Early Learning and Childcare: Training Courses and Events 2017

The courses on this page are primarily for Leicestershire’s early years workforce who are on one of the Ofsted compulsory registers. Information on each course can be found below this list of courses.

COURSES SPRING 2017 / Course Ref / DAY / DATE / TIME / VENUE / DIST / BOOK NOW
Childminder Pop Up Event £10 / 3917 / Sat / 4.2.17 / 9.15am - 1.15pm / Beaumanor Hall / Charn / Book Now
Advanced Child Development & the EYFS / 3880 / Sat / 11.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.00pm / The Kings Centre Wigston / O&W / Book Now
Child Development & the EYFS / 3881 / Mon / 27.2.17 / 9.30am - 4.00pm / The Green Towers, Hinckley / H&B / Book Now
Observation, Assessment & Planning / 3882 / Tues / 28.2.17 / 9.30am - 4.00pm / Melton Carnegie Museum / Mel / Book Now
Self Evaluation / 3883 / Tues / 14.3.17 & 21.3.17 / 9.30am - 12.30pm / County Scout Headquarters LFE / Blaby / Book Now
Leadership & Management in the Early Years / 3884 / Wed / 8.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.00pm / Scalford Hall Hotel, Melton / Mel / Book Now
Quality of Teaching / 3885 / Sat / 4.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.00pm / Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, Oadby / O&W / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness / 3890 / Wed / 15.2.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / Greene King Stadium, Hinckley / H&B / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness / 3891 / Thurs / 23.2.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / DBS Managed Offices, Glenfield / Blaby / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness / 3892 / Sat / 25.2.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / Syston Town Council Community Centre / Charn / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness / 3893 / Sat / 4.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / The Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough / Harb / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness / 3894 / Wed / 22.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville / NWL / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness: Refresher / 3887 / Tues / 31.1.17 / 9.30am - 1.30pm / DBS Managed Offices, Glenfield / Blaby / Book Now
Essential Safeguarding Awareness: Refresher / 3889 / Sat / 4.3.17 / 9.30am - 1.30pm / George Ward Centre, Barwell / H&B / Book Now
Safeguarding Children - Management Responsibilities / 3895 / Mon / 6.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / The Blaby Hotel / Blaby / Book Now
Safeguarding Children - Management Responsibilities / 3896 / Sat / 25.3.17 / 9.30am - 4.30pm / George Ward Centre, Barwell / H&B / Book Now
Safeguarding Children:Designated Childminder - Safeguarding Lead / 3900 / Sat / 4.2.17 / 9.30am - 2.00pm / Syston Town Council Community Centre / Charn / Book Now
Safeguarding Children:Designated Childminder - Safeguarding Lead / 3901 / Fri / 24.2.17 / 9.30am - 2.00pm / Innovation Centre, Market Harborough / Harb / Book Now
EYFS 3i Event: Information, Inspiration and Interaction
EYFS 3i Event Arrive any time between 4.30pm - 7pm / 3903 / Wed / 22.3.17 / 4.30pm - 7.30pm / Leicester Racecourse, Oadby / O&W / Book Now
EYFS 3i Event Arrive any time between 4.30pm - 7pm / 3906 / Mon / 20.3.17 / 4.30pm - 7.30pm / Quorn Grange Hotel / Charn / Book Now
EYFS 3i Event Arrive any time between 4.30pm - 7pm / 3909 / Thurs / 16.3.17 / 4.30pm - 7.30pm / Hinckley Golf Club / H&B / Book Now
EYFS 3i Event Arrive any time between 4.30pm - 7pm / 3920 / Tues / 14.3.17 / 4.30pm - 7.30pm / Parkside, Melton Borough Council / Mel / Book Now

Pricing of Courses

To make the cost of courses fairer we have 'banded' providers by size (number of children you are Ofsted registered to care for) of setting:

Ofsted registered for number of places / Full Day Training (course total over 4 hours) / Half Day Training (upto 4 hours)
Settings registered to take 31 or more children / £40 / £25
Settings registered to take 9-30 children / £30 / £20
Settings/Childminders registered to take 0-8 children / £20 / £15
Non Leicestershire Ofsted Registered Settings / £60 / £40

EYFS 3i Events will be charged at £5 for childminders and £10pp for all settings.

Course places will not be booked until the correct amount is paid.

How to book onto Training Courses and 3i Events

Click on the Book Now button at the end of a chargeable course you wish to book. You will need to insert the number of places you are Ofsted registered for and then choose your course through a drop down list. This will automatically create the amount to be paid per person.

You will need to insert the delegates name and date of birth. You can also add another delegate to a single course by clicking the Add button. Include the settings address and contact details, ensuring an email address is completed.

After making the payment through a credit or debit card you will receive an email within 5 working days confirming details of your session. This will include a reference number starting with TC. Please keep this number safe.

Where courses are free please click on the Book Now button and complete the online booking form. Again you will receive an email within 5 workings days.

Throughout the year there will be other chargeable training, workshops and conferences which will have bespoke pricing. For these events, providers will need to complete a booking form and insert the publicised amount in the cost per delegate box.

