Early Years

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years settings, childminders and schools in South Gloucestershire. 

This course explores the value of risky, superhero, weapon, and destructive play in child development. It highlights how such experiences support resilience, boundary testing, and critical thinking. Participants will learn to recognise the benefits of dynamic risk and support children in safely managing challenges within a nurturing outdoor environment.

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years practitioners working with children aged 2-5, we will prioritise South Gloucestershire settings and childminders.

A four-session course training early years practitioners to become language champions, focusing on communication-rich practice, supporting neurodivergent and dual language learners, and using storytelling creatively. The course builds skills, inclusive strategies, and opens ongoing CPD through the local language champion network.

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years practitioners working with children aged 2-5, we will prioritise South Gloucestershire settings and childminders.

A four-session course training early years practitioners to become language champions, focusing on communication-rich practice, supporting neurodivergent and dual language learners, and using storytelling creatively. The course builds skills, inclusive strategies, and opens ongoing CPD through the local language champion network.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire childminders only.

This session promotes inclusive communication by encouraging people to share, develop and use Makaton signs and symbols in everyday life. 

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire childminders only.

This session promotes inclusive communication by encouraging people to share, develop and use Makaton signs and symbols in everyday life. 

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Settings & Childminders who have had one or more practiotioners attend the South Gloucestershire Language Champion training.

The Language Champion Network provides ongoing, neuro‑affirming professional development grounded in current speech and language research and early years practice. It supports practitioners to strengthen inclusive communication approaches, celebrate neurodiversity and champion language‑rich environments across early years settings.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Settings & Childminders who have had one or more practiotioners attend the South Gloucestershire Language Champion training.

The Language Champion Network provides ongoing, neuro‑affirming professional development grounded in current speech and language research and early years practice. It supports practitioners to strengthen inclusive communication approaches, celebrate neurodiversity and champion language‑rich environments across early years settings.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Settings & Childminders who have had one or more practiotioners attend the South Gloucestershire Language Champion training.

The Language Champion Network provides ongoing, neuro‑affirming professional development grounded in current speech and language research and early years practice. It supports practitioners to strengthen inclusive communication approaches, celebrate neurodiversity and champion language‑rich environments across early years settings.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers, SENCOs, SALT professionals Children's Centre Staff and Outreach Teams. 

This new introductory workshop is designed for Early Years professionals who want to create an engaging and inclusive environment where all children can thrive. Makaton helps children connect, express themselves and feel understood. This will give practitioners confidence and tools to use Makaton immediately in Early Years settings.  

Eligibility: This course is open to managers and practitioners working with toddlers in nurseries and pre-schools across South Gloucestershire.

This session will support managers and/or practitioners with understanding how toddlers learn maths. A practical session exploring how toddlers develop early mathematical understanding through play, routines, and everyday experiences. Using songs, stories, and activities, it supports concepts such as number, shape, pattern, spatial awareness, and measure, strengthening practitioners’ knowledge of early maths foundations and skills. 

Eligibility: This course is open to managers and practitioners working with toddlers in nurseries and pre-schools across South Gloucestershire.

This session will support managers and/or practitioners with understanding how babies learn maths. A practical session exploring how babies develop early mathematical understanding through play, routines, and everyday experiences. Using songs, stories, and activities, it supports concepts such as number, shape, pattern, spatial awareness, and measure, strengthening practitioners’ knowledge of early maths foundations and skills. 

Eligibility: This course is open to new and experienced practitioners working in a school-based nursery in South Gloucestershire.  It may be useful to EYFS leaders or senior leaders with responsibility for nursery education.

This course will cover the key information needed by nursery practitioners to deliver high quality early education.

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years Nursery and Preschool practitioners, Childminders, Reception Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Primary School Staff.

Inspiring Childhoods: Building Strong Foundations in Language, Play and Early Maths

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers in South Gloucestershire. 

This course is open to Early Years settings across South Gloucestershire including childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and school-based nurseries 

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Childminders.

Together we will explore the unique advantages, challenges, and key strengths of outdoor play within your childminding setting.  You will have the opportunity to engage with a range of meaningful experiences.  Our aim is to support you in enriching your outdoor spaces.  

