This two-part training series takes a deep dive into the world of two-year-olds – a time of rapid growth, big feelings, and emerging independence. Across both sessions, we’ll explore how to truly ‘tune in’ to two-year-olds through responsive interactions, a nurturing environment, and developmentally appropriate practice. Expect reflection, discussion, and practical strategies to enhance your work with this unique age group.

Session 1: Thursday 16th April 2026 (6:15pm – 7:45pm)
Session 2: Thursday 7th May 2026 (6:15pm – 7:45pm)

You must attend both sessions.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Tuning in to Two-Year-Olds (Bundle)

Maths is about the search for relationships and patterns, and pattern is a defining quality of mathematics. Children’s pattern awareness is a key predictor of later maths learning, and helping children recognise the regularities and relationships in all sorts of patterns helps them “make sense” of mathematics. Robin will consider the diverse forms of patterns and how creating a pattern-rich environment supports children in becoming pattern spotters and problem solvers.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Pattern-spotters, Pattern-makers: The Power of Pattern

Childminder Network: Everyday Opportunities for Maths

Are you a childminder looking to connect with others? Our Network Meetings are the perfect opportunity to meet fellow childminders, share experiences and reflect on ways to develop your practice and business. 

Join us for a scheduled, online gathering designed for genuine connection. These aren’t just networking events; they are safe spaces for shared learning, problem-solving, and emotional support. Swap strategies, discuss the latest policy changes, and build a reliable circle of professionals who truly understand your day-to-day challenges.

Come along to discuss how children learn maths, how you teach maths in your setting, what a mathematically rich environment looks like in a childminding setting and recognising the maths in children’s everyday play. We will consider how children develop positive attitudes and a ‘have a go’ approach to maths.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Childminder Network: Everyday Opportunities For Maths – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings | NCFE. 
Aims of the qualification:

• To explore the roles and responsibilities of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator in an early years setting.
• To understand the strategies and techniques for supporting children and their families.
• To increase knowledge of SEN codes of practice.

Who is it suitable for?

• This qualification is suitable for learners in a range of roles, however we anticipate that most will be early years educators in a Bristol ‘PVI’ (private, voluntary and independent sector) or childminder who are currently the named SENCo or aspire to be. It is also open to those in nursery schools and schools, but these types of education establishment have other qualification requirements for the named SENCo.

How is the qualification structured?

• Learners are expected to attend the full eight days and submit written assignments to demonstrate that the meet all the Learning Outcomes. We will be running eight full day sessions over four months. These comprise of taught sessions to cover the course content (morning) and guided sessions to support completion of the required submissions (afternoons). There will also be visits to other settings and presentations from other professionals. At the moment, the course is fully funded by Bristol Early Years.

Session dates (all must be attended): 24 April, 1 May, 15 May, 22 May, 5 June, 12 June, 26 June, 10 July

Join this Working with Babies Network session with our guest speaker Debbie Brace.

How we first meet a baby and their family sets the tone for everything that follows. The words we choose, the questions we ask, and the curiosity we bring all help to build trust and understanding from the very beginning.

In this reflective session, we’ll explore how to approach those early conversations with families in a way that truly centres relationships. Together, we’ll consider:

• What do our initial interactions communicate to families?
• How can we ask questions that open up meaningful dialogue?
• What can we learn from the ‘family story’ to help us plan more thoughtfully for each baby or child joining our setting?

Join us for a chance to pause, reflect, and share ideas about how to create genuine, supportive connections with families right from the start.

Book with Stronger Practice Hub: Talking About… Babies: Settling in Conversations, a Relationship Centred Approach – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub 

Talking About… is a series of informal, one-hour online networking sessions designed for early years practitioners to come together, share experiences, and explore key topics related to babies in early years settings. Each session focuses on a different aspect of practice, providing a space for discussion, reflection, and peer support.

Making the most of your local community – open study morning with Archfield Nursery

This open study morning will support practitioners who want to enrich children’s learning through safe, engaging local walks in the community. These walks beyond the nursery gates offer children a unique opportunity for exploring, playing and connecting with the wider community and therefore expanding a child’s world.

Here at Archfield, we believe the act of taking children out and simply going for a walk, following their lead, as opposed to rushing to a destination is not only an enjoyable experience for children but also an empowering experience.

This will be an inspiring and practical study day which explores how everyday surroundings can become meaningful learning environments, offering opportunities for children to develop language, confidence, social skills, road safety, physical skills and a deeper connection to their community.