How to cancel a course

To cancel any courses please email , giving your name, setting name, course number, course title and date of course. Please be aware of the terms and conditions of cancelling a course which can be found below the course details.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your bookings or update your details please email us at

Please note that your booking confirms acceptance of the terms and conditions and for Leicestershire County Council and the training provider to share your personal information, as required. If, after you've attended any of the courses, you have any positive comments, feedback or concerns regarding the training course, the trainer or the venue, please contact

Course Level

Introductory - suitable for those practitioners who are new to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), who have not attended a course in this area previously, or who feel they would benefit from refreshing their knowledge

Intermediate – suitable for practitioners who have some knowledge of the subject and want to improve their understanding of the course topic

Advanced - suitable for those who are leaders/managers, or who are experienced practitioners familiar with the EYFS

Course Descriptions

Advanced Child Development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

For: Day Nurseries, Pre-Schools and childminders

Level: Advanced

Course length: 6.5 hours

This course gives learners a vivid insight into the developmental processes that children undergo throughout the early years period. The course details the vital neurological, physical, emotional and cognitive development that must take place for a child’s healthy development.

Based on the latest research and with a firm grasp of frontline working with young children this course demonstrates how the Early Years Foundation Stage supports this development and how Development Matters helps us to assess and plan for progress.

The course also includes a number of practical activities that illustrate the various developmental processes and can be used directly with children to help their development as well as innovative new activities to help support learning in the home. The course combines up to date neuroscience theory with thought provoking insight into the young child and vibrant practical activities to engage and delight children.

Attachment and Self-regulation - Implications for learning and behaviour

This full day conference offers practitioners the opportunity to enhance their understanding of how to support children to develop a secure attachment, and how self-regulation and resilience impacts on children’s learning and behaviour.

This is an area that will support current research within the early years. We are very fortunate to have Dr Janet Rose delivering the Key Note speech and an accompanying workshop. She has extensive experience in this field.

You will have the opportunity to attend an inspirational Key Note speech and 3 workshops.

Workshop 1 – How can practitioners support young children to become emotionally resilient? This workshop will be delivered by Dr Janet Rose.

Workshop 2 – How can the Key person support parents with strategies to develop positive behaviour in the setting and at home?

Workshop 3 – How can we use the characteristics of effective learning and the environment to support self-regulation and resilience?

Child Development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

For: Day Nurseries, Pre-Schools and childminders

Level:Introductory

Course length: 6.5 hours

This training provides practitioners new to the EYFS with a sound understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. In the training they will explore how children learn and how adults can support their learning through the environment and working with parents as partners in the child’s learning journey.

Aims:

  • Understand the learning and development requirements of the EYFS
  • Understand how to use Early Years Outcomes and Development Matters to gain and understanding of children’s starting points
  • Explore how children learn and the Characteristics of Effective Learning
  • Consider the role of the adult and environment in supporting children’s learning
  • Examine a range of strategies to support the home learning environment.

The training is offered at a introductory level for those new to the EYFS and it is not envisaged that those who are very familiar with the EYFS will need to access this course.

Childminders Pop up Event

For: childminders

Level:Intermediate

Course length: 6.5 hours

This event, specifically for childminders, will investigate a range of practical ideas to support the elements of role play, construction / small world, music / movement, ICT and parents and the home learning environment.

During the event there will be a short workshop that will explore:

  • The importance of learning outdoors
  • How to overcome obstacles when doing activities outdoors
  • The affordance of nature in play and use of open ended resources
  • Learning experiences and how these are underpinned by the characteristics of effective learning and development requirements

The workshop will also include a practical element which will give childminders the opportunity to get involved and experience the activities too. There will be the opportunity to:

  • Explore transient art
  • Get involved in den making
  • Create things from natural resources - leaves, sticks etc.
  • Develop resources for small world play i.e. fairy folk, superheroes
  • Ivestigate petal perfume and create ideas for home outdoor bags using examples from Mindstretchers

Committee Roles and Responsibilities

For: Pre-School Committee members and Leaders

Level:Intermediate

Course length: 3 hours

To support committee run pre-schools we are holding a Roles and Responsibilities workshop for committee members and leaders to attend. The workshop will include:

  • Roles and responsibilities of key committee members
  • Ofsted issues with committee run settings
  • Appraisal and Supervision
  • Recruiting committee members
  • Safeguarding

EYFS 3i Events - Information, Inspiration, Interaction

For: All Practitioners

Level:Intermediate

Course length: These are drop-in events, you can visit any time between 4.30pm - 7.30pm

Join us for this special 3i event in 'making a difference to children's health and well-being' and to learn about how we can work together to effectively address the key issue of child obesity. Come along for a unique opportunity to meet our partners to share key messages from:

  • Health Visiting Team
  • Children's Mental Health Team
  • Public Health England
  • Children's Centres
  • Family Learning
  • Community Dental Service
  • Local Physical Activity Partners

There are opportunities to take part in interactive taster sessions and see demonstrations, along with a whole host of information stands to support early years practice.

These sessions will bring together all aspects of early years into one place. (Business, workforce, teaching and learning, safeguarding , partnerships and much more.) Emphasis will be on practical support and inspiring ideas.

