GIRFEC training and resources
What will we be doing to raise awareness of GIRFEC?
GIRFEC training and resources Read More »
Child development
Understanding Child Neglect
The aim of this course is to gain a better understanding of the signs and indicators of neglect. This will
Understanding Child Neglect Read More »
Understanding Child Development (5-8 Years)
This aim of this course is to gain a better understanding of what child development is between 5-8 years and
Understanding Child Development (5-8 Years) Read More »
Understanding Child Development (3-5 Years)
The aim of this course is to gain a better understanding of what child development is between 3-5 years and
Understanding Child Development (3-5 Years) Read More »
Education Scotland: Professional learning
The Education Scotland: Professional learning page, has additional self-directed modules that ELC practitioners can undertake at their own pace. These
Education Scotland: Professional learning Read More »
Refreshing the ambition – five key surprises in Realising the Ambition
The national guidance for Early Years: Realising the Ambition has been out for a while now. For many of us,
Refreshing the ambition – five key surprises in Realising the Ambition Read More »
Are the kids OK? Why are we still seeing greater need and what can we do?
The COVID pandemic was a few years ago now, but its effects are continuing, and so is the cost of
Are the kids OK? Why are we still seeing greater need and what can we do? Read More »
Behaviour is communication – but what does it say?
There are lots of different views about how we should understand and respond to children’s behaviour, but most people are
Behaviour is communication – but what does it say? Read More »
Coaching for managers and leaders
Providing high quality early learning and childcare is one of the most important jobs anyone can do for children and
Coaching for managers and leaders Read More »
Difficult conversations – how to approach them and what to do afterwards
ELC is meant to be all about play and fun and it is, of course. But sometimes we have to
Difficult conversations – how to approach them and what to do afterwards Read More »
Next level schemas – from action to learning and thinking
Schemas are most often described as repeated patterns of behaviour seen in the play of young children, such as transporting,
Next level schemas – from action to learning and thinking Read More »
Not “too young”! Making rights and equalities real in ELC
Scotland has recently put the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into domestic law. Guidance and inspection frameworks
Not “too young”! Making rights and equalities real in ELC Read More »
Trauma informed practice in 3 easy steps (and 2 difficult ones)
Are you trauma-informed? ACE-Aware? Attachment-led? Resilience-building? There’s a lot of noise about trauma and adversity in childhood and it is
Trauma informed practice in 3 easy steps (and 2 difficult ones) Read More »
Curriculum for Excellence: Early years (3-5 Years)
The aim of this course is to introduce the Curriculum for Excellence and provide an understanding of how it works
Curriculum for Excellence: Early years (3-5 Years) Read More »
Curriculum for Excellence: Early years (3-5 Years)
The aim of this course is to introduce the Curriculum for Excellence and provide an understanding of how it works
Curriculum for Excellence: Early years (3-5 Years) Read More »
Realising the Ambition
This course aims to support your understanding and knowledge of ‘Realising the Ambition: Being Me’ and how childminders can implement
Realising the Ambition Read More »
Realising the Ambition
This course aims to support your understanding and knowledge of ‘Realising the Ambition: Being Me’ and how childminders can implement
Realising the Ambition Read More »
Understanding Child Development (0-3 Years)
The aim of this course is to gain a better understanding of child development (between 0-3 years) and the theory
Understanding Child Development (0-3 Years) Read More »
Understanding Child Development (0-3 Years)
The aim of this course is to gain a better understanding of child development (between 0-3 years) and the theory
Understanding Child Development (0-3 Years) Read More »
Bumps2Bairns
Bumps2Bairns.com provides advice on all aspects of children’s development from pre-birth to starting school, including identifying what is “normal” and
Supporting children’s development
Supporting children’s development is an introductory course for anyone who is interested in children’s development, especially support staff in schools, such
Supporting children’s development Read More »
Observation: The Power of Noticing, Understanding and Responding
These sessions will explore how to support and improve high quality observations through self study, moderated forums and regular live
Observation: The Power of Noticing, Understanding and Responding Read More »
Supporting Play and Play Pedagogy
Course Description – This course is made up of 2 SQA accredited units and is designed to enable you to
Supporting Play and Play Pedagogy Read More »
Supporting children and young people with additional support needs
Course Description – This SQA accredited unit is designed to enable you to gain knowledge and understanding of additional support
