Courses

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.

09-07-2026

Free DfE online training covering 8 modules: Understanding child development and the EYFS; Brain development and how children learn; Supporting children's PSE, language and physical development; mathematics, effective curriculum and assessment and supporting individual differences and needs. Training accessed via https://child-development-training.education.gov.uk/

09-07-2026

Watch now on YouTube.

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.

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.

14-07-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

23-07-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

17-09-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

29-09-2026

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.

07-10-2026

Supporting good practice for working collaboratively with parents and carers of children with SEND needs, jointly delivered by Bolton Parent Carers

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

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

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.

16-10-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

21-10-2026

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

05-11-2026

Aided Language Stimulation is an alternative communication system that can support children with severe communication difficulties. The workshop will give an overview of this system and offer examples of how and where ALS can be used within a childcare setting.

05-11-2026

Aided Language Stimulation is an alternative communication system that can support children with severe communication difficulties. The workshop will give an overview of this system and offer examples of how and where ALS can be used within a childcare setting.

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.

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.

12-11-2026

This workshop is designed as a session focusing on positive attachments, identification of factors that influence behaviours and positive intervention approaches. The workshop uses interactive teaching methods, practical activities and group discussion to engage learners.

25-11-2026

Develops understanding of how children process sensory information and how this impacts regulation, behaviour and engagement, with practical strategies to create inclusive, sensory-aware environments. Delivered by Woodbridge.

03-12-2026

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

14-01-2027

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.

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.

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.

28-01-2027

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 ND Pathway, the session explores total communication by integrating a range of communication approaches including visual supports, and communication symbols

03-02-2027

This session will focus on the tools that can be used to identify and capture small steps in children’s progress. The session uses interactive teaching methods, practical activities and group discussion to engage learners.

11-02-2027

Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

03-03-2027

Develops understanding of how children process sensory information and how this impacts regulation, behaviour and engagement, with practical strategies to create inclusive, sensory-aware environments. Delivered by Woodbridge.

08-03-2027

This workshop is designed as a session focusing on positive attachments, identification of factors that influence behaviours and positive intervention approaches. The workshop uses interactive teaching methods, practical activities and group discussion to engage learners.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

14-05-2027

Explores how to build children’s confidence, self-help skills and autonomy through consistent routines, enabling environments and responsive adult support, supporting children to grow in independence from an early age.

20-05-2027

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

26-05-2027

Delivered by Sugarlumps, in this session learn how to facilitate play and creativity through activities to support focus, engagement, and concentration. For EYFS staff supporting children in receipt of Inclusion Fund as well as EYFS Leaders, EYFS SENCOs, and all EYFS practitioners

26-05-2027

Delivered by Sugarlumps, in this session learn how to facilitate play and creativity through activities to support focus, engagement, and concentration. For EYFS staff supporting children in receipt of Inclusion Fund as well as EYFS Leaders, EYFS SENCOs, and all EYFS practitioners

24-06-2027

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.

24-06-2027

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.

24-06-2027

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.

06-07-2027

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 ND Pathway, the session explores total communication by integrating a range of communication approaches including visual supports, and communication symbols

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.

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.