Leadership and Management in the Early Years

For: Practitioners who undertake any kind of line management

Level: Intermediate

Course length:7 hours

This workshop will be delivered by the Pre-school Learning Alliance. It is suitable for practitioners including childminders, who are new to management responsibilities or those newly promoted as leaders/managers, deputy managers and room supervisors of early years’ settings as well as leader/managers wishing to improve and refresh their leadership skills as part of their CPD . The learning is focused on practitioners looking to develop their skills and knowledge in leadership and management.

Key Aims and Objectives:

  • Further develop leadership skills
  • Develop effective communication as a new leader/manager
  • Examine the process for monitoring and evaluating the quality of teaching in the setting to ensure good practice is consistently achieved
  • How best practice can be shared within a team
  • How to track children’s progress and cohort analysis, and
  • Develop strategies for moving themselves and their team forward.

This workshop will have particular reference to the ‘leadership and management’ section of the Ofsted Early Years inspection handbook. The workshop will involve a mixture of presentations, large group work and small group work. Two facilitators will ensure that the workshops are interactive and that all participants are encouraged to fully participate. In the workshop’s final session participants will be supported in producing a bespoke action plan that identifies further training needs and actions.

Observation, Assessment and Planning for Early Years

For: Leaders, Managers and Childminders

Level: Intermediate

Course length: 5 Hours

This unique course tackles three vital components of successful childcare in a way that is practical, fun and thought provoking. This course demonstrates that observation and accurate assessment is the key to unlocking every child’s potential and planning for wonderful and empowering activities for all children. This is the only way that we can successfully provide for each child’s individual needs. The course takes learners through real life scenarios and practical activities that help embed the importance of observation and how to successfully assess the learning and development of children. It will help prepare settings for Ofsted Inspections.

Course Aims and Objectives

  • To highlight the importance of accurate and robust observation and assessment.
  • To give methods of observing and assessing learning and development.
  • To encourage learners to plan appropriately and give methods to help this.
  • To share case studies and real life examples
  • To give learners the confidence to observe and assess learning and development and plan wonderful opportunities for their children.
  • To help learners prepare for Ofsted inspections.

Learning Outcomes

  • To have greater understanding of the importance of observation and assessment
  • To have practical tools for accurately observing children and making informed and accurate assessments.
  • To be able to strike the appropriate balance between child initiated and adult led activities.
  • To use assessment to intervene and provide opportunities for children’s progression
  • To plan engaging and empowering activities geared towards the needs of individual children
  • To have a greater understanding of how good observation, assessment and planning impact on a child’s school readiness and Ofsted Inspection Criteria.
  • To feel happier and more confident in their role.

Ben Kingston-Hughes from Inspired Children’s Services Solutions has over 24 years experience working with children and has been a finalist for Nursery World Trainer of the Year 2013, Best Trainer 2013 at the National Playwork Awards and in partnership with Leicestershire County Council was a finalist for the Nursery World Best Parent Project 2014.

Comments from previous delegates include:

  • “I had lots of fun and enjoyed the course and found it very informative, both with the structure and some great ideas to introduce to my setting”
  • “I had my inspection and I got my “good” back, coming on your course really helped as I believe I got a lot of my confidence back from attending”
  • “Very much enjoyed the day and it has refreshed me, I have jotted down many ideas and tips which I will definitely include”
  • “Very Inspiring, made me reflect on what we are and can do at our setting, and a new way to look at planning in a positive way”

Out of School Event -

This full day event is aimed at OOS clubs/holiday care, play schemes and childminders who only offer out of school care.

An interactive day which will include a combination of workshops and networking with other providers of out of school care.

9.00am – tea and coffee upon arrival

9.30-11.30am – workshops 1 or 2

Workshop 1 The Power of Play – Dealing with the World (delivered by Inspired Children)

This workshop demonstrates the unique power of play to help children understand and cope with traumatic events both local and worldwide. It will offer a wealth of practical play experiences from a wide range of therapeutic disciplines to help children restore their natural emotional state.

Workshop 2 Introduction to Transgender Identity (delivered by Leicester Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Centre)

This workshop will give greater knowledge around the differences between sex and gender and sexual orientation and gender identity, awareness of barriers and challenges, and legal obligations to support young transgender people. It will provide top tips and good practice guidance.

Networking and lunch (1hour 45mins)

This will allow time for networking, and a presentation from members of the new Out of School Partnership along with displays on media and partnership working, and other information stands.

1.15pm -3.15pm – repeat of morning workshops

3.30pm - finish

Quality of Teaching and Learning in Early Years

For: All childcare practitioners

Level: Introductory

Course length: 6 Hours

The course will focus on what high quality teaching looks like in early years provision.

Key Topics include:

  • What are the key elements of an effective teacher when supporting children to make the nest possible progressQuality child-led learning
  • What are the key elements of practice that ensure high quality child led learning
  • The role of the adult in supporting, scaffolding learning, challenging and questionning
  • How do practitioners support children with the Characteristics of Effective Learning
  • Teaching and learning within the Common Inspection Framework

Safeguarding