Supporting children and young people with additional support needs Read More »
Childhood Practice: Additional Credits
This course offers continuing professional development for those already working with children and young people in a childcare setting. These
Childhood Practice: Additional Credits Read More »
Award in Forest Kindergarten
Course Description – The SQA-certificated Forest Kindergarten course has been put together to specifically meet the needs of practitioners who
Award in Forest Kindergarten Read More »
National STEM CPL Module
The module aims to address the following learning outcomes: Using inspiring, child-led and play-based approaches to develop children’s early learning
National STEM CPL Module Read More »
Building confidence in identifying and responding to additional support needs
After completing this course you should be able to: Identify the broad range of additional support needs that children in
Building confidence in identifying and responding to additional support needs Read More »
Supporting the Development and Progression of Children’s Early Language and Literacy
Your learning will cover the following learning outcomes: How are early language and literacy linked to and build on other
Supporting the Development and Progression of Children’s Early Language and Literacy Read More »
Supporting Parents to Further Engage in Their Child’s Development
By the end of this module you will be able to: Fully appreciate the role that parents play in supporting
Supporting Parents to Further Engage in Their Child’s Development Read More »
Understanding the Social Factors which may Impact on Children’s Outcomes in the Early Years
In this module, you will develop an understanding of: How a range of social factors can impact on children’s health,
Education Scotland: Events
The Education Scotland Events page summarises the latest professional learning sessions being hosted by Education Scotland. The list of available
Education Scotland: Events Read More »
Child development
This resource is an easy reference for information, including Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), Wellbeing Indicators (SHANARRI), Building
Engaging with Children ebook
Explore what you need to know and be able to do to engage effectively with children and young people. This
Engaging with Children ebook Read More »
Early learning and childcare – national induction resource
Introduction Scottish Government’s national induction resource for people joining the early learning and childcare workforce sets out how you can
Early learning and childcare – national induction resource Read More »
Observing children
You can practice recording observations of children’s development in this free learning resource from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
Observing children Read More »
Skills for School & Life
Learning outcomes include: Increased insight into activity analysis and grading to promote optimal independence
Skills for School & Life Read More »
MSN Awareness
Learning outcomes include: An increased appreciation of common MSN conditions and their co-exisiting presentations. Improved insight into MSN related factors
Playwork Intervention Approaches
This course covers playwork intervention styles – approaches that adults can use to facilitate play and to work with individual
Playwork Intervention Approaches Read More »
Risk and Play
This training course explores various aspects of risk in children’s play. It is relevant to people working with (or responsible for
Play and Resilience
The session looks at play in relation to Adverse Childhood Experiences and its potential to be a protective factor for
Play and Resilience Read More »
Introduction to Play
This course provides an overview of playwork research and practice regarding self-directed play. It is ideal for those new to
Introduction to Play Read More »
Working Together to Support Families
Duration: Full Day What will I learn?
Working Together to Support Families Read More »
Risky Play, Safer Learning!
Develop practitioner confidence in supporting children to assess and manage risks during their everyday experiences. Duration: Full Day What will
Risky Play, Safer Learning! Read More »
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Duration: Half Day Who should attend: Suitable for all early years practitioners working with children of all age Level: Introductory
Personal, Social and Emotional Development Read More »
Pre Birth to Three
Every interaction counts – provide the highest quality care to babies and toddlers with NDNA Scotland’s popular training course. What
Pre Birth to Three Read More »
Promoting Positive Behaviour
Strategies to support and promote positive behaviour in young children Duration: Half day Who should attend: Suitable for practitioners working
Promoting Positive Behaviour Read More »
Outdoor Maths and Literacy
Explore the developmental benefits of outdoor maths and literacy for children. In February 2018, as part of the 1140 hours
Outdoor Maths and Literacy Read More »
Outdoor and Risky Play
Be confident your outdoor environment supports risky play for all children. Duration: Half day Who should attend: All practitioners Level:
Outdoor and Risky Play Read More »
Understanding and supporting transitions in ELC
Duration: Half Day What will I learn?