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Settings and Schools.

Together, we will explore the unique advantages, challenges and key strengths of outdoor play within your setting. You'll have the opportunity to engage with a range of meaningful experiences. our aim is to support you in enriching your outdoor spaces .

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers in South Gloucestershire only. 

This webinar explores the difference between tokenistic and authentic inclusion within early years practice. Practitioners are encouraged to reflect on how environments, celebrations, resources, and curriculum choices can move beyond surface-level representation to create meaningful belonging for children and families.

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers in South Gloucestershire only. 

The webinar explores the importance of diversity and representation within all communities, including those that may appear less visibly diverse. Practitioners are encouraged to reflect on how environments, resources, and curriculum choices can broaden children’s understanding of themselves and the wider world.

Eligibility: This course is open to Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers in South Gloucestershire only. 

This webinar explores how hidden biases can influence everyday interactions, expectations, relationships, and decision-making in early years practice. Through reflection, practitioners are encouraged to develop greater self-awareness and consider how inclusive, equitable practice supports children, families, and colleagues.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers.

This session explores sensory experiences, movement, and emotional regulation, offering practical strategies to support diverse needs. Gain confidence in creating responsive environments that nurture curiosity, wellbeing, and engagement while recognising and celebrating individual differences in early years settings.

Eligibility: This course is open to school based nursery and Reception staff, including teachers and teaching assistants, either new or returning to EYFS, including ECTs.

This three-part, in person course, will enable you to have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support children within the EYFS. 

Eligibility: This course is open to practitioners and childminders working with babies, including those who are new to the role, returning, or looking to refresh their knowledge and practice

This course is designed for practitioners and childminders who are new to working with children aged 0–2, returning to the role, or looking for a refresher. It will cover the fundamental aspects of babies’ care, learning, and safeguarding needs.

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years settings and childminders working in Cluster 2, however those working in other clusters are welcome.

An opportunity for childminders and early years providers to connect, share effective practice, and take part in discussion about current national and local developments, with a focus on key priorities and activity within the local cluster area.

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire settings (pre-schools and nurseries) managers, deputies, SENDCos, designated safeguard leads and practitioners in cluster 4.5 

This network is for nursey and pre-school practitioners in cluster 4.5 to come together to share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire settings (pre-schools and nurseries) managers, deputies, SENDCos, designated safeguard leads and practitioners in cluster 4.5 

This network is for nursey and pre-school practitioners in cluster 4.5 to come together to share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire settings (pre-schools and nurseries) managers, deputies, SENDCos, designated safeguard leads and practitioners in cluster 4.5 

This network is for nursey and pre-school practitioners in cluster 4.5 to come together to share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire settings (pre-schools and nurseries) managers, deputies, SENDCos, designated safeguard leads and practitioners in cluster 4.5 

This network is for nursey and pre-school practitioners in cluster 4.5 to come together to share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This network is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years settings and childminders working in Cluster 6 only.

These one hour, virtual Cluster 6 networks meeting provides an opportunity for early years professionals to connect, share updates, and discuss current developments across the local authority and wider sector. The sessions encourage collaboration, reflection, and professional dialogue, while also creating opportunities to plan future face-to-face connections and strengthen local networks.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire registered childminders in clusters 4.5 & 6.

This network is for childminders to come together to gain updates, share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire registered childminders in clusters 4.5 & 6.

This network is for childminders to come together to gain updates, share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire registered childminders in clusters 4.5 & 6.

This network is for childminders to come together to gain updates, share practice and engage in what is happening nationally and locally within the cluster area. 

Eligibility: This course is open to reception and nursery class teachers in South Gloucestershire schools only.

Updates and guidance for teachers leading and working in nursery and reception classes in South Glos Primary Schools

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Pre-School Committee Members and Managers

This session will teach you how to confidently run a compliant AGM. We will provide you with everything you need to know before, during and after the day, packed with practical tips and ready-to-use templates.

Eligibility: This course is open to anyone who would like to develop, set up and deliver Forest School Programmes and become a qualified Forest School Leader.

