Child Development and Pedagogy

On-Entry Assessment: Supporting Progression in the Curriculum for Wales

This session supports schools to implement meaningful, manageable on-entry assessment in line with the Curriculum for Wales, while unpacking the legal requirements and what they mean in practice. 

Moving beyond tick-lists and fixed levels, this session focuses on building a holistic picture of the child through rich observations, professional dialogue, and informed teaching. 

Together, we’ll look at how the principles of progression can guide assessment and planning for 3–4-year-olds, and how to develop systems, formats, and strategies that work for your setting. Following the collaboration workshop, you'll leave with the tools to trial an approach that reflects the needs of your learners.  

Target Audience:

For early years practitioners and school leaders involved in designing and delivering on-entry assessment, particularly in the nursery class. 

While the course offers practical tools for practitioners, it is equally valuable for senior leaders who need a strategic understanding of how on-entry assessment supports progression within the Curriculum for Wales.  

Session Aims:

• Understand the legal shift in on-entry assessment. 

• Explore the real purpose of on-entry assessment, moving beyond admin to responsive teaching. 

• Identify what makes observation truly valuable in assessment. 

• Apply learning in a collaborative workshop to create practical on-entry assessment strategies. 

Goal of the Day 

• Leave with a clear, practical, and manageable approach to on-entry assessment that benefits both children and practitioners. 

Funding:

A funding allocation of £250 per school is available to support schools with resourcing post professional learning. 

Date(s)/Venue(s):  

• TBC

The course date has been carefully scheduled just before each intake of children, ensuring schools are well-prepared and the information remains fresh. In addition, there will be drop-in online sessions during the on-entry period, providing delegates with opportunities to ask questions and receive support as they implement their learning.  

Venue: Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Bae Copr Bay, Swansea SA1 3BX  

9.00am – 3.30pm 

🌱 Early Years Growing Together Conference

Target Audience:
Early Years practitioners, in Nursery and Reception classes.

Join us for the Growing Together Early Years Conference, a must-attend event for professionals passionate about giving children the best start in life.

We will explore the power of child-initiated play, child-centred pedagogy, and the adult’s role in supporting learning.

Session Aims:

• Explore innovative approaches to Early Years education.

• Gain insights from leading experts in the field.

• Network with colleagues and discover new resources to enhance your practice.

Funding:
A funding allocation of £150 per school is available to support schools with resourcing post professional learning.

Date(s) / Venue:
January 28th or 29th, 2026 (Choose one date only)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Venue: Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Road Bae Copr Bay Swansea SA1 3BX

What’s Happening?

• Morning: Inspiring talks from:

Dr Stella Louis – Play co-ordinates all learning

Greg Bottrill - Can I go and play now?

• Midday: Marketplace event with stallholders showcasing resources and ideas.

• Afternoon: Choose two engaging workshops led by:

  • Dr Stella Louis

  • Greg Bottrill

  • Lee Fowler, Buds to Blossoms – A Nursery Approach

  • Hannah Child, Occupational Therapist – Sensory Processing

Booking Link:
Wednesday January 28th, 2026: Book here

Thursday January 29th, 2026: Book here

Principles to Practice: Embedding the Three Enablers in Foundation Learning   

This course has been developed in response to the Welsh Government’s training modules on Foundation Learning pedagogy. It brings together the core messages from the national modules into a clear, practical programme, enriched with real-life examples from schools across Swansea. 

We’ll explore the six key modules: 

• Child Development 

• Outdoor Learning 

• Play and Play-Based Learning 

• Observation 

• Authentic and Purposeful Learning 

• Transitions 

Each module is brought to life with hands-on activities, reflective discussions, and practical ideas to help you apply the learning in your own setting. You’ll see how Swansea practitioners are embedding these approaches and making a real difference for their learners. 

This course covers two modules each day. You’ll participate in interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and reflective discussions, gaining a deep understanding of each module. 

Target Audience:

This course is for practitioners working with children aged 3 to 8, though the principles are equally applicable to a wider age range and can support learners up to age 16 where appropriate. 

This course is a streamlined and updated version of the previous module training. If you have attended the original sessions, this serves as a refresher, and attendance may not be necessary. 

Participants can choose to attend one, two, or all three days, or send different practitioners to each day (though attending all is recommended). 

Session Aims: 

By the end of this course, participants will: 

• Deepen their understanding of effective pedagogy in Foundation Learning. 

• Strengthen their confidence in applying the three enablers to everyday practice. 

• Gain practical ideas to enhance learning experiences and environments. 

• Reflect on their current approaches and identify opportunities for development. 

• Be inspired by real-life examples from schools and confident to make meaningful changes.

Funding:

A funding allocation of £150 per school is available to support schools with resourcing post professional learning. 

Date(s)/Venue(s):

Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Bae Copr Bay, Swansea SA1 3BX 

9.00am – 3.30pm 

• Day 1 Child Development and Transitions – Tuesday 3rd March 2026 – Click here to book 

• Day 2 Play and Play-Based Learning and Outdoor Learning  – Friday 13th March  2026 – Click here to book  

• Day 3 Authentic and Purposeful Learning and Observations – Wednesday 18th March 2026 – Click here to book  

You can attend one, two, or all three days – or send different staff to each. (Attending all three is recommended.) 

