Early Years CPD Training

Having a clear understanding of what inclusion means both in theory and practice is key, as is the ability to fully understand the needs and motivations of each unique child, and how these are displayed through behaviour. This module explores what inclusion truly means in early years practice, how to recognise barriers to it and develop an inclusive culture in your setting. It reflects on effective use of the graduated approach , the need for a celebratory approach to progress planning and how understanding behaviour as a method of communication can transform our practice. The module looks closely at how we can work to meet the needs of every child and specifically supports childminders and smaller settings to develop an inclusive approach.

Modules: Inclusive Mindset; Graduated Approach; Celebratory Approach; Behaviour as Communication; Meeting the Needs of Every Child (nasen); Inclusion for Childminders (Coram Pacey).

1.1 Inclusive Mindset: Explores what inclusion means in early years practice, moving beyond children “fitting in” towards settings removing barriers so every child feels they belong, participates and can thrive.

1.2 Graduated Approach: Introduces a practical assess, plan, do, review cycle, helping practitioners notice emerging needs, respond early and work collaboratively to adapt support over time.

1.3 Celebratory Approach: Supports practitioners to use strengths-based, needs-led language that values children’s interests, abilities and identities, rather than defining children by barriers or diagnoses.

1.4 Behaviour as Communication: Helps practitioners view behaviour with curiosity, recognising distress, unmet need, sensory differences or communication barriers, and responding with calm, relational support

Inclusion is a journey which requires continuous adaptation, reflection and a whole setting approach to make real and lasting impact. Module 2 informs the planning of inclusive curriculums and environments which are well planned, adaptive, responsive and meaningful to every child. It explores the vital elements of early identification and how to effectively develop a collaborative approach with all caregivers around the child. It considers the impact of embedding total communication environments and how communication in practice can transform whole setting approaches and accelerate developmental progress.

2.1 Curriculum: Focuses on designing an ambitious but flexible curriculum that can be adapted so every child can access meaningful learning through their strengths, interests and developmental stage.

2.2 Early Identification: Builds confidence in noticing patterns of need early, using observation, reflection and family insight to identify barriers and respond before difficulties escalate.

2.3 Environments: Explores how physical, sensory, emotional and communication environments can enable or disable participation, with practical strategies for creating accessible and responsive spaces.

2.4 Communication: Supports practitioners to understand communication as connection, not just speech, and to use responsive interaction, shared attention, visual supports and total communication approaches.

Keeping the child and family at the centre of all communications and decision making is vital to build strong and lasting confidence in the education system and empowering families to support developmental progress with consistently aligned strategies. This module explores how to develop collaborative partnerships with parents, offering support and addressing concerns in an empathic and constructive way which provides consistency and reassurance. Looking at the vital importance of smooth transitions for children with SEND, it considers planning , delivery and post transition adaptations to ensure that children thrive.

Modules: Collaborative Working; Difficult Conversations; Transitions; Supporting Parents (Contact); Home Learning Environment (NCB).

3.1 Collaborative Working: Focuses on building trusting, respectful relationships with families and professionals, recognising parents and carers as experts in their child and ensuring support is joined up.

3.2 Difficult Conversations: Supports practitioners to communicate honestly, sensitively and professionally when discussing emerging concerns, additional needs or next steps with families.

3.3 Transitions: Explores how to plan transitions carefully, using child-centred information sharing, preparation and partnership so children experience continuity and feel secure.

All of the training is done online, at your own pace. The content comprises of reading materials, videos, audio clips, quizzes, interactive games, and more. The training has been designed to support you with reflection and practical strategies to use in your setting.

The Early Years SEND CPD training contains over 20 hours of learning material. This includes the Dingley’s Promise content, and content from our 5 specialist partners. Each module is designed to take around 1.5 hours to complete, but this may vary for different people.

As this training is completed at your own pace. You will be able to access the training for 12 months from your start date.

This training is designed for anyone in early years education, including childminders, SENCos and educators supporting children with a range of needs.

There is no limit to how many people can register per setting.

All of the training is done at your own pace and in your own time. There are no restrictions on when you can access the training, within the 12 month timeframe.

You may recognise elements of some Dingley’s Promise Training courses within the content. However, this training also provides access to a wide variety of additional content, including that of our specialist partners.

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion. This training is not accredited.

No, this training has been designed for all early years educators to gain understanding of the foundations of inclusion in the early years.

No. This is designed for early years practitioners working in an early years setting. We offer an alternative training offer for Best Start Inclusion Practitioners. Please email [email protected] for more details.