Courses

Mandatory training and other courses

Visit Bolton's Learning and Development - Working with Children webpage for access to First Aid, Safeguarding, Childminder, and Health and Safety courses. 

Free Bolton Mental Health Training Programme 2026-2027

Access business development support and training: GM Business Growth Hub.

Join one of the free 45 min BBC CBeebies Champion Training session.

 

Find Your Course


Good Autism Practice | 16th June 2026 | 9:30am - 2:00pm

16-06-2026

Delivered by Green Fold Special School, in this course you will: Focus on the importance of getting to know children and how their autism affects them, and look at examples of distressed behaviours and how these can be supported through a range of strategies, approaches, and reasonable adjustments. For practitioners working in wraparound and holiday childcare.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 17th June 2026 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

17-06-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 17th June 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

17-06-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 17th June 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

17-06-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

SENCO Network | 18th June 2026 | 3:45pm - 5:45pm

18-06-2026

This termly face to face network event offers Early Years SENCOs the opportunity to come together, engage in CPD and share experiences, challenges and solutions. The session will focus on speech and language and attention autism.

SENCO Network | 18th June 2026 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

18-06-2026

This termly face to face network event offers Early Years SENCOs the opportunity to come together, engage in CPD and share experiences, challenges and solutions. The session will focus on speech and language and attention autism.

Workshop for Professionals: Engaging Dads in the Perinatal Period (Conception - 2 years) | 22 June 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00pm | Tonge Family Hub

22-06-2026

A face to face workshop hosted by: Dad Matters (Home-Start Host). For anyone working with families during the perinatal period (conception to 2 years old).

Annual Communication Champion Workshop | 1st July 2026 | 10:30am - 12:00noon

01-07-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! The workshop is an opportunity for new and experienced Communication Champions to come together, reflect on communication and language in your setting, school or service and share experiences, news and updates. This annual workshop is in addition to the termly Communication and Language updates at the Early Years and Childcare Briefing.

Annual Communication Champion Workshop | 1st July 2026 | 4:15pm - 5:45pm

01-07-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! The workshop is an opportunity for new and experienced Communication Champions to come together, reflect on communication and language in your setting, school or service and share experiences, news and updates. This annual workshop is in addition to the termly Communication and Language updates at the Early Years and Childcare Briefing.

Annual Communication Champion Workshop | 1st July 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

01-07-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! The workshop is an opportunity for new and experienced Communication Champions to come together, reflect on communication and language in your setting, school or service and share experiences, news and updates. This annual workshop is in addition to the termly Communication and Language updates at the Early Years and Childcare Briefing.

Raising Early Achievement in Literacy - Making it REAL in Bolton | 2 Day Training - 8th and 9th July 2026 (plus 3 network events) | 9:30am to 4:00pm

08-07-2026

Making it REAL is an evidence-based approach to improve outcomes for young children based on the original REAL study of Cathy Nutbrown and Peter Hannon at the University of Sheffield.

Childminders Safeguarding Network | 8th July 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

08-07-2026

For childminders only. This annual network event allows childminders the opportunity to keep up to date with safeguarding news, access CPD opportunities and to network with others in Bolton. You will hear from Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership and LADO colleagues.

Department for Education Early Years Child Development Training | Complete Online Anytime

09-07-2026

Free DfE online training covering child and brain development, PSED and Communication and Language. Training accessed via https://child-development-training.education.gov.uk/

Multilingual Training (CYP) | YouTube - Watch Now (25m)

09-07-2026

Watch this free webinar for early years on YouTube. Presented by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The presentation is 25 minutes long and will help to provide clarification on terminology, will support development of your confidence and understanding of the evidence base around multilingualism, and dispel some of the commonly held myths around multilingualism and learning multiple languages. As this webinar is available via YouTube, you can watch at your convenience.

Our Kids, Their Screens, The Evidence | YouTube - Watch Now (1h 30m)

09-07-2026

Watch this free, local government webinar (on YouTube), produced by 'Health Professionals for Safer Screens'. Hear the latest evidence and research. Know how screens are impacting on our children’s development and find out what can we do in early years.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 20th August 2026 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

20-08-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 20th August 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

20-08-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 20th August 2026 | 6:15pm - 8:45pm

20-08-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 16th September 2026 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

16-09-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 16th September 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

16-09-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 16th September 2026 | 6:15pm - 8:45pm

16-09-2026

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 18th September and 2nd October 2026 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Harvey Best Start Family Hub

18-09-2026

This New Gold Standard 'GMCA WellComm Training' provides participants with a deeper level of knowledge and the skills to know how to effectively use both the WellComm screen and the interventions. Join us for 2 half-day sessions as we focus on the use of the WellComm as a screening tool and undertake a deep dive into the interventions, results monitoring, and how we review progress.

