Courses

Other training opportunities including mandatory training

Visit Bolton's Learning and Development - Working with Children webpage for more information. 

New time limited, fully-funded training for wraparound providers in Bolton can be found on our news webpages.

Find Your Course


Department for Education Early Years Child Development Training

31-08-2025

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

New GMCA WellComm Training | 16th and 30th September 2025 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

16-09-2025

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 Thursday 18th September 2025 (10 Weeks) | 9:30am - 12:00pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

18-09-2025

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.

Attention Autism CPD Training Offer: Starts Thursday 25th September to 23rd October 2025

25-09-2025

Attention Autism programmes are suitable for all EY children, both those with and without social communication difficulties. EY learning can be delivered inclusively through this model to great effect with a strong emphasis on speech, language and attention skills as well as the promotion of PSE skills. If this course is oversubscribed, priority will be given to schools and settings with high numbers of inclusion fund children, areas of deprivation and settings which have not accessed the training before.

Top Tips for Inclusive Practice in Reception | 25th September 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm

25-09-2025

A face to face session at Tonge Family Hub. This is an opportunity to consider best practice to meet SEND needs in reception class. Max two per setting.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 26th September 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

26-09-2025

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.

Briefing for Early Years Leads in Schools | 1st October 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm

01-10-2025

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: The Oak Room, Inclusive Education and Learning Centre, C/o Bolton SICT, Smithills Dean Road, BL6 1JT.

Raising Early Achievement in Literacy - Making it REAL in Bolton | 2 Day Training - 3rd and 10th October 2025 (plus 3 network events) | 9:00am to 4:00pm

03-10-2025

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. This is a training programme for group providers who deliver the EYFS to funded 2, 3 and 4-year-olds and children in reception.

Supporting Multilingual Children and Families | 7th October 2025 | 10:00am - 12:30pm

07-10-2025

A workshop jointly delivered by the Early Years Communication and Language Development Service (EYCLDS) and the Achievement, Cohesion and Integration Service (ACIS). For practitioners in schools and settings working with children aged 0-5 for whom English is an additional language. Discover resources, strategies and activities to support and engage children and hear about the services available in Bolton.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 8th October 2025 | 12:30pm - 3:00pm

08-10-2025

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.

EYFS Leadership Network Meeting for Schools | 8th October 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm

08-10-2025

This facilitated network opportunity allows EYFS Leaders in schools to review key topics at opportune points throughout the academic year, with time in between for self-reflection. Meeting venue: St James CE Primary Farnworth

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 8th October 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

08-10-2025

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.

EYFS Briefing for Daycare Providers | 14th October 2025 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm

14-10-2025

This face to face briefing at Harvey Family Hub, will include national and local news and updates from Quality and Outcomes, SEND, Communication and Language and partner services for practitioners in Bolton Daycare settings.

EYFS Briefing for Childminders | 14th October 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

14-10-2025

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

Bringing Start Well Stories to Life - For Established Practitioners | 15th October 2025 | 9:30am - 11:30am

15-10-2025

Want to feel more confident at story time? On the lookout for new games and ideas to add to your early years toolbox? Looking for accessible ways to pull a Start Well story off the page? Join Alice to learn new skills and build confidence in making story time more interactive for the children you work with.

Bringing Start Well Stories to Life - For Beginners | 15th October | 12:30pm - 2:30pm

15-10-2025

Want to feel more confident at story time? On the lookout for new games and ideas to add to your early years toolbox? Looking for accessible ways to pull a Start Well story off the page? Join Alice to learn new skills and build confidence in making story time more interactive for the children you work with.

New to Teaching EYFS (QTS / ECT) | 3 Day Course, plus introductory session in September

17-10-2025

This 3-day course is suitable for recently qualified teachers or experienced teachers new to teaching the EYFS. Understand how to observe children's development using the EYFS and develop your confidence in effective observations, assessment, and planning. Lunch and refreshments included. Join the course tutor online on Wednesday 24th September between 2pm-3pm, for an introductory Q&A session to help you get started.

Top Tips for Inclusive Practice in Reception | 23rd October 2025 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm

23-10-2025

A face to face session at Harvey Family Hub. This is an opportunity to consider best practice to meet SEND needs in reception class. Max two per setting.

Inspiring Early Years Practice: A Course For Teaching Assistants | 24th October 2025 | 9:15am - 3:30pm

24-10-2025

This face to face session will support participants to build a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through practical activities and discussion with experienced practitioners.

Transition Policy into Practice | 13th November 2025 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm

13-11-2025

Providing the opportunity to look at an example Early Years Transition document to help you review and write your own transition policy. We will focus on how policy is put into practice in your EYFS setting and reflect on transition in general, through discussion and activities. In addition, we will explore effective SEND transitions.

Physical Literacy Action Research Group: Cohort 1 | 19th November 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm | Plus Half-Termly Network Sessions Until July 2026

19-11-2025

Join Cohort 1 of the Physical Literacy Action Research Group and take part in a light-touch, high-impact professional learning opportunity that builds on a successful pilot with early years settings across Bolton. This action research project explores how physical literacy, more than just physical activity, can be embedded into everyday EYFS practice.

Early Years and Childcare Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) Network Meeting | 26th November 2025 | 9:30am - 12:30pm

26-11-2025

For DSLs (and Deputy DSLs) in PVI settings only. This annual 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.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 26th November and 10th December 2025 | 1:30pm - 4:30pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

26-11-2025

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.