What to expect:

• Sharing experiences with our Outdoor Learning Ambassador Ria and Nursery Director Rebecca
• Take part in a learning walk in the local community
• Explore ideas for using the local community to spark conversations and support babies and children’s wellbeing and learning
• This is for all early years practitioners.

Outline for the day:

09:30am – Welcome and introduction to Archfield House Nursery
Learning Walk in the local community
Reflections – exploring using your local community
Workshop – What does the research evidence tell us? Explore strategies for teaching and modelling language when out and about
Reflections and final thoughts
1:00pm – Finish

Please note there are a number of stairs to be able to access our training room

BOOK WITH THE STRONGER PRACTICE HUB:

Beyond the Nursery – Study Morning with Archfield Nursery – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

“Understanding spatial relationships begins at birth” ( Erikson, 2014 ), and we use our bodies and sensory experiences, gesture and language, memory and modelling, pictures and drawings to understand and map the world around us. Robin will consider the key aspects of spatial reasoning and how best to support children’s learning trajectories through a maths-rich practice and provision. We will touch upon shape and space, mapping and navigation, and visualisation and representation.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Off into Space: Spatial Reasoning and Mapping the World Around Us

Supporting Transitions to School for Children with SEND is a practical and supportive course for early years practitioners preparing children with additional needs for their move into school. The session explores the challenges that transitions can bring for children with SEND and offers realistic, child-centred strategies to reduce anxiety and build confidence. Practitioners will learn how to plan gradual, well-supported transitions, work effectively with families and receiving schools, and use visuals, routines, and communication tools to help each child feel safe and ready. The aim is to ensure every child is given the best possible start to their next stage of learning.

Learning aims:

• To feel confident in planning personalised, inclusive transitions that help each child feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.
• To understand why transitions can be particularly challenging for children with SEND.
• To recognise the importance of working in partnership with families and schools during the transition process.
• To learn how to use tools such as visuals, routines, and communication supports to prepare children for change.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: SEND Network: Transitions With Children With SEND Into Schools

Come and learn about:

What skills are involved in communication; what babies need to learn; how a baby’s communication develops; what to expect & when; how can we support parents and carers to identify the ways their baby communicates; what we can do to help a baby develop, feel safe and help their brain grow; adverse childhood experiences and the potential impact on language development; how to contact us for further advice or support.

Course runs 9.30-11.30am

Due to funding, this training is currently free to EY professionals and settings within the City of Bristol, and North Somerset.

Join this evidenced-based, approved Hanen programme, which as been adapted for early years practitioners. Learn how to identify different social communication stages, and implement strategies to support language and interaction.

The course consists of :

1 online orientation session and 5 face-to-face teaching sessions; plus 2 individual video feedback appointments in your setting. The video sessions offer a chance for participants to try out strategies with a child that they are working with, plus time for reflective practice. Each in-person teaching session runs for 3 hours. Video feedback sessions take approximately 1 hour. Appointments for video visits to settings are booked individually with participants.

The next course for 2026 will start with:

Online orientation session: Tuesday 5th May 2026, 3pm-5.30pm – via Microsoft Teams.

In-person teaching sessions will be held on Tuesdays 3-5.30pm at St Paul’s Nursery School and Children’s Centre, Little Bishop Street, St Paul’s, Bristol, BS2 9JF on the following dates:

Session 1: 12th May 2026

Session 2: 19th May 2026

Video reflection session: to be arranged in week commencing 1st June 2026

Session 3: 9th June 2026

Video reflection session: to be arranged in week commencing 15th June 2026

Session 4: 23rd June 2026

Session 5: 20th June 2026

For more information, email: sltearlyyearstraininginformation@nhs.net

Participants must be working in Bristol Early Years, working with a child who may be on the autistic spectrum and must be able to attend all sessions. The More Than Words® Guidebook to accompany this course is a highly recommended resource: https://www.winslowresources.com/ or via Amazon (look out for used editions).

Due to funding differences, this session is open and free to Bristol settings only.

This is a 3-part training programme and you need to commit to all three sessions.

Join Bristol PSED experts as we discuss all things behaviour. We will support a returning group of practitioners through the journey of behaviour and wellbeing, equipping you with evidence-based practical tools and knowledge to take back to your settings. Over the three sessions, we will cover the timeline of behavioural incidents, helping you understand what to do before, during, and after behaviour occurs. We will cover all of the behaviours you might see in Early Years settings.