ELKLAN 3-5s | Weekly from Tuesday 22nd September 2026 (10 Weeks) | 9:30am - 12:00pm | Great Lever Family Hub

22-09-2026

ELKLAN 3-5s is a 10-week accredited course for EYPs working with children aged 3-5 years and their families. The course is externally accredited. Discover ELKLAN teaching methods and activities designed to support and engage children. Part-funded for settings and schools.

Network Event for those Working with 2 Year-olds | 24th September 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

24-09-2026

As part of our shared ambition to 'narrow the gap' in Bolton, focusing on the most vulnerable children, we are working with providers of early education places to continue the 2-year-old network events on a biannual basis. Sessions will provide a forum for colleagues to focus on pedagogy, practice, and will allow for discussions on specific topics.

Network Event for those Working with 2 Year-olds | 25th September 2026 | 9:30am - 11:30am

25-09-2026

As part of our shared ambition to 'narrow the gap' in Bolton, focusing on the most vulnerable children, we are working with providers of early education places to continue the 2-year-old network events on a biannual basis. Sessions will provide a forum for colleagues to focus on pedagogy, practice, and will allow for discussions on specific topics.

Empowering Parents and Educators to Keep Children Safe in the Digital World | Online Via Zoom | 25th September 2026 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

25-09-2026

Multiple Session Dates and Times. Sessions provided by Fortalice for early years practitioners in Bolton. Book directly with Fortalice. See description for details.

Schools EYFS Network Briefing | 14th October 2026 | 9:00am - 11:30am

14-10-2026

This in person briefing for Early Years Leads in Schools will include national and local news and updates from Start Well and partner services; it will help support professional development and leadership of the EYFS. Venue: Harvey Family Hub, Shaw Street, Bolton BL3 6HU

Daycare EYFS Network Briefing | 14th October 2026 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm

14-10-2026

This facilitated network event allows Managers and Room Leaders in settings the opportunity to review key topics at opportune points throughout the academic year, with time in between for self-reflection. The main focus of this session will be "The Best Start in Life". Venue: Harvey Family Hub, Shaw Street, Bolton BL3 6HU

Childminders EYFS Network Briefing | 14th October 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

14-10-2026

Keeping you up to date on all the latest developments in the Early Years Foundation Stage to support your professional development. This briefing will take place at Harvey Family Hub.

Out of School Club (OOSC) EYFS Network Briefing | 21st October 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Online

21-10-2026

An opportunity for registered Out of School Providers in Bolton to meet their peers and discuss contemporary issues affecting OOSC's.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 9th November and 23rd November 2026 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Harvey Best Start Family Hub

09-11-2026

This New Gold Standard 'GMCA WellComm Training' provides participants with a deeper level of knowledge and the skills to know how to effectively use both the WellComm screen and the interventions. Join us for 2 half-day sessions as we focus on the use of the WellComm as a screening tool and undertake a deep dive into the interventions, results monitoring, and how we review progress.

Early Years and Childcare Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) Network Meeting | 11th November 2026 | 9:15am - 11:45am

11-11-2026

For DSLs (and Deputy DSLs) in PVI settings only. This termly network event allows DSLs the opportunity to keep up to date with safeguarding news, access CPD opportunities and to network with other DSLs in Bolton. You will hear from Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership and LADO colleagues. This term the event will take place at The Bridge Church.

E-learning | Get Bolton Reading Golden Nuggets 0-3s

28-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. This course creatively explores how every child communication resources and the Start Well Stories can be used to develop two crucial aspects of early reading development: Word recognition and language comprehension for children under 3 years old.

E-learning | Get Bolton Reading Golden Nuggets 3-4s

28-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. This course creatively explores how every child communication resources and the Start Well Stories can be used to develop two crucial aspects of early reading development: Word recognition and language comprehension for children aged 3-4 years.

E-Learning Package | Teaching Maths in the Early Years (Includes The Number Journey and Turing NW Maths Hub)

29-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Bolton Start Well in collaboration with The Turing North West Maths Hub have developed this interactive E-learning package. The package includes four modules: 1. Number Journey 2. Counting and Cardinality 3. Subitising 4. Spatial Awareness

E-learning | Mark Making to Writing Journey

29-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. The interactive course is designed to help practitioners to support children in early years education to develop the physical skills needed to become confident writers. Please allow up to 2½ hours to complete the full course, although you can stop and restart at any point.

E-learning | Phase 1 Phonics

29-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. A focus on developing phonological awareness, the building blocks for reading and writing.

