Specialist Learning Network
EARLY YEARS ESSENTIALS
are you new to the early years sector? are you an apprentice? our early years essentials is a network especially for you.
Meeting every half term, for just 45 minutes, we will share exciting playful activity ideas - with a little of bit of the "why it works well" When you have attended all of the sessions, you will get a wonderful resource bag, worth around £100, linked with each of our network themes. Even better than all that, you will get to meet others doing the same role as you and share ideas.
Join Shaheen Matloob and Nicole Towers!
The dates of our sessions are as follows:
Friday 13th June 2025 : Building relationships: Laying the foundation for children’s social and emotional development
This interactive session will explore the importance of cuddles, eye contact, the sound of your voice. We will also look at how babies communicate their needs through tiny cues and signals.
Friday 8th August 2025: Observing children – the importance of team work
This interactive session will explore the importance of observation but also look at how easy it can be to make assumptions, so it’s important to work as a team!
Friday 10th October 2025: Making the most of nappy changing times
This interactive session will explore the importance of using simple care routines, to support your child's development, connection and communication.
Friday 5th December 2025: Using songs and rhymes to extend children’s language
This interactive session will explore how songs, rhymes, and simple repetition help children learn new words, build confidence, and develop a love for language.
Friday 6th February 2026: Using playdough to support fine motor skills
This interactive session will explore the importance of developing fine motor skills for general physical development, but in particular as the right preparation for writing.
Friday 20th March 2026: Using patterns to support mathematical development
This interactive session will explore why patterns support mathematical skills, providing an opportunity to make some patterns yourself!
About your Specialist Learning Network leader...
To make sure apprentices and those new to the sector get a well-rounded training experience, our Early Years Essentials Network is led by a team of Early Years Experts from Birth to 19.