm – 3pm) – Teams meeting
- 24 September 2024 (4pm – 5pm) – Teams meeting
- 11 December 2024 (10am – 11am) – Teams meeting
Book your place via the DEL training website.
Fully funded.
LADO Video learning:
After watching a 25-minute video there is a short quiz that is designed to test your knowledge.
The course will provide you with an understanding of the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO); it explains what should be referred to the LADO and, importantly, what should not be referred.
This course is for anyone who works with or cares for children and young people within Devon. It is fully funded.
The LADO video learning is accessed from the DEL training website.
Fully funded.
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Paediatric first aid / health related training
Paediatric first aid training
This 12 hour course is consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A of the EYFS 2021.
This course comprises of:
- 6 hours independent study (eLearning)
- 6 hours skills assessment (in person; small groups of 12 maximum)
Dates of skills session:
- Wednesday 3rd July 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Broadclyst Victory Hall, Nr. Exeter – 1 PLACE LEFT
- Saturday 20th July 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Holsworthy Children’s Centre
Saturday 28th September (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Broadclyst Victory Hall, Nr. Exeter– FULL- Thursday 10th October 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Kenn Centre, Nr. Exeter
- Saturday 30th November 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Venue tbc (South Devon)
Cost: £75 per person
Bookings for this course are now being taken from the SHOP: EYCS Paediatric first aid training | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
(you will need to add both products (eLearning and skills session) to your basket in order to pay and book).
Oral health improvement training
A fully funded 2 hour virtual session for early years and childcare practitioners and out of school practitioners about the importance of oral health. Training is aimed at those working with children aged 0-11 years.
Training objectives:
- The consequences of poor oral health
- Diet and its impact on the dentition
- Causes, symptoms and how to prevent tooth decay
- Techniques and support for helping people maintain good oral hygiene
Date:
- Weds 12th June 2024 (6.30pm – 8.30pm) – Microsoft Teams
Fully funded.
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Paediatric bladder and bowel care service training and education
Dealing with continence problems in early years’ settings and schools can be difficult. Toilet training is happening later now than in previous generations and schools report that increasing numbers of children are not toilet trained on admission.
Want to learn more about how children can be supported with this area of their development?
Training sessions can be delivered, subject to availability, on a Tues, Weds or Thurs.
- Face to face – daytime and twilight
- Virtual – twilight and evenings
To book, or for more information please contact Debbie Richards, Paediatric Bladder and Bowel Care Specialist Nursery Nurse on 01392 208044 or email: drichards2@nhs.net
Fully funded
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Portage Workshop - A Small Steps Approach to Learning for Children with SEND
Portage Workshop – A Small Steps Approach to Learning for Children with SEND
The workshop will be delivered over 2 days, face to face at a venue.
This is a certificated training course delivered by National Portage Association Accredited Trainers. You will need to attend all the sessions to meet the standards.
The Portage Workshop is an introduction to the Portage Approach to working with children with additional needs and their families. The workshop is suitable for anyone interested in finding out more about the Portage model, including early years practitioners, therapists and parents. The NPA has set standards for minimum workshop content and length.
Portage is a home education service for pre-school children with special educational needs. This workshop will look at ways in which to support both a child with special educational needs and their family. The principles and strategies discussed are easily transferable to the early years setting. Central to the course are the ‘Portage Principles’ and the ‘Three Circle Model of Portage’.
The training is suitable for: Early Years Complex Needs Practitioners, Early Years Practitioners, SENCOs, Parents/Carers, Children Centre staff, Foundation Stage practitioners
Dates:
- Tues 11 and Weds 12 June 2024 (9.15am – 4.15pm) – County Hall, Exeter
- Weds 9 and Thurs 10 October 2024 (9.15am – 4.15pm) – County Hall, Exeter
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Cost: £50 pp*
- children’s centre staff – please do not make payment, please contact: eywd@devon.gov.uk in the first instance, 5 fully funded places available
- parents – 2 fully funded places – please contact: eywd@devon.gov.uk
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Training from the EYCN Team
Small steps target setting
- Tuesday 24th September 2024 (3.30pm – 5.00pm) – for settings
Inclusive Strategies to support Children’s Emotional Regulation
- Monday 7th October 2024 (3.30pm- 5.00pm) – settings and parents
Inclusive Strategies to support Communication
- Wednesday 16th October 2024 (10am – 11.30am) – settings and parents
Inclusive Strategies to support play
- Tuesday 22nd October 2024 (7pm – 8.30pm) – settings and parents
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*NEW* Basic Food Safety and Infection Control
Basic Food Safety and Infection Control
Co-delivered by a Teignbridge Environmental Health Officer and an Early Years and Childcare Adviser, this fully funded 3-hour update session will cover:
- General food safety and hygiene updates
- Main causes of food poisoning and how to prevent them
- Allergens
- Managing pets in the childcare environment
- Infection control measures
This course is suitable for practitioners (childminders and those who work in group-based settings) who prepare and provide simple snacks and may heat food parents provide. It is not suitable for those who fully prepare and provide cooked food.