E-learning | The Early Communication and Language Journey (including BLANK and ICW)

29-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Designed to help practitioners understand typical communication and language development of early years children. This package includes three modules: 1. Communication and Language Journey 2. Information Carrying Words 3. BLANK Level Questions. This course was rewritten in June 2023 following the revised EYFS and updated Communication and Language Pathway.

E-learning | Behaviour and self-regulation in the early years

30-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. This course aims to support practitioners to learn ways to manage inappropriate behaviour and conflict in early years and understand how to prevent meltdowns and misunderstandings.

E-learning | The Role of the Early Years SENCO

30-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Meeting the needs of children with SEND in the Early Years.

E-learning | An Introduction to the WellComm Toolkit for Childminders

31-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. E-learning for Childminders in Bolton which will focus on the WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit training and how to access the resources.

E-learning | WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit

31-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. This e-learning training is aimed at those who have already completed WellComm face to face training. Learn how to identify young children at risk of speech, language or communication difficulties and support them to improve their language skills.

E-learning | WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit for Public Health Nurses

31-12-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. The interactive course will help Public Health Nurses to learn how to identify young children at risk of speech, language or communication difficulties and support them to improve their language skills.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 25th January 2027 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

25-01-2027

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 25th January 2027 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

25-01-2027

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 25th February and 11th March 2027 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Harvey Best Start Family Hub

25-02-2027

This New Gold Standard 'GMCA WellComm Training' provides participants with a deeper level of knowledge and the skills to know how to effectively use both the WellComm screen and the interventions. Join us for 2 half-day sessions as we focus on the use of the WellComm as a screening tool and undertake a deep dive into the interventions, results monitoring, and how we review progress.

Early Years and Childcare Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) Network Meeting | 9th March 2027 | 9:30am - 11:00am

09-03-2027

For DSLs (and Deputy DSLs) in PVI settings only. This termly network event allows DSLs the opportunity to keep up to date with safeguarding news, access CPD opportunities and to network with other DSLs in Bolton. You will hear from Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership and LADO colleagues. This term the event will take place online.

ELKLAN 0-3s | Weekly from Wednesday 21st April 2027 (10 Weeks) | 1:00pm - 3:30pm | Harvey Best Start Family Hub

21-04-2027

ELKLAN 0-3s is a 10-week accredited course for EYPs working with children aged 0-3 years and their families. The course is externally accredited. Discover ELKLAN teaching methods and activities designed to support and engage children. Part-funded for settings and schools.

Schools EYFS Network Briefing | 29th April 2027 | 9:00am - 11:30am

29-04-2027

This in person briefing for Early Years Leads in Schools will include national and local news and updates from Start Well and partner services; it will help support professional development and leadership of the EYFS. Venue: Harvey Family Hub, Shaw Street, Bolton BL3 6HU

Daycare EYFS Network Briefings | 29th April 2027 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm

29-04-2027

This facilitated network event allows Managers and Room Leaders in settings the opportunity to review key topics at opportune points throughout the academic year, with time in between for self-reflection. The venue for this event is Harvey Family Hub, Shaw Street, Bolton BL3 6HU

Childminders EYFS Network Briefing | 29th April 2027 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

29-04-2027

Keeping you up to date on all the latest developments in the Early Years Foundation Stage to support your professional development. This briefing will take place at Harvey Family Hub.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 11th May 2027 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

11-05-2027

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 11th May 2027 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

11-05-2027

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 11th May 2027 | 6:15pm - 8:45pm

11-05-2027

Communication is everyone's responsibility! This 2.5 hour workshop is an opportunity for everyone who works with 0-5 year old’s and their families to find out more about the 5 Golden Rules for Communication. New and experienced practitioners will explore how the 5 Golden Rules for Communication can be used every day to support children’s speech, language and communication.

Out of School Club (OOSC) EYFS Network Briefing | 20th May 2027 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Harvey Family Hub

20-05-2027

An opportunity for registered Out of School Providers in Bolton to meet their peers and discuss contemporary issues affecting OOSC's.

Childminders Safeguarding Network | 6th July 2027 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

06-07-2027

For childminders only. This annual network event allows childminders the opportunity to keep up to date with safeguarding news, access CPD opportunities and to network with others in Bolton. You will hear from Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership and LADO colleagues.

Early Years and Childcare Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) Network Meeting | 8th July 2027 | 9:30am - 11:00am

08-07-2027

For DSLs (and Deputy DSLs) in PVI settings only. This termly network event allows DSLs the opportunity to keep up to date with safeguarding news, access CPD opportunities and to network with other DSLs in Bolton. You will hear from Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership and LADO colleagues. This term the event will take place online.