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

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.

SENIF - Supporting Early Communication and Language Development | 19th September 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00noon
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.

SENIF - Early Identification and Early Intervention for Early Years SEND | 22nd September 2025 | 9:30am to 3:00pm
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

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.

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.

SENIF - A Holistic Approach for Supporting Emotional Development | 7th October 2025 | 9:30am to 3:30pm
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.

SENIF - The Early Years Regulation Toolkit | 13th October 2025 | 9:30am to 3:30pm
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

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.

Inclusion Fund Process Support Drop-in | 8th October 2025 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
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.

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.

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.

SENIF - Early Connections: Supporting Social Communication, Attention, and Learning | 20th October 2025 | 9:30am to 3:30pm
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.

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.

SENIF - Effective Parent Carer Partnerships for Children with SEND needs | 28th November 2025 | 9:30am to 3:30pm
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

Attention Autism CPD Training Offer: Express your Interest for a January 2026 Start
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.

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.

SENIF - Accessibility for Children with Additional Physical Needs | 26th February 2026 | 9:30am - 3:30pm
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

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.
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 | 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 | 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.

Department for Education Early Years Child Development Training | Complete Online Anytime
31-07-2026
Free DfE online training covering child and brain development, PSED and Communication and Language. Training accessed via https://child-development-training.education.gov.uk/