Courses

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

04-09-2025

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.

10-09-2025

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

19-09-2025

This workshop is designed to develop participant’s knowledge of early communication and language development. It will explore the importance of effective adult-child interaction strategies and how to use them to support children’s communication development.

22-09-2025

Supporting practitioners to implement graduated approach following the cycle of action For EYFS staff supporting children in receipt of Inclusion Fund, EYFS Leaders, EYFS SENCOs, and all EYFS practitioners The session provides a forum for EYFS practitioners to support Early Intervention and Early Intervention in line with The Code of Practice

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.

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.

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.

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.

07-10-2025

Jointly delivered by The Educational Psychology Service, Start Well and Woodbridge SEND services this full day course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of attachment theory, factors that influence behaviour and positive intervention approaches. You’ll explore how the dynamics of early relationships influence how children interact.

07-10-2025

Offers practical, hands-on strategies for practitioners to support young children's sensory regulation and nervous system awareness. Grounded in approaches such as sensory circuits and Polyvagal Theory, the session explores how to build effective co-regulation practices and create personalised toolkits that help children feel safe, calm, and ready to engage. Ideal for early years settings, this training empowers practitioners to better understand and respond to the sensory and emotional needs of the children in their care

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.

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.

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

08-10-2025

A drop-in 'surgery' for all Bolton Early Years Practitioners with the responsibility of completing Early Years Inclusion Fund applications. Whether it's your first application, you aren't sure about any part of the process or you have an individual query about an application, come along. You're welcome to bring along any applications you would like to discuss.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

16-10-2025

An opportunity for managers and owners of Out of School Clubs to network and discuss the latest developments in Bolton and nationally. A face to face session at Harvey Family Hub.

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.

20-10-2025

A practical training session designed to help practitioners create rich opportunities for interaction, joint attention, and early communication. With a focus on supporting children with social communication needs, including those on the ASC – BSCIP pathway, the session explores total communication approaches by integrating Signalong, visual supports, and communication symbols.

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.

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.

06-11-2025

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 include information to support children's sensory needs.

06-11-2025

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 include information to support children's sensory needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

28-11-2025

Supporting good practice for working collaboratively with parents and carers of children with SEND needs For EYFS staff supporting children in receipt of Inclusion Fund, ETFS Leaders, EYFS SENCOs, and all EYFS practitioners

08-01-2026

MUST BE BOOKED BY COMPLETION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM. Attention Autism programmes are suitable for all Early Years children, both those with and without social communication difficulties. Early Years 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 Personal Social and Emotional 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

21-01-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

22-01-2026

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 include information to support children's sensory needs.

22-01-2026

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 include information to support children's sensory needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

26-02-2026

The session provides a forum for EYFS practitioners to gain an understanding of how they can support children’s physical and sensory needs For EYFS staff supporting children in receipt of Inclusion Fund, ETFS Leaders, EYFS SENCOs, and all EYFS practitioners

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.

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.

18-03-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.