Welcome to this edition of the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub newsletter. This issue features fully funded training sessions across communication and language, maths, PSED, SEND, and more, plus our March conference with Jan Dubiel and Helen Battelley on early writing. You'll also find an on-demand webinar with Helen Battelley on physical development and a two-part blog series from Sarah Ellis about strengthening setting culture. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with fellow practitioners, or find fresh strategies to support the children in your care, there's something here for you.
MYTHBUSTING EARLY CHILDHOOD: WRITING – CONFERENCE WITH JAN DUBIEL AND HELEN BATTELLEY
9th March 2026, Taunton Rugby Club
Are you questioning whether your approach to early writing truly supports children's developmental journey? Join internationally renowned experts Jan Dubiel and Helen Battelley on 9 March 2026 for a fully-funded conference that challenges assumptions about early writing. Explore what really matters in helping children become confident, capable writers through understanding how movement, motor development, and genuine purpose combine to support writing readiness from the ground up. You'll leave with practical, evidence-informed strategies and the confidence to advocate for developmentally appropriate approaches in your setting. Interested in exploring Jan's thinking on curriculum and progression in the EYFS? Read his blog here. Spaces are limited for this south west regional event at Taunton Rugby Club - register now to secure your place.
We're still recruiting for two exceptional, fully-funded programmes.
Emotion Coaching (Cohort 3) is an evidence-based online programme that helps children better understand and manage their emotions, building resilience and stronger relationships. Usually priced at £380 per person, this renowned training is free through the SPH. Complete our Expression of Interest form by 16th March 2026.
Meanwhile, Maths Champions is a proven programme that boosts children's maths attainment by an average of 3 additional months (6 months for EYPP children). You'll train two Level 3 practitioners in your setting through online modules and virtual support sessions over 12 months. Both programmes offer sustainable approaches that transform practice across your whole team. Complete our Expression of Interest form here.
26 February 2026 - Learning How to Plan Your Daily Routine (Online) - Maximise learning in every session and build children's sense of belonging and autonomy through effective daily routines.
19 March 2026 - Learning Through a Continuous Provision Approach (Online) - Provide children with opportunities to make sense of their world through play-based continuous provision that supports all areas of learning and development.
24 February 2026 - Childminder Network: Let's Talk About Inclusion (Online) - Discuss how to promote inclusivity, adapt your teaching and curriculum to meet different children's needs, and help break down barriers.
25 March 2026 - Spring Outdoor Learning Morning for Childminders and Children (Ashton Court) - Connect with other childminders and discover new ideas for exploring wild spaces that benefit the children you work with. - Sold out, but join our waiting list!
24 March 2026 - PSED Network: Environment, Routines and Curriculum (Online) - Collaborate with the Bristol PSED team using Eight to Relate, a values-driven auditing tool for embedding connection and wellbeing across your setting.
18 February 2026 - How Babies Learn - FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE (Gloucester Farmers Club) - Explore how babies learn through relationships, movement, and exploration when you tune into them as unique individuals.
18 February 2026 - Curriculum and Slow Pedagogy in the Baby Room - FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE (Gloucester Farmers Club) - Discover how attuned, responsive practice helps babies learn and thrive through calm routines, close relationships, and time to unfold at their own pace.
18 March 2026 - Getting it Right for Babies – FOR NORTH SOMERSET (The Campus) - Look at provision through the eyes of the baby, reflecting on a pedagogy of care, daily routines, and babies' learning journeys.
Physical Development – Gross Motor Skills to PE With Helen Battelley
Strong physical foundations build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of being active. In this recorded session, renowned movement specialist Helen Battelley explores how early physical development progresses into structured PE, covering key movement milestones, developmental readiness, and practical strategies for every stage. Whether you work with babies, toddlers, or reception children, discover evidence-informed approaches to strengthen your physical development provision. Watch the recording now and transform how you support children's movement journey.
Why Setting Culture Matters, Particularly Now by Sarah Ellis
In times of funding pressures and recruitment challenges, your setting's culture is essential for staff retention and children's sense of belonging. Sarah Ellis, manager of Bristol Children's Playhouse, explores what setting culture really means and how to strengthen it in practice. Part 1 examines why culture matters now more than ever, while Part 2 shares practical strategies: reflecting on culture with your team, developing a collaborative vision, and ensuring your culture responds to your community's unique context.
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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