Courses
GM Business Growth Hub: Access to training and apprenticeship programmes
The GM Skills Map offers lots of courses that can be accessed by the early years, education and childcare workforce. This offers an opportunity for continued professional development and to upskill which can support progression and retention of the workforce.
There is no need to register or log in, users can search for courses using the search bar. There is a range of courses, fully funded, part funded, co-invested or commercial and can be completed in anything from 1 hour to 7 weeks+.
Learn more here: GM Business Growth Hub: Skills Map and Leaflet.
Find Your Course

WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit | 20th May 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00pm
20-05-2025
A face-to-face training session. Learn how the WellComm Toolkit fits into the Bolton Communication and Language Pathway to help identify young children at risk of speech, language or communication difficulties and support them to improve their language skills.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Early Years Tax Planning and Financial Strategies | 20th May 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
20-05-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Early Years Music Network Meetings | 20th May 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Bolton (Mere Hall)
20-05-2025
Bolton Music Service invite Early Years Practitioners, Managers and Leaders to attend their Early Years Music Networks - come along and try out songs and activities; share good practice, ideas and material. Book directly at https://boltonmusicservice.com/cpd/

Early Years Solution Circle for SEND and Inclusion | 22nd May 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
22-05-2025
Following the success of 'Supporting Inclusive Practice in Reception', we are offering a further multiagency solution circle workshop for all early years education and childcare providers in Bolton. For PVIs, Schools, Practitioners, Managers, Senior Leaders, EYFS Leaders, EY SENCOs, Childminders. Jointly delivered by Bolton Start Well, The Educational Psychology Service, and EYCLDS.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Early Years: From Levy to Learning | 3rd June 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
03-06-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Early Years Music Network Meetings | 3rd June 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Blackburn with Darwen (The Bureau for the Arts)
03-06-2025
Bolton Music Service invite Early Years Practitioners, Managers and Leaders to attend their Early Years Music Networks - come along and try out songs and activities; share good practice, ideas and material. Book directly: https://boltonmusicservice.com/cpd/

Ages and Stages Questionnaires Workshop (ASQ) | 5th June 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
05-06-2025
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.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Early Years Growth: Smart Strategies to Boost Occupancy | 10th June 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
10-06-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Getting Started with Bolton Early Years Inclusive Quality Award | 12th June 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
12-06-2025
The Bolton Early Years Inclusive Quality Award, is an accreditation to promote and celebrate inclusive practice in Bolton. Are you excited to celebrate your inclusive practice? Is inclusive practice a strength of your setting? If so, the Bolton Early Years Inclusive Quality Award is for you! Are you keen to develop your inclusive practice? If so, using the Inclusion Quality Award Standards with the support of Start Well advisers, could be your next step. Bolton has developed an Early Years Inclusive Quality Award alongside partners.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Early Years Growth: Smart Strategies to Boost Occupancy | 12th June 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Online
12-06-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Early Years Solution Circle for SEND and Inclusion | 12th June 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
12-06-2025
Following the success of 'Supporting Inclusive Practice in Reception', we are offering a further multiagency solution circle workshop for all early years education and childcare providers in Bolton. For PVIs, Schools, Practitioners, Managers, Senior Leaders, EYFS Leaders, EY SENCOs, Childminders. Jointly delivered by Bolton Start Well, The Educational Psychology Service, and EYCLDS.

EYFS Briefing for Schools and Daycare Providers (Online) | 13th June 2025 | 9:00am - 10:30am
13-06-2025
This online briefing will include national and local news and updates from Quality and Outcomes, SEND, Communication and Language and partner services for practitioners in Schools and Daycare settings.

Working with Under 3s: The Environment | 16th June 2025 | 9:30am - 11:30am
16-06-2025
These workshops are planned to support those who work with children aged 3 years and under. Each workshop will have a different focus and will provide practical ideas to help enhance children’s early experiences. This workshop will focus on 'The Environment'.

EYFS Briefing for Childminders | 17th June 2025 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm
17-06-2025
Keeping you up to date on all the latest developments in the Early Years Foundation Stage to support your professional development. This session will be held online.

SENCO Network | 18th June 2025 | 3:45pm - 5:45pm
18-06-2025
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.

SENCO Network | 18th June 2025 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
18-06-2025
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.

2 Year Old Network Event | 19th June 2025 | 9:30am - 11:00am
19-06-2025
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.

