A year of working with babies
Target audience
All Early Years Practitioners working babies and young children aged 0 - 2 in Nottinghamshire Early Years Settings
About this course
This series of events will focus on working with babies and children 0-2
There will be 6 sessions throughout the year which cover the following topics:
How babies and young children communicate
Exploring how babies and young children communicate through preverbal, verbal, and non-verbal means and offers practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to support their communication and language skills, and nurture children's early language development in everyday practice.
The key characteristics of an exemplary practitioner working with birth to two year olds
Considers the key characteristics of exemplary practice when working with children from birth to two years, including how strong, nurturing relationships with parents enhance children’s development, and how practitioners can effectively support children through important transitions during the early years.
Effective routines to meet the unique needs to babies
This session focuses on developing effective routines for the unique needs of babies under two years old. Exploring key aspects of infant care including feeding, weaning, tummy time, and safer sleeping practices through consistent routines that promote comfort, safety, and growth.
Child development for birth to two year olds
Looking at the stages of development in a child’s first two years of life, with a particular emphasis on brain growth and development and how responsive caregiving, sensory stimulation, and emotional support plays a vital role in promoting healthy brain development.
How to support the wellbeing of birth to two-year-olds
Exploring how to nurture and support the emotional wellbeing of children in their first two years, looking at the importance of this time in a child’s life for building strong emotional foundations. Key topics will include emotional health and wellbeing, the importance of early attachment, and the role of the key person in creating a safe, consistent, and nurturing environment.
Enabling environments for birth to two year olds
How to create a nurturing, stimulating environment that supports the unique developmental needs of children under two years, focussing on how continuous provision can be adapted to ensure that every experience is meaningful and developmentally appropriate. Key topics include sensory play, treasure baskets, and heuristic play that promotes independence and curiosity.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
The sessions will be delivered across a 12-month period with a session every half term as an online event.
The events will be suitable for all; from the longest serving staff members to the newest apprentice.
As part of this package of training if a member of your team attends 4 or more of these events you will be offered a support visit from a Quality Improvement Advisor to support you in implementing the training in your setting.
Date, time and venue
| Course | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Babies Communicate | 4 February 2026 | 10.00 - 11.00 | Online |
| Exemplary Practitioner | 26 March 2026 | 13.30 - 14.30 | Online |
| Effective Routines | 28 April 2026 | 19.00 - 20.00 | Online |
| Child Development | 10 June 2026 | 10.00 - 11.00 | Online |
| Supporting Wellbeing | 24 September 2026 | 13.30 - 14.30 | Online |
| Enabling Environments | 10 November 2026 | 19.00 - 20.00 | Online |
Course tutor
Early Years Quality and Attainment Team – Early Years Quality Improvement Advisors
Cost
- £10 per session
Courses are payable by credit or debit card at the time of booking, please follow the instructions on Eventbrite – invoices will not be sent for these courses.
Book
4th February - How Babies Communicate
26th March - Exemplary Practitioner
28th April - Effective Routines
10th June - Child Development
24th September - Supporting Wellbeing
10th November - Enabling Environments
Further course information
By the end of the course delegates will have:
- developed insights into the brain development of babies and young children aged 0-2 years
- an understanding of the importance of enabling environments for babies (0-2 years)
- clear understanding of the importance of quality interactions to support babies’ learning and development
- ideas to support babies and young children as independent and active learners
You must use the Eventbrite link to book a course. You cannot contact the course admin to book.
Make sure you have your manager's approval before booking on a course.
If you have booked a place but find you cannot make it, remember to cancel your place so others can attend.
Please remember to bring your Eventbrite ticket on the day.
If you fail to attend a course you have booked on without cancelling your place via your Eventbrite account no refund will be given.
To view or change your booking in any way (such as cancelling your place) you must setup an Eventbrite account.
The email address you use to set up your account must be the same you used when originally booking the course.
Make sure your email address is correct or you will not receive any of the course information or notifications.
If you cannot go on a course and want a colleague to go in your place: if there are still places left then your colleague must book their own place and you must cancel yours. Call 0115 977 2510 to change the booking.
If you need more information please contact our business support team:
- Telephone: 0115 977 2510
- Email: earlychildhoodservices@nottscc.gov.uk