Please note: this is an update/refresher session only – a certificate of attendance will be given to those who attend, which will count towards your CPD. Priority will be given to Teignbridge providers, as places are limited.
Dates:
- Weds 26th June 2024 (6pm – 9pm) – Old Forde House, Newton Abbot (face to face)
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Fully funded
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SENDco Forums
Early Years SENDCo Forums
Join your Early Years Consultants and keep up to date with current early years SEND issues and developments. Participate in network discussions with other SENDCos.
Date:
- Thurs 6 June 2024 (6pm – 8pm) – virtual
- Mon 21 October 2024 (1pm – 3pm) – virtual
- Tues 22 October 2024 (6pm – 8pm) – virtual
- Thurs 24 October 2024 (4pm – 6pm) – virtual
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Fully funded.
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Sensory Processing
Sensory processing in the early years
This course will support practitioners to understand what typical development of sensory processing in the early years looks like, considering effective universal provision to support sensory development and meet lower level needs.
Date:
- Weds 26 June 2024 (9.30am – 12pm) – virtual
Cost: £27.50
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
Sensory processing and autism
This session will cover:
- An understanding of sensory integration theory, including the 8 key senses, sensory sensitivities and sensation seeking
- How sensory processing issues may present in the school environment
- Strategies to identify and support sensory regulation in the children/ young people you support
Dates:
- Thurs 11 July 2024 (9.30am – 12pm) – Exeter (face to face)
- Tues 15 October 2024 (9.30am – 12pm) – virtual
Cost: £48.50
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
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Healing Classrooms (children affected by crisis and conflict)
Healing Classrooms are safe and nurturing learning spaces where children affected by crisis and conflict can learn, grow and thrive.
This trauma informed training consists of 3 online sessions led by an IRC education specialist who has experience of the English education system as well as having worked with refugees both in this country and abroad. The sessions will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the Healing Classrooms model and to share expertise with other educators.
This cohort is for EYFS practitioners only and will be adapted to fit the needs of students in this age group.
Dates:
- 16 October – 4pm
- 23 October – 4pm
- 6 November – 4pm
Book your place by completing a registration form.
Fully funded
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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:
- Weds 3rd July 2024 (9am – 3.30pm) – Future Skills centre, Exeter
- Tues 9th July 2024 (9am – 3.30pm) – The Watermark, Ivybridge
- Weds 10th July 2024 (9am – 3.30pm) – Caddsdown, Bideford
Cost: £140
(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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Playtime training
Playtime training
A 3 hour training session endorsed by Play England.
The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the role of an adult in creating supportive environments for children’s freely chosen play opportunities. Participants will be given the opportunity to participate in activities which will underpin this knowledge and how this can then be transferred into their own settings.
Training objectives:
- Introductory playwork theory
- The benefits of play
- The responsibilities of the adult in responding to children’s play
This training is for practitioners working in HAF funded settings and early years and childcare settings which provide out of school clubs.
Dates:
The training can be undertaken virtually or face to face.
- Mon 10 June 2024 (10am – 1.30pm) – Microsoft Teams
- Tues 18 June 2024 (6.30pm – 9.30pm) – Broadclyst Victory Hall, Nr. Exeter
Fully funded.
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
You will need an account in order to book.
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eLearning
We have a range of eLearning courses available for you to access via the DEL training website, many of which are fully funded: Del: Early Years eLearning (learningpool.com)