We're delighted to share this month's update, with exciting opportunities for your professional development. Discover two outstanding maths programmes and our fully-funded Emotion Coaching training, both recruiting now with limited places available. Explore our packed calendar of upcoming events, including online webinars, networking sessions and face-to-face CPD, and read inspiring case studies from practitioners who have transformed their practice. There's something for everyone.
We're excited to announce two outstanding professional development opportunities for early years practitioners, starting in the new year. Our Mathematics PDP Pilot offers comprehensive training across six key mathematical concepts with guided support and free resources, while the Maths Champions Programme provides evidence-based training that has been proven to boost children's attainment by an average of 3 additional months. Both programmes are recruiting now, with limited places available. If you're looking to enhance your maths practice and improve outcomes for children, don't miss this opportunity. Expression of Interest Forms are due by 12th December.
SUPPORT CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL WELLBEING WITH EMOTION COACHING
We're recruiting 40 early years settings to take part in our fully-funded Emotion Coaching programme (usually £380 per person). This evidence-based training helps children understand and manage their emotions, building resilience and stronger relationships. The programme includes two full-day workshops covering the neuroscience of self-regulation and the Emotion Coaching framework, plus two follow-on reflective sessions. Choose from face-to-face training in Bristol (starting 15th January) or online (starting 19th February). Emotion Coaching works for all children, including those with additional needs. Expression of Interest Forms are due by 12th December.
3 November 2025 - PSED Network: Belonging and Transitions (Online) - Collaborate on key PSED practice guided by Eight to Relate, a values-driven auditing tool for embedding connection.
18 November 2025 - Courageous Conversations - Leadership (Online) - Explore approaches to having difficult conversations and overcome barriers to addressing challenging topics.
20 November 2025 - Inspiring Provision for Babies (St. Pauls Nursery School and Children's Centre) - Explore how educators' visions and values influence provision and what real noticing looks like.
New Resource: Mini INSET Session - Joyful Pedagogy
Transform your staff meetings with our 45-minute template exploring joyful pedagogy in early years practice. This ready-to-use resource guides teams through understanding joy as a deeper state of wellbeing that benefits both children and educators. Through practical activities, practitioners identify joyful moments, map barriers and bridges to joy, and recognise how joy is expressed across different cultures. Backed by research showing joyful play reduces educator stress while enhancing wellbeing, this resource empowers your setting to prioritise authentic, culturally responsive experiences that foster children's positive development.
Featured Blog: Mathematising the Day by Nicki Cherry
Explore how to weave mathematical moments throughout your daily routines and play provision. Drawing on recommendations from the EEF's Guidance Report and featuring practical case studies from North Somerset nurseries, Nicki Cherry shows how educators have transformed everyday moments—from welcome time and snack time to tidy-up routines—into rich mathematical learning opportunities. Discover evidence-informed approaches to ensure children's encounters with mathematics aren't left to chance.
Discover how Helen Pugh from Little Adventures Nursery transformed her practice after attending our Beach Schools study day. Inspired by evidence-informed approaches exploring the relationship between physical activity and self-regulation, Helen has enhanced children's experiences and wellbeing through greater opportunities for active play in natural environments. Read about the positive impact these changes have made on the children in her setting. Read here.
Case Study – Musical Creativity in the Baby Room
Lauren Wilcox, Baby Room Leader at The Learning Tree Nursery, shares how Mona Sakr's webinar on Musical Creativity in the Baby Room has made a real difference to children, families, and staff. As a dedicated member of our Working with Babies Network, Lauren reflects on implementing creative musical approaches and the transformative impact on her practice. Read here.
The Bristol & Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is funded by the DFE and is providing evidence-based CPD and network opportunities, for those working and caring for early years children.
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