Developing an Effective and Appropriate Early Years Curriculum – delivered by Leslie Patterson

Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities:

• To think about the intent behind their own curriculum and how to express this to wider audience
• To identify the complex issues that need to be considered in the delivery of their curriculum
• To begin to evaluate how well the implemented curriculum matches the intentions
• To consider how the impact of a curriculum can be demonstrated

Audience: For those with responsibility for developing and implementing a curriculum in the EYFS. Ofsted are placing curriculum at the heart of how they will inspect the Quality of Education.  This course supports professionals to articulate this aspect of their provision and to reflect on how well the curriculum matches the needs of those in their care.

Developing concepts that underpin learning in the reformed EYFS – delivered by Leslie Patterson

“Unless children have early and frequent experience of what it feels like to understand something in depth, they cannot acquire the disposition to seek in depth knowledge and understanding – to engage in life-long learning.” -Lilian G Katz

The EYFS offers many opportunities for children to develop skills and knowledge. By offering these opportunities in strong learning environments, with knowledgeable, supportive adults and a wealth of broad learning experiences, we cultivate the conditions in which children can understand more and become competent learners.

These two sessions explore some of the concepts which promote understanding across the areas of learning in the revised EYFS and consider the sort of provision which will provide the strongest likelihood of broadening and deepening understanding.

Quality of Teaching and Learning In the Early Years  – delivered by Leslie Patterson

Course Aims:

• To support early years practitioners to understand how improving their own practice contributes to raising quality of provision across a setting and, therefore, to improving success in life-long learning for the children in their care.
• To explore the complexity of factors which impact on quality in the EYFS.
• The training will enable participants to learn to be more effective teachers, ensuring they deliver quality adult led and child-initiated learning and are aware of the characteristics of effective learning. Furthermore, participants will examine the role of the adult to support, scaffold, and challenge children within their care.  

Supporting families to make the most of time with their children – delivered by Leslie Patterson

Parents of young children face many pressures which can make it difficult to enjoy family life and provide the best conditions for their children to thrive. The Duchess of Cambridge recently outlined the findings of the Royal Foundation study, which has shown that parents struggle with their own well-being, feel judged and are suffering from isolation. The report also found that less than a quarter of the population understand the importance of the first five years. This course explores the issues families are facing and considers how settings can support their families to maximise the positives of bringing up young children.  It reflects on how raising the confidence and knowledge of families can help children to thrive. 

Aims

• To explore the issues facing families with young children
• To identify how we can support families to maximise the positives of family life

Outline

• Unpicking issues that can stress families and exploring how we can help
• Consider how promoting a positive mindset can lift home atmospheres
• Supporting parents with their roles and responsibilities
• Advising families on strengthening relationships and managing behaviour
• Exploring aspirations for children ( will include intercessional task)
• Working in partnerships
• Sharing information with families to support their child
• Sharing professional knowledge with families.