Early years training

As an Early Years Team, we are committed to supporting and developing a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to provide the children of Cheshire East with the best possible start in life. We are passionate about creating access to high-quality professional learning opportunities that challenge, inspire and empower practitioners to grow and flourish throughout their continuous professional development (CPD) journey.

We recognise that professional development is about far more than attending a training course and receiving a certificate. Meaningful CPD is an ongoing process of professional and personal growth, supported through a blended learning approach. This approach encourages practitioners to take ownership of their learning by engaging with a variety of development opportunities alongside formal training. These might include attending webinars, visiting other settings, shadowing colleagues, engaging with professional networks, reading current research, or reflecting on practice.

A blended learning approach relies on professionals being proactive, curious and committed to continuously developing their knowledge and skills. By embracing a range of learning experiences, practitioners can deepen their understanding, strengthen their pedagogical practice and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

In line with Ofsted's Early Years Inspection Toolkit (2026), effective settings are those that demonstrate continuous improvement, where leaders support staff to develop their professional knowledge and expertise, and where this translates into high-quality curriculum implementation and positive outcomes for children. We hope that our Training Directory provides practitioners with opportunities to achieve this ambition and supports them in taking ownership of their professional development journey.

Booking on a course

Further information for childcare providers

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets the standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.

• Early years child development training
• DfE early years safeguarding training
• Help for early years providers: Safeguarding
• Cheshire East Safeguarding Children's Partnership
• Foundation Years
• Solihull professionals courses postcard (PDF, 700KB)
• Suggested safeguarding training pathway (PDF, 254KB)
• Staff training overview document (MS Word, 36KB)