Courses
Mandatory training and other courses
Visit Bolton's Learning and Development - Working with Children webpage for access to First Aid, Safeguarding and Mental Health and Wellbeing courses.
Access the new Families First fully-funded training for wraparound providers in Bolton (time limited).
Access business development support and training: GM Business Growth Hub.
Find Your Course

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.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Embedding Good Employment in Early Years - An Introduction to the Charter | 21st October 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
21-10-2025
Book at: https://bit.ly/4fU4svP. 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 | 22nd October 2025 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
22-10-2025
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.

Early Years Music Network Meetings | Wednesday 22nd October 2025 | 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Blackburn with Darwen (The Bureau for the Arts)
22-10-2025
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/

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Creating Inclusive Cultures - Embedding Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging in Early Years | 4th November 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am | Online
04-11-2025
Book at: https://bit.ly/4fU4svP. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

Learn to Signalong: A 'Going to School' Introductory Course | Friday 7, 21 November and Friday 5, 12 December 2025 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
07-11-2025
***Book by Friday 24 October to secure your place. Places must be booked directly with the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service of Bolton Foundation Trust.*** Signalong is a method of communication widely used with children and young people who have Speech, Language and Communication needs. The course is suitable for Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Early Years Practitioners.

Daycare Managers Network Meeting | 10th November 2025 | 9:15am - 11:15am
10-11-2025
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 new Ofsted Early Years inspection Framework. Venue: Eagley School House Nursery 2, 598 Darwen Road, Egerton, Bolton BL7 9RY

Bringing Start Well Stories to Life - For Established Practitioners | 11th November 2025 | 9:30am - 11:30am
11-11-2025
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 | 11th November 2025 | 12:30pm - 2:30pm
11-11-2025
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.

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.

GM Business Growth Hub Webinar: Working smarter with AI - Practical Ways to Utilise AI in Early Years | 18th November 2025 | 10:00am - 11:15am | Online
18-11-2025
Book at: https://bit.ly/4fU4svP. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

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 Solution Circle for SEND and Inclusion | 20th November 2025 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
20-11-2025
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: The Role of Leadership in Early Years: Driving Excellence and Collaboration | 25th November 2025 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Online
25-11-2025
Book at: https://bit.ly/4fU4svP. Held online. Audience: Early Years Providers (PVI’s - Private, voluntary, and independent nurseries) based in Greater Manchester. Sole traders are not eligible.

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.

Sound Start Bolton: Strengthening our Pre-phonics Practice | 3rd December 2025 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm
03-12-2025
A collaborative pre-phonics network event designed to reflect, celebrate, and strengthen our collective practice across Bolton’s early years settings.

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.

Early Years Music Network Meetings | Wednesday 4th February 2026 | 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Bolton (Mere Hall)
04-02-2026
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/

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.

Early Years Music Network Meetings | Wednesday 11th February 2026 | 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Blackburn with Darwen (The Bureau for the Arts)
11-02-2026
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/

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.

BIG Night Out Transition Event - Supporting Smooth Transitions | 12th May 2026 | 5:30pm - 8:00pm
12-05-2026
A transition from nursery to reception event for practitioners, leaders, and managers in Bolton Schools, Daycare, and Childminder settings. Together, we can achieve strong partnerships for seamless transitions.

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/