This course will allow you to explore and enrich your knowledge, developing a stronger understanding of the Forest School approach by engaging with its core principles, philosophy, and ethos, promoting personal growth through outdoor learning and child-centred educational practices.  

Eligibility: This Network is open to South Gloucestershire pre-school committee members and setting managers

This network provides an informal space where pre-school committee officers connect, share ideas, tackle common challenges, learn from lived experience, and build confidence in leadership, governance, and effective succession planning.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years leaders, managers and pre-school committee members.

This course will guide you through confident, safer recruitment and inspiring inductions – covering every stage from deciding to recruit to helping new starters thrive from day one.

Eligibility: This course is open to all South Gloucestershire Early Years Childminders, Nursery and Preschool practitioners. 

This session provides Safeguarding leads in Early Years settings with essential updates, discussions on recent guidance and practice reviews, and opportunities to share best practices for ongoing professional development. 

Eligibility: This course is open to childminders working with Early Years children in South Gloucestershire only. 

This course equips childminders with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It covers inclusive practices, early identification, working with families, and accessing support services.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire SEND trained childminders.

This Virtual Network is open to South Gloucestershire Childminders who have previously completed the SEND Childminder Course.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire SEND trained childminders.

This Virtual Network is open to South Gloucestershire Childminders who have previously completed the SEND Childminder Course.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire SEND trained childminders.

This Virtual Network is open to South Gloucestershire Childminders who have previously completed the SEND Childminder Course.

Eligibility: This course is open to practitioners in South Gloucestershire Early Years settings and reception classes.

This 'Adapted More Than Words, The Hanen Program for Parents of Autistic Children or Children who may benefit from Social Communication Support' course is offered to Educators currently working with a child who may be on the Autistic spectrum or who is showing differences in their social communication development.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire education professionals working in the Early Years, which includes childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.

This Neuroinclusive Education Network module will help delegates to think about the reasonable adjustments that can be made to support young neurodivergent children in their setting, with the aim of creating long lasting impactful change to the Early Years environment.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire education professionals working in the Early Years, which includes childminders, pre-schools, nurseries and school reception classes. 

This course is an in-depth twilight training session around identification and support, focussing on the four areas of need.  A basic knowledge of Autism is needed and it is suggested that delegates will have already completed Neuroinclusive Education Network - Making Sense of Autism course.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire practitioners working in Early Years settings.

This course, for practitioners or those supporting autistic young people aged 0-5 in education as part of their role with other service providers in South Gloucetershire,  will extend your understanding of how autism affects children in the early years.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire education professionals working in Early Years, which includes childminders, pre-schools, nurseries and school reception classes. 

This module aims to provide delegates with the knowledge, skills and understanding to plan transitions and implement processes to improve the education and wellbeing of children in the Early Years.

Eligibility: This course is open to South Gloucestershire Early Years Settings, Childminders, Reception and Nursery Class Teachers only. 

These reflective sessions are for South Gloucestershire childminders, settings and schools that have completed Five to Thrive and want to reflect on their practice, build on their Five to Thrive knowledge and understanding, and network with colleagues.

Eligibility: This course is open to early years educators, including childminders, who work with children 0-2 years old

This webinar is aimed at early years educators, incuding childminders.  It explores the importance of quality interactions and serve-and-return communication in supporting babies' brain development, attachment, language and emotional wellbeing.  The session encourages reflective practice and considers how sensitive, responsive interactions help babies feel safe,connected, valued and ready to learn.  

Eligibility: This course is open to early years educators, including childminders, who work with children aged 0-2 years old.

This webinar is aimed at early years educators, including childminders. It explores the importance of working in partnership with families to better understand babies’ lives, experiences, identities, and development. The session encourages reflective, strengths-based practice that values the knowledge, routines and experiences families bring into early years settings.
 

Eligibility:  This course is open to early years educators, including childminders, who work with children aged 0-2 years old

This webinar is aimed at early years educators, including childminders. It explores how babies experience and respond to the sensory world around them, and how sensory needs can influence behaviour, wellbeing, regulation, and learning. The session encourages reflective practice and considers how environments and interactions can better support babies’ individual sensory experiences.