Empowering Learners: The Role of the Enabling Adult

A professional learning offer tailored for Teaching Assistants, focusing on the concept of the Enabling Adult—a powerful framework that supports children’s independence, confidence, and learning through thoughtful adult interactions.

Target audience:

This engaging and practical professional learning session is designed specifically for Teaching Assistants who want to deepen their understanding of how adult interactions can shape and support children's learning. Rooted in the principles of the "Enabling Adult," this course explores how to foster independence, curiosity, and resilience in learners through intentional support, language, and environment.

Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies to enhance their role in the classroom, build stronger relationships with pupils, and contribute meaningfully to a culture of high expectations and inclusive learning.

Session Aims:

·       Understanding the Enabling Adult: Key principles and research.

·       Language that Supports Learning: How to use questioning, prompts, and praise effectively.

·       Creating Effective Environments: Practical ways to support independence and choice.

·       Scaffolding vs. Rescuing: Knowing when and how to step in.

·       Reflective Practice: Tools for self-evaluation and growth.

·       Collaborative Role in the Classroom: Working effectively with teachers and other staff.

·       Case Studies and Scenarios: Real-life examples to apply learning.

Funding:

A funding allocation of £135 per school is available to support schools with resourcing post professional learning.

Date(s)/Venue(s):  Swansea Arena

Monday April 13th, 2026 - Book here

Tuesday April 14th, 2026 - Book here

Wednesday April 15th, 2026 - Book here

Please note this a one-day training session. Please pick one date only.

Woodwork Wonders: Developing Creative Learning Spaces with Pete Moorhouse

This is a fantastic and exclusive opportunity to work directly with Pete Moorhouse, a nationally renowned expert in woodwork in early years education. A limited number of delegates will receive specialist training and a complete woodwork starter kit, including a child-safe workbench and essential tools, to establish a vibrant woodwork area in their school.

This hands-on course will explore the educational value of woodwork, its role in developing creativity, resilience, and fine motor skills, and how to embed it meaningfully into continuous provision. Delegates must be committed to developing and sustaining a woodwork area and will be expected to demonstrate its impact on children’s learning.

Before applying, delegates must:

• Provide evidence of the proposed location for the woodwork area.

• Have the permission and support of their Headteacher.

• Commit to documenting and sharing the impact of the provision.

All core materials will be provided. Schools will need to source wood and tinkering pieces to maintain the area.

 Target Audience

• Anyone working within Foundation Learning, including:

  • HLTAs

  • Teaching Assistants

  • Teachers

  • Senior Leaders

  • Anyone passionate about hands-on learning and committed to developing a woodwork area in their setting.

Session Aims

By the end of the training, participants will:

1. Understand the pedagogical benefits of woodwork in early years and foundation learning.

2. Learn how to safely and effectively set up and manage a woodwork area.

3. Explore ways to embed woodwork into everyday learning and continuous provision.

4. Gain confidence in using tools and supporting children’s creative exploration.

5. Develop strategies to monitor, evidence, and share the impact of woodwork on children’s development.

Funding:

🛠️ Everything you need will be provided, including materials worth over £300 to get your woodwork area up and running. You will receive a wood bench and saw bench, saws, hammers, protective glasses, hand drills, screwdrivers and some wood to get you started!

Date(s)/Venue(s): 

Wednesday 6th May 2025. 

Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Bae Copr Bay, Swansea SA1 3BX

We only have 20 spaces for the project. We encourage you to give as much information as possible please. Thank you. 

Expression of Interest Link: Click here

Foundation Learning Network Meeting

These termly meetings provide Foundation Learning Coordinators and other practitioners with a collaborative space to reflect, share best practices, and stay updated on the latest developments in Foundation Learning.  

Each session will have a topic of focus, which will be shared in the monthly Foundation Learning newsletter. To receive the newsletter, please email elsbeth.fewings@swansea.gov.uk. 

Through interactive discussions, goal setting, and resource sharing, these meetings empower coordinators to refine their practice, build supportive networks, and implement strategies that lead to meaningful change in their schools. 

Target Audience:

This series of meetings is primarily for Foundation Learning Coordinators and leaders responsible for early years education and practice within schools. However, other practitioners and school staff who would benefit from the discussions are also welcome to join. 

Session Aims:

• Share updates, new initiatives, and key information relevant to early years education. 

• Facilitate discussions on current challenges and opportunities within Foundation Learning. 

• Provide a platform for sharing good practice and successful strategies for implementation. 

Funding:

There will be no central funding available for these sessions. 

Date(s)/Venue(s):

Autumn 1: Wednesday 22nd October 2025 – Click here to book 

Autumn 2: Wednesday 17th December 2025 - Click here to book

Spring 1: Wednesday 11th February 2026 – Click here to book 

Spring 2: Wednesday 25th March 2026 - Click here to book

Summer 1: Wednesday 20th May 2026 – Click here to book 

Summer 2: Wednesday 8th July 2026 - Click here to book

Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Bae Copr Bay, Swansea SA1 3BX

12:45 – 3.30pm