Training and development opportunities for early years and childcare practitioners
Posted on 5 September 2024 in News and updates
Please view some of the latest training coming up for early years and childcare practitioners in Devon.
As mentioned in a previous Digest post, we are gradually moving early years and childcare training courses from DEL and over to the Devon Education Services Shop. Most of the training has now moved over to the shop, but some training is still on DEL.
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). We have provided instructions on how to create a shop account, if you haven’t already got one.
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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. Each session will be delivered by an EYCA.
(these sessions replace the provider network and safeguarding forums)
Virtual dates:
- Thursday 7th November 2024 (6.30pm- 8.30pm)
- Tuesday 12th November 2024 (1pm – 3pm)
- Wednesday 5th March 2025 (1pm – 3pm)
- Thursday 6th March 2025 (6.30pm- 8.30pm)
- Tuesday 3rd June 2025 (6.30pm- 8.30pm)
- Thursday 5th June 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.
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 3 years.
Virtual dates:
- Thursday 19th September 2024 (6pm – 9pm)
- Wednesday 20th November 2024 (9.30am – 12.30pm)
- Tuesday 21st January 2025 (6pm – 9pm)
- Thursday 13th March 2025 (9.30am – 12.30pm)
- Thursday 15th May 2025 (9.30am – 12.30pm)
- Tuesday 17th June 2025 (6pm – 9pm)
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.
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:
- 2nd October 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 7th October 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 6th November 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 11th November 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 9th December 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 18th December 2024 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 15th January 2025 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 20th January 2025 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 3rd February 2025 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 24th February 2025 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 5th March 2025 (9.15am – 2.45pm) – virtual session
- 31st March 2025 (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, face to face or eLearning)
Dates for virtual course:
- Tues 15th October 2024 (9.30am – 2.30pm)
- Thurs 5th December 2024 (9.30am – 2.30pm)
- Weds 5th February 2025 (9.30am – 2.30pm)
- Tues 25th March 2025 (9.30am – 2.30pm)
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.
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) training:
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 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:
Thursday 10th October 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Kenn Centre, Nr. Exeter– FULL- Wednesday 13th November 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Barnstaple
Saturday 30th November 2024 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Totnes Children’s Centre– FULL- Saturday 18th January 2025 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Broadclyst Victory Hall, Exeter
- Wednesday 12th February 2025 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – East Devon Business centre, Honiton
- Saturday 1st March 2025 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot
- Saturday 29th March 2025 (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Venue tbc (Mid 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).
(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).
EFR Mental health first aid awareness training (face to face)
This training will help you to spot the early signs of mental Ill health and play your part in providing early support to someone who may be at risk of developing serious mental health issues.
The course is designed to increase Mental Health Awareness in lay-people, and help challenge stigma and discrimination. It provides participants with the ability to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek professional help.
Please note: this course includes topics and conversations that some people may find difficult, such as various Mental Health Disorders and Suicide. Please consider this when booking your place. If you are affected by any of the topics discussed and need to talk to someone, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org
Date:
- Saturday 9th November 2024 (10.30am – 2.30pm) – venue tbc (north Devon)
Cost: £10 per person
Bookings for this course are now being taken from the SHOP: Early Years and Childcare: EFR Mental health first aid awareness training | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
Children’s Oral health webinar
The Oral Health Improvement Team are hosting a virtual training session aimed at anyone who works supporting or caring for children from 0 to 11 years of age.
Learning Outcomes:
- Recognise how good oral health contributes to overall health and wellbeing
- Explain the consequences of poor oral health
- Identify the causes, symptoms and ways to prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Demonstrate the techniques needed to help children maintain good oral hygiene
- Locate the local pathways for accessing dental care.
Date:
- Weds 25th September 2024 at 2pm – 3pm – Microsoft Teams
Cost: fully funded.