Understanding and supporting transitions in ELC Read More »
The Art of Open Ended Play
Engagement with this course will support practitioners to explore how to; •develop a highly engaging and creative environment for children•understand
The Art of Open Ended Play Read More »
Involving, Engaging and Connecting with Parents
This online Self Study Course looks at how practitioners can work with families to share their focus on the importance
Involving, Engaging and Connecting with Parents Read More »
Recognising and Supporting Schematic Play
This course is the first in a series of courses to support effective early years practice and will inspire you
Recognising and Supporting Schematic Play Read More »
Starcatchers Creative Skills in Early Childhood Practice SQA
For those who have completed the Creative Skills Training Programme, there is the opportunity to continue their learning and turn
Starcatchers Creative Skills in Early Childhood Practice SQA Read More »
Starcatchers’ Creative Skills Training Programme
Develop your creative confidence to put expressive arts at the heart of early years practice and create inspirational learning spaces
Starcatchers’ Creative Skills Training Programme Read More »
Starcatchers’ Creative Skills Training Programme (commissioned training)
Develop your creative confidence to put expressive arts at the heart of early years practice and create inspirational learning spaces
Starcatchers’ Creative Skills Training Programme (commissioned training) Read More »
Understanding Challenging Behaviour 2
In our first Understanding Challenging Behavior course you get to explore some of the causes of challenging behavior and discuss
Understanding Challenging Behaviour 2 Read More »
GIRFEC into Practice
This course aims to raise your awareness of the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach and its connection
GIRFEC into Practice Read More »
Understanding Behavioural Challenges
This course is an interactive workshop where we look at the causes of behaviour and techniques to de-escalate situations, to
Understanding Behavioural Challenges Read More »
Introduction to Signalong
The aims of this workshop are to understand the purpose and use of sign-supported communication, and how to use signing
Introduction to Signalong Read More »
Outdoors What Ever the Weather
A one day course packed with practical play and learning ideas – to make the most of our variable UK
Outdoors What Ever the Weather Read More »
Outdoors EY practitioner – 1140 hours
This long term course is ideal for nurseries seeking to support the expansion of hours through better and more effective
Outdoors EY practitioner – 1140 hours Read More »
My World Outdoors
Practical workshop involving the participation of the whole EY staff team in a setting. We help build on ideas, assessing
Play Types Toolkit
The Play Types Toolkit training is for schools and education professionals, and others working with children in various settings. The
Play Types Toolkit Read More »
GIRFEC into Practice
This course aims to raise your awareness of the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach and its connection
GIRFEC into Practice Read More »
Nature Play and Nurture
3-day learner-centred CPL plus observation visit to Nature Play and Nurture session. For all Early Years staff (age 2 up to early
Nature Play and Nurture Read More »
Nature Play and Nurture consultancy
Nature play in your grounds – audit and suggestions Light touch grounds development, such as willow domes, landscape planting and
Nature Play and Nurture consultancy Read More »
Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles
A 3-day Open Colleges Network-accredited introduction to Forest School combining lots of outdoor experience with some indoor information and theory
Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles Read More »
Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders
This 10-day training course is the nationally recognised level required if you want to lead at Forest School. The first
Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders Read More »
Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants
f you want to develop as an assistant at Forest School level 2 training is for you. This 5-day training
Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants Read More »
Aiding Better Communication
There are several teaching techniques and communication systems helpful to support a variety of daily living activities and skills. In
Aiding Better Communication Read More »
Disability Awareness
This discussion-based workshop offers you the opportunity to think about and discuss disability. We share different perspectives and outline models
