Early Years CPD Programme

Early Years CPD 2025/26 Early Years CPD 2024/25 Early Years CPD 2023/24

Early Years CPD Programme 2025/26

This is the third year that Learn Sheffield will offer a Early Years CPD programme as part of our subscription.

We are predominantly working with Ruth Swailes to deliver the offer this year and Ruth is also providing two Early Years focussed Strategic Leadership programmes in 2025/26.

Schools who have bought the Core Subscription Offer will have unlimited access (subject to availability) to this programme. Settings who have not purchased the Core Subscription offer can access this programme at £95 per session.

For any queries about the content of the programme or whether your setting has purchased this subscription, please contact enquiries@learnsheffield.co.uk.

Colleagues can book on the sessions below using the booking links.

Early Years CPD Programme

Let’s Look at Executive Function

Course Overview

The role of executive functioning in children's cognitive development has been widely recognised for years by experts in child development. There is a wealth of research which shows that children with good executive functioning skills are able to plan, problem solve, reason and regulate behaviours more effectively, leading to better outcomes in the long term. It is no surprise that Ofsted and the DFE are currently shining a spotlight on these areas in Early Years. But what does that mean for schools? In this session Ruth will explore what we mean by executive function, how it develops from birth into adulthood, some key developmental milestones and practical ways delegates can support children to develop this vital skill.

Audience: This course will be useful for anyone who works with young children in the Early Years and Key stage one and senior leaders who seek to deepen their understanding of Executive Functioning.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
12 November 2025
9.00am-12.00pm
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Are You Ready? School Readiness and Transition

Course Overview

The notion of "school readiness" has been widely discussed, explored and contested for many years. With an increasing number of children attending a range of childcare settings the notion of "Readiness" has evolved and changed over the last decades. In this session Ruth will explore "broadly typical" child development to allow delegates to develop their own understanding of "readiness" and provide a range of ideas to support delegates to ensure that children leave the Foundation Stage ready for their next steps. Ruth will draw on a range of research as well as recent DFE and Ofsted documents and reports.

Audience: This course will be useful for senior leaders and teachers who work in the EYFS and KS1.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
22 January 2026
9.00am-12.00pm
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Healthy Child Development – What Might This Mean for Settings?

Course Overview

TBC

Audience: TBC

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
5 February 2026
9.00am-4.00pm
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Play Matters!

Course Overview

The EYFS statutory guidance states that, "Practitioners must stimulate children’s interests, responding to each child’s emerging needs and guiding their development through warm, positive interactions coupled with secure routines for play and learning."

Yet increasingly teachers are feeling pressured to reduce the amount of time children have to play in the Early Years classroom. This course will explore the power of play, the different types and aspects of play and how it can be used to develop children's language, communication and executive function. Delegates will explore play using a range of taxonomies, and will discuss how play and schemas can be utilised effectively to support children's learning.

Audience: A course suitable for senior leaders and anyone working in EYFS.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
6 May 2026
9.00am-12.00pm
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Getting the Balance Right for the Unique Child

Course Overview

One of the greatest challenges in the Early Years Classroom is how to build a curriculum to support children's foundational skills and knowledge that allows teachers the flexibility to follow children's interests.

This practical training session will support teachers and leaders to reflect on their current curriculum, what needs to be taught when to ensure that children build the necessary skills to be successful learners, and how they might follow the interests of the children to meet the needs of the unique child. Delegates should bring a copy of their current curriculum overview / map / plans to the session.

Audience: A course for curriculum leads, senior leaders, EY leaders and Headteachers.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
16 June 2026
9.00am-12.00pm
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Early Years Network Meetings

Autumn Term EY Network Meeting

Course Overview

"The Best Start In Life" has been identified by the DFE as the first of its 4 focussed opportunity mission pillars, this puts Early Years at the heart of the Government's education strategy for the foreseeable future. Whilst this is a positive step in the right direction, it can be challenging to keep up with all the latest developments from the DFE and Ofsted as well as all the latest research into this important field. These Networks provide leaders and teachers with the opportunity to keep up to speed with the latest developments and consider how they will impact their day-to-day practice and long-term improvement strategies in school.

Audience: A network for Headteachers, senior leaders, EY leaders and EY practitioners.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
12 November 2025
1.00pm-3.00pm
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Spring Term EY Network Meeting

Course Overview

"The Best Start In Life" has been identified by the DFE as the first of its 4 focussed opportunity mission pillars, this puts Early Years at the heart of the Government's education strategy for the foreseeable future. Whilst this is a positive step in the right direction, it can be challenging to keep up with all the latest developments from the DFE and Ofsted as well as all the latest research into this important field. These Networks provide leaders and teachers with the opportunity to keep up to speed with the latest developments and consider how they will impact their day-to-day practice and long-term improvement strategies in school.

Audience: A network for Headteachers, senior leaders, EY leaders and EY practitioners.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
22 January 2026
1.00pm-3.00pm
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Summer Term EY Network Meeting

Course Overview

"The Best Start In Life" has been identified by the DFE as the first of its 4 focussed opportunity mission pillars, this puts Early Years at the heart of the Government's education strategy for the foreseeable future. Whilst this is a positive step in the right direction, it can be challenging to keep up with all the latest developments from the DFE and Ofsted as well as all the latest research into this important field. These Networks provide leaders and teachers with the opportunity to keep up to speed with the latest developments and consider how they will impact their day-to-day practice and long-term improvement strategies in school.

Audience: A network for Headteachers, senior leaders, EY leaders and EY practitioners.

Trainer Information: Ruth Swailes, Learn Sheffield Improvement Partner- Early Years

Date Venue  
6 May 2026
1.00pm-3.00pm
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Professional Development Offer

Bespoke Early Years Professional Development Offer

Course Overview

Designed for leaders new to Early Years Leadership. A series of 6 school visits throughout the year with a bespoke programme aimed at developing the leaders understanding of all aspects of Early Years. This professional development programme could be run as a 1:1 package, as a development for all the leaders of Early Years in a Trust, a collaboration of Early Years leaders and Headteacher, deputy or assistant Headteacher.

This training would be suitable for individuals or small groups of leaders. Please contact bookings@learnsheffield.co.uk for further information and to book a place. Please note, this offer is not included in the Core Subscription offer. Prices are available on request.

Audience: All practitioners working in the Early Years.

Trainer Information: Angela Lant, Learn Sheffield Associate

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