To book visit: Children’s Oral Health Webinar (office.com)
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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:
Weds 9 and Thurs 10 October 2024 (9.15am – 4.15pm) – County Hall, Exeter– CANCELLED- Tues 25 and Weds 26 March 2025 (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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Wraparound childcare funding briefing sessions
Wraparound childcare briefing sessions for providers
Schools and private, voluntary and independent sector providers (including childminders and HAF providers) are invited to attend a briefing session, which will enable you to learn more about the wraparound programme here in Devon and the work Devon County Council has been doing to support its rollout.
The sessions will be delivered by Microsoft Teams. There is no need to book just click on the Teams link to join.
- Monday 16 September (12pm – 1pm) – Join the meeting now
- Wednesday 18 September (4pm – 5pm) – Join the meeting now
- Monday 7 October (7pm – 8pm) – Join the meeting now
- Tuesday 15 October (12pm – 1pm) – Join the meeting now
Wraparound childcare tax credits and SEND funding workshops
We will be running virtual workshops for childcare providers, with guest speakers from DWP and Childrens Services, to talk about the funding options available.
Funding Support: Lee Tozer from DWP will discuss Working and Universal Credit support, with a focus on childcare funding and how the tax credits systems work.
Inclusion in Childcare and Short Breaks: Jonathan Mitchell / Patricia Mander will talk about the importance of community inclusion in childcare, what is childcare and what is a short break, how can DCC and providers work together to overcome challenges faced by childcare providers when being more inclusive.
The sessions will be delivered by Microsoft Teams. There is no need to book just click on the Teams link to join.
- Tuesday 1 October (12pm -1pm) – Join the meeting now
- Wednesday 2 October (4pm – 5pm) – Join the meeting now
If you require any further information please email: wraparound-mailbox@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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SENDco Forums/ New to SENDCo
Early Years – New to SENDCo (online)
This Early Years SENDCo training provides an introduction to the role of setting SENDCo. The course is for those who may be new to the SENDCo role or for practitioners as a refresher.
The setting SENDCo is an important leadership role, with key responsibilities to ensure that the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Date:
- Tues 3 December 2024 (9.30am – 12pm)
Cost: £26.50 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years – New to SENDCo (online) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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:
- 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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Understanding the relationship between Personal Social Emotional Development (PSED) and Language
Early Years – Understanding the relationship between Personal Social Emotional Development (PSED) and Language
This course will explore the relationship between PSE and language development, incorporating current theories of language, psychology and education in relation to attachment, neuroscience and mentalisation. It will identify key language constructs linked to strong emotional and social development and consider what this may look like in early years settings. It will explore how meaningful relationships support effective interactions between adults and children.
Please note this is an amalgamation of a 3-day training previously delivered in the academic years 2022-2023.
Date:
- Thursday 28th November 2024 (9.30am – 3.30pm) – Exeter, Coaver club (face to face)
Cost: £55 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years – Understanding the relationship between Personal Social Emotional Development (PSED) and Language | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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Letters and Sounds
Early Years – Letters and sounds phase 1 (online)
This training will explore the development of early phonics in pre-reception settings, with a reference to the original Letters and Sounds Phase 1 materials. This will include examples of opportunities for developing phonological awareness through the routines and rhythms of the day.
Date:
- Tuesday 8th October 2024 (9.30am – 12pm)
Cost: £27.50 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: Early Years – Letters and Sounds Phase 1 (online) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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Autism training
AET Making sense of autism – early years (online)
Basic awareness training for all those engaging with children in early years settings. This includes teaching and support staff, office and ancillary staff, caterers, caretakers, transport staff and governors.