Disability Awareness Read More »
Inclusive Play
Our inclusive play training aims to develop your inclusive play practice, and build your confidence in creating dynamic and imaginative
Behaviour: Supporting Positive Relationships Mini Self Study Course
This course is one in a series of Early Years Scotland mini self study courses to support effective early years
Behaviour: Supporting Positive Relationships Mini Self Study Course Read More »
Building Brains for Healthy Futures
This course is one in a series of Early Years Scotland mini self study courses to support effective early years
Building Brains for Healthy Futures Read More »
Building Children’s Understanding of Numeracy and Mathematics
This course is one in a series of Early Years Scotland mini self study courses to support effective early years
Building Children’s Understanding of Numeracy and Mathematics Read More »
Building on Children’s Emerging Literacy
This course is one in a series of Early Years Scotland mini self study courses to support effective early years
Building on Children’s Emerging Literacy Read More »
Exploring Autism in the Early Years
This course is one in a series of Early Years Scotland mini self study courses to support effective early years
Exploring Autism in the Early Years Read More »
High Quality Learning Experiences
This course will explore how to develop a highly engaging and creative curriculum and provide an outstanding range of innovative,
High Quality Learning Experiences Read More »
Hand in Hand Approach: using the Hand in Hand listening tools in childcare settings
Hand in Hand is a connection-based approach to parenting and working with children (see http://www.handinhandparenting.org). At the Secret Garden we have
Hand in Hand Approach: using the Hand in Hand listening tools in childcare settings Read More »
Forest School Leader (Forest and Outdoor Learning Award Level 8 – SCQF)
Forest School is an internationally recognised form of outdoor learning. It is more than just ‘playing outside.’ It is an
Forest School Leader (Forest and Outdoor Learning Award Level 8 – SCQF) Read More »
Autism Day
Learning outcomes include: Improved insight into the importance of taking a positive approach and utilising ‘out the box’ thinking and
Growing up & Relationships
Price£15 Parents/Carers £30 Professionals Delivery TypeFace to face Training ProviderSensationALL Growing up & Relationships Learning outcomes include:
Growing up & Relationships Read More »
Adult role in supporting play and quality interactions
This NDNA Scotland course will give you the skills to perform your role as designated lead for child protection. Duration:
Adult role in supporting play and quality interactions Read More »
Attachment and the Key Worker
A quality driven key worker approach positively affects children’s behaviour. Duration: half day Who should attend: all childcare practitioners Level:
Attachment and the Key Worker Read More »
Building the Ambition
Duration: half day Who should attend: all childcare practitioners Level: Intermediate What will I learn? Delegates will explore current understanding
Building the Ambition Read More »
Consulting with Children
Meet the basic rights of the child through consulting with children. Duration: full day Who should attend: all childcare practitioners
Consulting with Children Read More »
Curriculum for Excellence
Course details Duration: Half day Who should attend: This course is aimed at all childcare practitioners, particularly those who wish
Curriculum for Excellence Read More »
Exploring Children’s Schemas
Duration: Half dayWho should attend: All childcare practitioners What will I learn?Whilst children play and learn they exhibit patterns of behaviours. These
Exploring Children’s Schemas Read More »
Getting it Right for Every Child
Embed the 14 values of GIRFEC into your setting’s practice Delegates will learn about how to embed the 14 values
Getting it Right for Every Child Read More »
How Good is our Early Learning and Childcare?
Improve your self-evaluation through your understanding of the How Good is Our Early Learning and Childcare document. Duration: Half day
How Good is our Early Learning and Childcare? Read More »
Child led planning: Creating Meaningful Experiences
This course is for childminders who wish to improve or develop a planning system responsive to children’s needs, in line
Child led planning: Creating Meaningful Experiences Read More »
Child led planning: Creating Meaningful Experiences
This course is for childminders who wish to improve or develop a planning system responsive to children’s needs, in line
Child led planning: Creating Meaningful Experiences Read More »