Daycare Managers Network Meeting | 25th June 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
25-06-2025
This facilitated network opportunity will allow managers and leads in Bolton Daycare settings the opportunity to come together to look at key topics in the summer term. Session focus: partnership working. Meeting venue: The Valley Community Primary School.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Safer Recruitment | 26th June 2025 | TBC | Online
26-06-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Early Years Solution Circle for SEND and Inclusion | 26th June 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
26-06-2025
Following the success of 'Supporting Inclusive Practice in Reception', we are offering a further multiagency solution circle workshop for all early years education and childcare providers in Bolton. For PVIs, Schools, Practitioners, Managers, Senior Leaders, EYFS Leaders, EY SENCOs, Childminders. Jointly delivered by Bolton Start Well, The Educational Psychology Service, and EYCLDS.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Future-Ready Nurseries: Harnessing AI to Enhance EYFS Practice | 1st July 2025 | 10:00am - 11:00am | Online
01-07-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Communication Champion Workshop | 1st July 2025 | 4:15pm - 5:45pm
01-07-2025
Communication is everyone's responsibility! This termly face to face workshop is in addition to the termly Communication and Language updates at the Early Years and Childcare Briefing. The workshop is an opportunity for new and experienced Communication Champions to come together, share experiences, news and updates and engage in CPD topics chosen by the Communication Champions attending.

EYFS Leadership Network Meeting for Schools | 2nd July 2025 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
02-07-2025
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

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Future-Ready Nurseries: Harnessing AI to Enhance EYFS Practice | 3rd July 2025 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Online
03-07-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Early Years Solution Circle for SEND and Inclusion | 3rd July 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
03-07-2025
Following the success of 'Supporting Inclusive Practice in Reception', we are offering a further multiagency solution circle workshop for all early years education and childcare providers in Bolton. For PVIs, Schools, Practitioners, Managers, Senior Leaders, EYFS Leaders, EY SENCOs, Childminders. Jointly delivered by Bolton Start Well, The Educational Psychology Service, and EYCLDS.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Safeguarding | 8th July 2025 | TBC | Online
08-07-2025
By GM Business Growth Hub. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Level 2 Award: Safe Handling and Administration of Medications for Children, Including Ofsted Requirements | 9th July 2025 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
09-07-2025
Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

Safeguarding Policy into Practice | 10th July 2025 | 9:30am - 12:00noon
10-07-2025
This training will provide the opportunity to look at the Bolton Safeguarding Guidance document. We will focus on how policy is put into practice in your EYFS setting and reflect on safeguarding in general, through discussion and activities.

Safeguarding Policy into Practice | 10th July 2025 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm
10-07-2025
This training will provide the opportunity to look at the Bolton Safeguarding Guidance document. We will focus on how policy is put into practice in your EYFS setting and reflect on safeguarding in general, through discussion and activities.

Department for Education Early Years Child Development Training
01-08-2025
Free DfE online training covering child and brain development, PSED and Communication and Language. Training accessed via child-development-training.education.gov.uk

Behaviour and self-regulation in the early years | E-learning
10-08-2025
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.

Embedding a Language Rich Environment | E-learning
10-08-2025
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.

Introduction to the Role of a Communication Champion | E-learning
10-08-2025
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.

Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) | E-learning
10-08-2025
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.

The Role of the Early Years SENCO | E-learning
10-08-2025
This E-Learning package is available upon request to access any time. Meeting the needs of children with SEND in the Early Years.

An Introduction to the WellComm Toolkit for Childminders | E-learning
11-08-2025
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.

WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit | E-learning
11-08-2025
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.

WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit for Public Health Nurses | E-learning
11-08-2025
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.

Mark Making to Writing Journey | E-learning
12-08-2025
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.

Phase 1 Phonics | E-learning
12-08-2025
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.

Teaching Maths in the Early Years | E-Learning Package (Including The Number Journey)
12-08-2025
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

The Early Communication and Language Journey | E-learning (including BLANK & ICW)
12-08-2025
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.

Early Years Based Information Carrying (EYBIC) Work Pack | E-learning
13-08-2025
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.

Get Bolton Reading Golden Nuggets 0-3s | E-learning
14-08-2025
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.

Get Bolton Reading Golden Nuggets 3-4s | E-learning
14-08-2025
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.

Daycare: What to expect from your inspection | E-learning
31-08-2025
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.

Level 2 Award: Safe Handling and Administration of Medications for Children, Including Ofsted Requirements | 10 September 2025 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
10-09-2025
Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

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.

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.

Level 2 Award: Safe Handling and Administration of Medications for Children, Including Ofsted Requirements | 21 January 2026 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
21-01-2026
Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.

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.

Level 2 Award: Safe Handling and Administration of Medications for Children, Including Ofsted Requirements | 18th March 2026 | 9:30am - 4:00pm
18-03-2026
Please book directly with the Learning and Development Service.
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.

Childminders: What to expect from your inspection | E-learning
31-08-25
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.

Out of School Clubs: What to expect from your inspection | E-learning
31-08-25
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.