Over the sessions, you will learn about trauma-informed practice, attachment, SEND and sensory needs, the PACE approach, co-regulation, relationship mapping and much, much more. You’ll come away with increased confidence, strategies to use, and everything you could need to become a champion of children’s personal, social and emotional development.

You need to commit to the following online sessions:
Wednesday 6th May 2026, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Wednesday 10th June 2026, 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Wednesday 8th July 2026, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: CPD Programme: Behaviour Training

A workshop that covers the basic principles of Makaton and teaches 40 signs and symbols.

This is an online session. You will be sent the Zoom link automatically from Eventbrite, prior to the session. Max 2 attendees per provider per session. Please attend only if you have booked a place.

Please note: this session is open to practitioners working with nursery-aged children in Bristol settings only. When booking, please state the name of your setting.

Come and consider the routines in your everyday practice that can support communication, language and literacy. Every routine is an opportunity to support learning, enable communication and extend vocabulary. Are you making the most of your everyday routines?

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Routines that Support CL&L: Communication, Language and Literacy Network

In this Talking About… Babies Network session, we will explore the vital role of attachment in the earliest stages of development. Together, we will discuss practical strategies and share experiences to support secure attachments with babies, and consider how we can create emotionally responsive environments that nurture strong, trusting relationships.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Talking About… Babies and Attachment

• Why does nutrition matter for neurodivergent brains and bodies?
• The gut-brain connection and how to support with food
• Key vitamins and minerals to support neurodivergent challenges
• A brief introduction to issues around food…. How can we support?
• Packed with practical guidance and tools you can start to include straight away in your setting.

About Catherine Jeans

Catherine Jeans DipION mBANT CNHC mIFM is a Registered Nutritionist and Clinical Nutritional Therapist, and director of The Family Nutrition Expert Clinic.  She has over 15 years experience supporting families around the UK with nutrition guidance, and has a special interest in nutrition for neurodivergence, nervous system balance and restrictive eating, including ARFID.  Catherine is passionate about the power of optimising nutrition for young minds, delivering evidence-based training with a compassionate, practical and non-judgemental approach to food and eating.

This webinar is 60 minutes long, with 15 to 30 minutes of Q&A afterwards.

They will be recorded but only available to practitioners who register but are unable to attend live.

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: SEND Network: Brain Matters: Nutrition for Neurodivergent Minds’ with Catherine Jeans – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub 

Learning to count is a complex process, and children need all sorts of experiences and tools to be able to count with confidence and really understand the meaning and purpose of numbers.

Robin will discuss how to support children in learning to count through a variety of visual, verbal, and tactile everyday experiences. We will explore a maths-rich, playful provision that provides children with numerous opportunities to investigate numbers and develop confidence as counters, enhancing their Number Sense.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Counting is a Tricky Business! Building Number Sense – A Deep Understanding of Number

In this session, we will focus on Leadership in the Baby Room, exploring the unique responsibilities and opportunities for those leading practice with our youngest children. We’ll reflect on what effective leadership looks like in this context, discuss ways to support and inspire teams, and consider how to uphold high-quality, relationship-focused practice in the baby room. There will be an opportunity for leaders to share their celebrations and challenges of leadership in the baby room with fellow professionals.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Leadership in the Baby Room

This session will explore the basics of effective, authentic and meaningful interactions with children in the EYs. We will cover what makes for quality interactions: the way we use our body and voice, how we listen, pause, and reflect on children’s learning with them. How can we deepen their thinking, provoke new learning and delight in the children’s fascinations? We will use the Quality Interaction Checklist to learn more about developing good practice, as well as guidance from the EEF Evidence Store.

This training is for early years practitioners and leaders working in settings or childminders in our Stronger Practice Hub area (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire). We will also prioritise settings and childminders in areas of deprivation.

Please Note: Part of this event may be recorded.

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: Back to Basics: Quality Interactions – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

Join the Bristol PSED team for four networking sessions over the year as we collaborate to discuss key areas of PSED practice. We will be guided by Eight to Relate, a values-driven auditing tool designed to embed connection- and relationship-based practices in your setting. The networks will be an opportunity to come together and explore aspects of provision, sharing ideas, reflecting and connecting with other settings, coming away full of ideas and tools you can use straight away.

Network sessions will involve 30 minutes of teaching time, 30 minutes for sharing practice and discussion, and 30 minutes back together for action planning. We hope you will leave feeling inspired and with tangible actions you can take.

