CPD For You: Behaviour matters

*** Don’t miss out on our early bird discount! Book before Friday 20 September using the discount code EARLYCPD20 to get 20% off.***

Working with young children as an early educator is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can have – but, of course, it also can be one of the most challenging. It’s vital therefore that as a sector professional, you have access to all the information, advice and support you need to provide the best possible care and education for children and their families.

That’s why we are so excited to launch the first in our new series of half-day in-person events dedicated to supporting your professional development: CPD for You.

Taking place on Tuesday 22 October 2024, and supported by leading early years resource provider YPO, our first CPD for You session will focus on all things behaviour. This interactive and engaging event will explore children’s behaviour in the setting and at home, along with the potential implications and complexities behaviour brings. Through interactive workshops, discussions and activities, you will leave this event feeling confident and competent in your ability to understand and support young children’s behaviour.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to network and make new connections throughout the day.

All attendees will be given FREE access to one Alliance Spotlight recording of their choice, available via EYA Central, our one-stop shop for training and resources.
Alliance Spotlights are pre-recorded bite-size CPD sessions offer a unique deep-dive into key aspects of early years topics, the EYFS, Ofsted and supporting partnerships with families. These 30- to 45-minute presentations can be used individually or in groups, and are perfect for early educators who want to access CPD on the go.

As part of this exciting event, attendees will have the opportunity to attend all of our practical seminar sessions

Connect one: : Let’s talk behaviour – Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager

In this insightful workshop, we will explore the key factors that influence young children's behaviour and gain insights into the role of attachment, stress, family environment and consider other adults can shape young children's actions and reactions.
There will be an opportunity for reflection on adults' own behaviour and how we can best support young children's social, personal and emotional development.

Connect two: All behaviour is communication - Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

Understanding what children are trying to tell us is fundamental for early years educators. By recognising that behaviour is communication, we can better support children to be heard, understood and secure.
In this workshop, we explore the time and patience, tools and strategies needed to decode behaviours, respond with empathy and create environments with a focus on sensory needs where children develop trust, emotional regulation and social skills.

Connect three: Supporting the family to understand behaviour – Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager and Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

It can be tricky for families to understand how best to support children's behaviour particularly unwanted behaviours. This workshop will help educators to support families to understand emotional intelligence and how to nurture their child's emotional development.

Join us in this practical session where we delve into recognising, naming and validating emotions in everyday interactions. In the closing conversations, we will bring together ideas of how educators can support family members to model emotional intelligence, build empathy and support children on managing difficult emotions.

9.30am - 10.00am: Arrival registration, refreshments and networking

10.00am - 10.15am: Opening address and overview of the morning’s events ­– Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager

10.15am - 11.00am: Practical Seminar One: Let’s talk behaviour – Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager

11.00am - 11.15am : Refreshments and networking

11.15am - 12.00pm: Practical Seminar Two: Two: All behaviour is communication - Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

12.00pm - 12.45pm: Practical Seminar Three: Supporting the family to understand behaviour – Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager and Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

12.45pm - 1.00pm: Reflection and closing address - Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

Richard Knight, Alliance early years development manager

Richard Knight is an early years development manager for the EarlyYears Alliance, with a variety of experience working in early yearseducation over the last 16 years. He manages early years projects, writes, and delivers training, and as a consultant supports providers to meet the requirements of the EYFS so that they are Ofsted-ready.

Through his work, he has the opportunity to be hands-on and collaborate with educators, children and families, so he understands the challenges that the sector face and he is passionate about makinga difference. He has first-hand experience of working in pre-schools, stay and play groups, out of school clubs and creches.

One of Richard’s favourite aspects of his current role is supporting colleagues across the Alliance’s services, and working with providers to develop their knowledge and skills so that collectively they can work to give children the best start in life.

Ruth Richardson, Alliance early years development officer

Ruth Richardson works as an early years development officer within the Business Development Directorate of the Early Years Alliance. Her role involves developing and expanding services across the country to members and non-members, including delivering the Alliance’s CPD and networking offer and high-quality early learning projects for children and families. She is currently working with a large cohort of providers who are due to be inspected to support them to be ready for when Ofsted call.

Prior to this, Ruth had worked in the early years sector for over thirty years, including in early years provision, managed holiday club provision, quality assurance roles and in training, delivering qualification courses and apprenticeships in colleges and for the Early Years Alliance.

She is also a mental Health First Aider and believes this is an important role as she can play a small part in challenging the stigma around mental health and championing mental well-being.

Host or Publisher Early Years Alliance