Everyday Communication: The 5 Golden Rules in Action | 15th January 2026 | 9:30am - 12:00noon

15-01-2026

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 | 15th January 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

15-01-2026

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 | 15th January 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

15-01-2026

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.

Raising Early Achievement in Literacy - Making it REAL in Bolton | 2 Day Training - 21 and 28 January 2026 (plus 3 network events) | 9:00am to 4:00pm

21-01-2026

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. This is a training programme for group providers who deliver the EYFS to funded 2, 3 and 4-year-olds and children in reception.

Online EYFS Briefing for Bolton Schools, Daycare, Out of School Clubs and Childminders | 27th January 2026 | 9:30am - 11:30pm

27-01-2026

This live online briefing will include national and local news and updates from Quality and Outcomes, SEND, Communication and Language and partner services. We aim to record the briefing for practitioners to access later for personal development or team reflections and discussion.

2 Year Old Network Event | 29th January 2026 | 9:30am - 11:30am

29-01-2026

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.

Supporting Multilingual Children and Families | 5th February 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm

05-02-2026

A workshop jointly delivered by the Early Years Communication and Language Development Service (EYCLDS) and the Achievement, Cohesion and Integration Service (ACIS). For practitioners in schools and settings working with children aged 0-5 for whom English is an additional language. Discover resources, strategies and activities to support and engage children and hear about the services available in Bolton.

Physical Literacy in the Early Years Conference | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 9:30am - 4:00pm

11-02-2026

Moving Minds, Moving Bodies: Building Confidence, Capable Learners Through Physical Literacy. This year’s conference aims to inspire early years practitioners to recognise the vital role of physical literacy in every child’s development. Physical literacy is more than movement—it’s about nurturing confidence, motivation, and competence in physical activity to support lifelong wellbeing. Throughout the day, we will explore how high-quality physical development opportunities can positively impact children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Practitioners will be encouraged to reflect on how to create inclusive, engaging environments that promote movement, play, and exploration for all children.

2 Year Old Network Event | 26th February 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

26-02-2026

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.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 12th and 26th March 2026 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

12-03-2026

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.

Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) Workshop | 20th April 2026 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm

20-04-2026

A face to face workshop to find out more about using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in your setting or school. This session is for you if you do not have an ASQ pack in your setting or if you already have one but do not have anyone trained to use it.

ELKLAN 0-3s | Weekly from Tuesday 21st April 2026 (10 Weeks) | 9:30am - 12:00pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

21-04-2026

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.

Bolton Early Years Community of Practice Network | 23rd April 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

23-04-2026

This 'Community of Practice' will have a communication, language and literacy focus. Find out more about the Family Hub Network, supporting parents to improve outcomes for children in communication, language and literacy. Family Hub Practitioners and EYCLDS will share their planning for stay and play and parent child interaction groups. Practitioners will share the key messages they share with parents at Let’s Get Talking and Chat, Play, Read.

New GMCA WellComm Training | 8th and 22nd May 2026 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Harvey Start Well Centre

08-05-2026

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.

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.

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.

E-learning | Childminders: What to expect from your inspection

27-07-2026

This hour long webinar is available to watch in your own time on the Bolton Start Well E-learning platform. Hear from Rachel Flesher HMI, Early Years Senior Officer and Jenny Burgeen, Early Years Regulatory Inspector, about how inspectors conduct inspections. Gain an understanding of how to prepare for your inspection and what to expect! For registered Childminders in Bolton.

E-learning | Daycare: What to expect from your inspection

27-07-2026

This hour long webinar is available to watch in your own time on the Bolton Start Well E-learning platform. Hear from Rachel Flesher HMI, Early Years Senior Officer and Patricia Graham, Early Years Regulatory Inspector, about how inspectors conduct inspections. Gain an understanding of how to prepare for your inspection and what to expect! For Leaders and Mangers in Daycare settings.

E-learning | Out of School Clubs: What to expect from your inspection

27-07-2026

This hour long webinar is available to watch in your own time on the Bolton Start Well E-learning platform. Hear from Rachel Flesher HMI, Early Years Senior Officer for Ofsted and Katie Sparrow, Early Years Regulatory Inspector, about how inspectors conduct inspections. Gain an understanding of how to prepare for your inspection and what to expect! For Leaders and Mangers in Out of School Clubs.

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

28-07-2026

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

28-07-2026

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)

29-07-2026

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

29-07-2026

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

29-07-2026

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)

29-07-2026

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

30-07-2026

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 | Early Years Based Information Carrying (EYBIC) Work Pack

30-07-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Find out more about practical ideas, strategies and effective intervention that supports children at risk of speech and language delay.

E-learning | Embedding a Language Rich Environment

30-07-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Use your communication and language toolkit to develop sequenced, progressive communication and language provision. Enabling adults as the main resource.

E-learning | Introduction to the Role of a Communication Champion

30-07-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Learn more about the role of the Communication Champion and ways to embed communication and language in your setting.

E-learning | Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL)

30-07-2026

This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Explore essential knowledge and tools to support families and children for whom English is an additional language.

E-learning | The Role of the Early Years SENCO

30-07-2026

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

31-07-2026

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

31-07-2026

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

31-07-2026

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.