Please Note: This session is part of what will be regular termly PSED regional networking sessions. So it will involve some CPD and then networking/ discussion time. Participants are encouraged to discuss their learning, what they have or will put into practice, successes and challenges from their settings, and what they’d like future sessions to cover as we build this learning community.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: PSED Network: Staff Wellbeing and Leadership

Childminder Network: Working in Partnership with Parents

Are you a childminder looking to connect with others? Our Network Meetings are the perfect opportunity to meet fellow childminders, share experiences and reflect on ways to develop your practice and business. 

Join us for a scheduled, online gathering designed for genuine connection. These aren’t just networking events; they are safe spaces for shared learning, problem-solving, and emotional support. Swap strategies, discuss the latest policy changes, and build a reliable circle of professionals who truly understand your day-to-day challenges.

Parenting is often mentioned as one of the main challenges for childminders. During this meeting, we will discuss ways of managing strong and professional relationships with parents and the benefits of working in partnership. We will consider how to have those inevitable courageous conversations.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Childminder Network: Working in Partnership with Parents – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

Having conversations with families around sensitive topics can feel daunting and stressful. The way we share our concerns can can impact on the way that information is received by a family, and in turn can affect a family’s relationship with professionals as well as affecting their journey with SEND.

Come and learn about:

Ways to prepare for potentially difficult conversations to ensure that you are, instead, establishing positive, open opportunities for sharing information and concerns; keeping in mind different cultural attitudes; the boundaries of your role; strategies around sharing sensitive information and managing the conversation so that it feels safe and supportive.

This training is free to EY professionals and settings within the City of Bristol, and North Somerset .

A workshop that covers the basic principles of Makaton and teaches 40 signs and symbols.

This is an online session. You will be sent the Zoom link automatically from Eventbrite, prior to the session. Max 2 attendees per provider per session. Please attend only if you have booked a place.

Please note: this session is open to practitioners working with nursery-aged children in Bristol settings only. When booking, please state the name of your setting.

Transitions can be a significant time of change for two-year-olds, emotionally, socially, and developmentally. This focused session will explore how to support young children as they move between rooms, routines, or settings. We’ll consider the importance of relationships, communication with families, and creating a sense of continuity to ensure transitions are smooth, sensitive, and child-centred.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Talking About Twos: Transitions

This CPD Programme involves three 2-hour online sessions, and you will be required to attend all three.

Monday 29th June – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Monday 6th July – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Monday 13th July – 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

This online CPD Programme will support you to embed the Early Years Foundation Stage in your school whilst ensuring that children and families are at the heart of good practice. It will cover three areas:

Principles of EYFS
We will explore the four themes of EYFS, Characteristics of Effective Learning, Prime areas and will refer to the new early learning goals and reformed educational programmes in the EYFS.

Observation, Assessment and Planning
We will consider the principles of effective observational assessment and how this supports planning that supports all children to be motivated lifelong learners.

The Role of the Adult and an Enabling Environment
We will understand more about the key person approach, the importance of relationship-based practice and consider how to develop an effective learning environment.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: CPD Programme: New to EYFS for All Early Years Settings and Schools

• How do sensory issues impact eating?
• What else might be going on for restrictive eaters? From nutrient deficiencies to poor oral health or tummy troubles.
• Where to begin… calming the nervous system around food
• Strategies to help broaden the diet… sensory education, do we sneak in the good stuff, graduated exposure and food-chaining
• Communicating with home

About Catherine Jeans

Catherine Jeans DipION mBANT CNHC mIFM is a Registered Nutritionist and Clinical Nutritional Therapist, and director of The Family Nutrition Expert Clinic.  She has over 15 years experience supporting families around the UK with nutrition guidance, and has a special interest in nutrition for neurodivergence, nervous system balance and restrictive eating, including ARFID.  Catherine is passionate about the power of optimising nutrition for young minds, delivering evidence-based training with a compassionate, practical and non-judgemental approach to food and eating.

This webinar is 60 minutes long, with 15 to 30 minutes of Q&A afterwards.

They will be recorded but only available to practitioners who register but are unable to attend live.

This training is for early years practitioners and leaders working in settings or childminders in our Stronger Practice Hub area (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Wiltshire, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire). We will also prioritise settings and childminders in areas of deprivation.