The training will support participants in:
- understanding the key areas of developmental difference experienced by autistic children
- building and promoting positive relationships
- the importance of understanding the individual and building upon his or her strengths
- supporting children in accessing teaching and learning
Date:
- Thursday 19 September 2024 (9.30am – 12pm)
Cost: £35 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: AET Making Sense of Autism – Early Years (online) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
AET Developing toileting in the early years (autism)
This module is aimed at all education professionals working in the Early Years, which includes childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
Developing Toileting in the Early Years’ will support you:
- To increase your understanding of toileting development
- To develop your understanding of how autism can impact upon a child’s toileting
- To build your awareness of strategies that can be used to support autistic children with their toileting development
Date:
- Thursday 24th October 2024 (9.30am – 11.30am)
Cost: £35 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: AET Developing Toileting in the Early Years (Autism) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
AET Developing Play in the Early Years (Autism)
This module is intended to equip delegates with an understanding of the importance of play in the Early Years Foundation Stage and how the Three Areas of Difference in autism can impact on play skills. The module also considers how person-centred planning and making reasonable adjustments can enable autistic children to develop their play skills.
Date:
- Tuesday 26th November 2024 (9.30am – 12pm)
Cost: £35 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: AET Developing Play in the Early Years (Autism) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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:
- Tues 15 October 2024 (9.30am – 12pm) – virtual
Cost: £48.50
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop.
AET early years good autism practice 2 modules (online)
A solid understanding of autism combined with practical strategies and resources for all practitioners working directly with autistic children in early years settings.
The training will support participants in understanding:
- the key areas of developmental difference experienced by autistic children
- the individual and how to profile their strengths and developmental needs
- the importance of building positive relationships with and around the child
- how to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of the individual
- how to make the environment more accessible to autistic children
- developing practical strategies and techniques in promoting effective teaching and learning
Dates:
- Thurs 7th November 2024 and Thurs 14th November 2024 (9.30am – 12.30pm)
Cost: £120 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: AET Early Years Good Autism Practice 2 modules (online) | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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Working with children from birth to three years
Early years – working with children from birth to three years
The Early Years Consultants and the Early Years Childcare Advisor teams will be delivering training to inspire practitioners towards developing excellent practice when working with children from birth to 3 years old.
Date:
- Tuesday 26th November 2024 (9.30am – 12pm)
Cost: £27.50 per person
Book your place through the Devon Education Services Shop: Early years – Working with children from birth to three years | DES (devoneducationservices.co.uk)
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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 2 October 2024 (9.30am – 3.30pm) – Exeter
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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Early Years Foundation Stage conference: Giving all our children a voice
Early Years Foundation Stage conference: Giving all our children a voice – Thursday 3 October 2024 at Sandy Park, Exeter (9am – 4pm)
Join us for our annual EYFS conference to share, discuss and update practice, knowledge and skills in support of early years children.
In the report ‘Listening to unheard children’ (Speech and Language UK September 2023) research shows that 1.9 million children are struggling with talking and understanding words. That’s a huge increase of 26% over the last two years.
With this in mind, our annual early years conference will explore how we can give all our children, including those with SEND, and EAL, the speech and language skills, and the confidence they need, to speak and be heard.
Keynote speakers:
- Laura Henry-Allain talking about the child’s love of books, the importance of being read to, and how ensuring diversity in texts enables us to give every child their voice
- Aaron Bradbury sharing research that tells us nurturing an emotional relationship is the primary function needed for intellectual and social growth. Also discussing the development of the human brain during its earliest years and exploring what we can do to nurture young children at this time
- Ruth Swailes helping delegates to reflect on how they balance the needs of their children with the demands and expectations of the English education system, putting all children’s needs at the heart of every decision.
Training objectives:
- Hear from nationally renowned speakers in the field of early years education
- Explore, reflect and consider ways in which your setting or school can develop current practice and provision to enable children to flourish
- Take time away from your setting or school to reflect on current practice and network with early years colleagues
Date:
- Thursday 3 October 2024 – Sandy Park, Exeter (9am – 4pm)
Cost:
- £125
Book your place on the Early Years Foundation Stage Conference 2024 by visiting the Devon Education Services SHOP.
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