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: SEND Network: Sensory Food Challenges and Restrictive Eaters’ with Catherine Jeans – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new regional online network designed specifically for early years leaders in PVI settings, taking place online on the first Wednesday of every month.

Leadership Matters is your space to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside like-minded professionals across our region. Whether you’re looking to share best practices, explore new ideas, or build supportive professional connections, this network is for you.

Why join?

• Connect with fellow early years leaders
• Share experiences and practical strategies
• Stay informed on current priorities and developments
• Strengthen your leadership practice in a supportive environment

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: Leadership Matters Network (July 2026) – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

This free online module is for anyone working in an education setting, whether they are practitioners, teachers, lecturers, teaching assistants, school meals supervisors, site staff, office staff, members of SLT.

This training is an awareness-raising module that introduces autism and the Three Areas of Difference: Social Understanding and Communication, Flexibility, Information Process and Understanding and Sensory Processing and Integration. 

We explore these Three  Areas of Difference in terms of strengths and support needs and identify some initial reasonable adjustments that need to be considered when supporting autistic children/young people.

 To book a place please email direct to tradingwithschools@bristol.gov.uk who will send a joining link nearer the time

This session is for Early Years Practitioners and Early Years Teachers in schools in Bristol.

This whole day, face-to-face course will support you to embed the Early Years Foundation Stage in your school whilst ensuring that children and families are at the heart of good practice. It will cover three areas:

Principles of EYFS
We will explore the four themes of EYFS, Characteristics of Effective Learning, Prime areas and will refer to the new early learning goals and reformed educational programmes in the EYFS.

Observation, Assessment and Planning
We will consider the principles of effective observational assessment and how this supports planning that supports all children to be motivated lifelong learners.

The Role of the Adult and an Enabling Environment
We will understand more about the key person approach, the importance of relationship-based practice and consider how to develop an effective learning environment.

This training is facilitated by Ali Carrington (SPH and Bristol EYs Consultant).

Unfortunately, due to limited places, we can only accept bookings from Bristol schools and a maximum of 2 staff per school.

This is being delivered by the SPH in collaboration with Bristol Early Years.

If it is Sold Out, you can email us to be added to the waiting list: sph@beyth.co.uk

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: New to EYFS (For Early Years Practitioners in Bristol Schools Only) CPD

This insightful session explores the deeper meaning behind the rhythms and routines of the baby room. Far from being just a timetable, the daily flow provides security, nurtures relationships, and supports early development. Join us as we reflect on how responsive care, intentional interactions, and a well-paced environment can transform routine moments into rich opportunities for connection and learning.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: The Rhythm of the Baby Room: So Much More Than a Daily Routine

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new regional online network designed specifically for early years leaders in PVI settings, taking place online on the first Wednesday of every month.

Leadership Matters is your space to connect, collaborate, and grow alongside like-minded professionals across our region. Whether you’re looking to share best practices, explore new ideas, or build supportive professional connections, this network is for you.

Why join?

• Connect with fellow early years leaders
• Share experiences and practical strategies
• Stay informed on current priorities and developments
• Strengthen your leadership practice in a supportive environment

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: Leadership Matters Network (August 2026) – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

In this reflective session, we will explore how representation supports identity, belonging and emotional security from the very start. Together, we will consider:

• What do babies notice about difference and similarity?
• How does representation influence attachment and a sense of safety?
• What messages does our environment communicate, intentionally or unintentionally?

Join us for a chance to pause, reflect, and think together about how we create environments where every baby can see themselves and others valued and respected.

Book now with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub: Talking About… Babies, Identity, Belonging and Representation – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub

Childminder Network: Let’s Talk About Care Needs – Sleep and Nutrition

Are you a childminder looking to connect with others? Our Network Meetings are the perfect opportunity to meet fellow childminders, share experiences and reflect on ways to develop your practice and business. 

Join us for a scheduled, online gathering designed for genuine connection. These aren’t just networking events; they are safe spaces for shared learning, problem-solving, and emotional support. Swap strategies, discuss the latest policy changes, and build a reliable circle of professionals who truly understand your day-to-day challenges.

How do you manage to adapt your childminding around individual children’s needs and parents’ requirements? Are you struggling to adapt to the new nutritional guidance and finding it challenging to have conversations with parents? Do you follow the safer sleep recommendations? Come discuss these concerns and more with others who have had similar experiences and issues.

Book with the Stronger Practice Hub: Childminder Network: Let’s Talk About Care Needs – Sleep and Nutrition – Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub