Introduction to Working with Children in Early Years Education

Course Aim:  A chance to find out what it’s like to work with children , what goes on behind the scenes and get some practical experience.  Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

Course Information:  10 X 2 hour workshops /sessions and a discrete volunteering opportunity such as planning and delivering a Stay and Play session. Alongside this, intensive help and advice to access a longer term regular work experience opportunity in an Early Years/Childcare setting and some on-line training which teaches underpinning knowledge.

WK 1  Introductions and course aims. Participants’ expectations. Hands-on Activity including preparing snack. Introduction to Volunteering in an Early Years/Childcare setting.

WK 2 Hands on activity – playdough, clay and natural materials. Child Development. The Role of the Adult

WK 3 Hands on activity – paint, junk and sticky. Health & Safety.  The Role of the Volunteer.

WK 4 Planning appropriate play activities. Planning a session.

Imaginative Role Play. Equal Opportunities.

WK 5 Bring ideas today for a session of Stay & Play, discuss and reflect. Begin planning the Stay & Play session.

WK 6 Continue planning for Stay & Play session and trial an activity.  Introduction to Safeguarding.

WK 7 Introduction to Paediatric First Aid.  Career Options and qualifications. Begin an Action Plan

WK 8 Final Preparations for the Stay & Play session.  Stories and music.  Any Questions?

WK 9 Run the Stay & Play session.

WK 10 De-brief and discuss what happens next. Goal setting and Action Planning. Activity on childcare related careers.

 

Suitable for:  Anyone with an interest in working with pre-school children.  A good refresher if you have worked with children before and are thinking of returning.

Date: Wednesday 3rd October, 10th, 17th, 31st October, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th November and 5th & 12th December

Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm (please arrive at 12:15pm)

Venue: Elmbridge Under 5’s , Windfall Way, Gloucester GL2 0LN

Cost:     Free to participants on the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) project . If you are interested in participating on the project, please go to www.glosgem.org or contact Mary Jennings, Navigator Developer for the GEM Project on 07731 823347.

 

 

Roles and Responsibilities: Key facts for your Committee

Course Aim: To provide committee members with the confidence to manage, influence, challenge, and support their pre-school or out-of-school setting.

Course Information: This relaxed and informative session is ideal for all new and experienced committee members and/or setting managers to exchange ideas and feel more confident in their role..

This session will

• Give an overview of a committee’s roles and responsibilities.
• Provide the tools needed to tackle unexpected and/or challenging issues - for instance: management concerns, complaint handling, safeguarding issues, Ofsted visits.     
• Have a chance for questions and answers from an HR consultant with extensive experience as a committee chairperson and from PATA's CEO who has extensive Early Years working knowledge.     
                           

Suitable For: Those involved in managing and leading settings – parents, committee members and managers.      

Date: Tuesday 15th  January 

Time:  7.15pm - 9.45pm (please arrive by 7:05pm)

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre, Painswick Road, Gloucester. GL4 6PR

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

An Introduction to On-Line Learning Journals (Tapestry)

Course Aim: To provide a basic overview of the online learning journal Tapestry.

Course Information:  

Tapestry is an innovative, interactive online learning journal which helps practitioners to capture children's experiences as well as monitor development and learning. This unique journal can be shared online with parents, who are able to see special moments and view their child's progress.

During the session we will discuss the basic working of Tapestry, including setting up a learning journal. writing observations and setting up staff and parent access. We will also consider safeguarding and permissions.

Suitable For:  Anyone new to Tapestry or anyone who is thinking of introducing Tapestry into their setting.

*Please note that this course is not endorsed by Tapestry but is run by an experienced practitioner and has been developed at the request of members who need support. 

Date: Tuesday 29th January

Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

 

Introduction to Autism in Children

Course Aim: To develop understanding of how autism can present itself in young children and to explore ways of managing the child's need positively.       

Course Information: During the session we will consider the following:

• What is autism?
• Communication: theirs and ours.
• Sensory Issues: how these can affect the child's behaviour.

Suitable For: Anyone who works or volunteers with children and would like a better understanding of what to look out for and how to support children with autism.

Delivered by: Sara Watters, Lead Practitioner, Senior Learner Support Worker, HLTA and QCF Assessor for The Milestone School.  Sara has 20 years of classroom experience, 15 of which have been at The Milestone School.

Date: Tuesday 5th February

Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £25.00 for members / £35.00 for non members

Taking A Risk With Resilience

Course Aim:  To support practitioners in building resilience in young children and helping them to face future obstacles.

Course Information: This workshop looks at how our brain and body respond to stress and will discuss strategies which strengthen our children’s abilities to survive a lifetime of challenges. Resilient children are braver, more curious and more adaptable; they know their limits and are able to push themselves outside their comfort zone.  Resilience is something which can be nurtured in all children.

· What is resilience and how does it impact on our daily lives?

· What does a resilient person look like and what does a person lacking resilience look like?

· What factors may impact on a child’s wellbeing?

· The importance of risk taking and the impact of helicopter parenting.

· Strategies and activities to build self-reliance in young children

· Reflect on our own practice and make changes.

 

Suitable For: Anyone working or volunteering within an early years setting or preschool. 

Date: Thursday 7th February

Time: 9:30pm - 12:00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £25.00 for members / £35.00 for non members

SEND 5 - Behaviour: Attention Seeking or Attachment Seeking?

Course Aim:   To gain a better understanding of the causes of behaviour and how to manage it within a setting.

Course Information:   During this session practitioners will explore what is meant by behaviour. You will explore your own experiences and ethos, challenge ideas and reflect on your own practice. Gain an alternative understanding of the rationale behind behaviour and begin to unravel the mystery of undesired behaviour from a therapeutic perspective. During this course Fran will share her own experiences and expertise as a SENCo, parent and from counselling theory. It will be a collective experiential course.

Delivered by:  Miss Fran Barber,a qualified teacher of 18 years with 11 of those being the designated Special Education Needs co-ordinator for a primary School. Fran is also the West Gloucestershire Schools Partnership Lead SENCo.

Suitable For:   Any Early Years Practitioners or Managers and those interested in supporting children with special educational needs.

Date: Wednesday 13th February   

Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

Anna Ephgrave - Planning In The Moment - FULLY BOOKED!

FULLY BOOKED.  ADDITIONAL DATE ON MONDAY 1ST APRIL 2019

Course Aim: To provide you with the necessary tools to help your children feel confident and independent especially through outdoor play and risk taking play.

Course Information:  The course will cover:-          

It will also touch on:-         

Suitable For:   Anyone working in Early Years (including Reception)

Date: Monday 18th February 9:00am - approximately 3:00pm

Venue: Hillview Evangelical Church, Hucclecote, Gloucester, GL3 3LX

Cost: PLEASE NOTE PATA'S NORMAL REFUND POLICY DOES NOT APPLY FOR THIS BOOKING.  WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE REFUNDS OR CREDITS ONCE A BOOKING IS MADE.  WE CAN, HOWEVER, CHANGE THE NAME OF DELEGATES ATTENDING UP UNTIL MIDDAY WEDNESDAY 3RD OCTOBER.

FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE INVOICE DATE BY BACS, CASH (AT THE PATA OFFICES) OR CHEQUE.  OTHERWISE YOUR WHOLE BOOKING WILL BE CANCELLED AND YOUR PLACES WILL BE OFFERED TO THOSE NEXT ON THE WAITING LIST.

Members:  Please join the waiting list. Anyone who registered on the waiting list for the 8th October course, who was not successful in securing places for that date, will be automatically offered places on the 18th February.

All new bookings will go onto the waiting list and we will allocate places from this strictly in time/date order.  You will be notified if you have a space as soon as possible. 

£185 (for two attendees) 

£270 (for three attendees)

£355 (for four attendees)

£440 (for five attendees)

£525 (for six attendees)

£610 (for seven attendees)

£695 (for eight attendees)

£780 (for nine attendees)

Non Members Please join the waiting list. Cost is £225 for first two attendees and £110 for additional attendees

£225 (for two attendees) 

£335 (for three attendees)

£445 (for four attendees)

£555 (for five attendees)

£665 (for six attendees)

£775 (for seven attendees)

£885 (for eight attendees)

£995 (for nine attendees)

Using Symbols and Visual Systems to Support Communication

Course Aim:  This course will provide you with the necessary skills to both understand and successfully use symbols and visual systems to support children with Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties, including supporting children with English as an additional language.            

 

Course Information: During the session we will discuss

· What are symbols and their role in communication?

· Symbolic development stages

· Examples of different symbols and visuals used for supporting communication

· Problem solving what to use and the reasons why

· How to successfully use symbols and visuals to communicate 

 

Suitable For: Any Early Years Practitioners and Managers

Delivered by: Naomi Webber, Early Language Advisor, with 14 years Speech and Language Therapy practice experience with Early Years.

Date: Wednesday 27th February     

Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £45.00 for Members / £80 for Non-Members

Going Deeper with On-Line Learning Journals (Tapestry)

Course Aim: To provide an overview of some of the functions Tapestry has outside of the basic Learning Journal including Cohort Tracking and setting overviews.

Course Information:  

Tapestry is an innovative, interactive online learning journal which helps practitioners to capture children's experiences as well as monitor development and learning. This unique journal can be shared online with parents, who are able to see special moments and view their child's progress.

During the session we will consider the additional ways in which Tapestry can help you as a setting.  Please bring along any questions you may have regarding Tapestry's functions and we will help you find the answers.   

Suitable For:  This is suitable for anyone who has attended our 'An Introduction to On-Line Learning Journals (Tapestry)' course on Tuesday 5th February or anyone who is already using Tapestry but who would like to gain more in-depth knowledge.

Spaces on this course are limited.  Please contact the office if you require additional places.

*Please note that this course is not endorsed by Tapestry but is run by an experienced practitioner and has been developed at the request of members who need support.

Date: Monday 4th March                   

Time: 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

 

 

Performance and Management (Part 1) - Supervision and Appraisals

Course Aim:  To provide managers with the confidence to conduct meaningful one-to-one meetings with their team.  This course will provide: the paperwork to accompany the meetings; the knowledge on what can be asked and documented; and what further steps should be taken once the meeting closes.   

Course Information: 

This informative and relaxed session will provide an overview on:

• Coaching techniques  - how to use meetings and observations to support your team in achieving their best

• How to give and receive feedback in a productive environment     

• How to document, agree and evaluate SMART objectives

• How to complete one-to-one / supervision / appraisal forms

• How to conduct Return to Work meetings to decrease absence and support individual’s needs.                                

Suitable For:  All individuals in a management position – setting leaders, managers and committee members.

This is is the first part of a three part course.  To compliment this course we are also able to offer:-

Performance Management (Part 2) - Performance Improvement Plans (Tuesday 19th March)
Performance Management (Part 3) - Conducting Investigations and Disciplinary Meetings  (Tuesday 26th March)

Date: Tuesday 5th March  

Time: 9:30am - midday

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

Boys Will Be Boys? Closing the Gap

Course Aim: To support practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of how boys learn and develop strategies to channel their energies using practical ideas and reflective practice.               

Course Information: Research shows that there can be a massive gap in the development of boys compared to girls, with some being a whole year behind.  This course will consider ways to adapt your environment to make it more appropriate for different types of learning and how to be creative in engaging boys.    

"All children, irrespective of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, learning difficulties or disabilities, gender or ability should have the opportunity to experience a challenging and enjoyable programme of learning and development." (EYFS Statutory Guidance).

This workshop looks honestly at the behaviour of boys in your settings.  We will consider the innate hormonal, neurological and physical differences between girls and boys, and touch on how stereotyping may influence their play.  With a renewed understanding we will look at the enabling environment we provide and share practical ideas which will empower boys to achieve the best they can within your setting whilst building their confidence and self esteem.  

Suitable For: Anyone working or volunteering within an early years setting or preschool.   

Date: Thursday 7th March  6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £25.00 for Members / £35 for Non-Members

Autism in Children - Managing Behaviour

Course Aim: This is a top-up course for anyone who has previously attended one of our 'Introduction to Autism in Children' courses.            

Course Information: During the session we will consider the following:     

• Managing challenging behaviour.
• Going on trips.
• Supporting the family.

Suitable For: This course is only available to those who attended one of our previous courses - 'Introduction to Autism in Children'.

Delivered by: Sara Watters, Lead Practitioner and Senior Learner Support Worker, HLTA and QCF Assessor for The Milestone School.  Sara has 20 years of classroom experience, 15 of which have been at The Milestone School.   

Date: Tuesday 12th March             Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £25.00 for Members / £35 for Non-Members

Performance and Management (Part 2) - Performance Improvement Plans

Course Aim: This course will provide managers with the next steps in managing performance in order to reach business goals.  This course will provide: the paperwork to accompany the meetings; the knowledge on what can be asked and documented; and the confidence to keep challenging weak performance.

Course Information: One-to-ones and supervisions provide the framework for strong teamwork, communication skills and an environment looking to improve.  However not all improvements are instant, understood or desired by every member of the team.

This informative and relaxed session will provide an overview on:

•  Brief review of One-to-one / supervision documentation and SMART objectives
  
• The reasons behind the failure of team members to achieve their SMART    objectives
  
• The difference between Conduct and Capability
  
• Implementing a Performance Improvement Plan
  
• What options are available to mangers when improvements don’t happen
  
• How to prepare for the potential of disciplinary action being taken.    

Suitable For:  All individuals in a management position – setting leaders, managers and committee members.

Please note: This course builds on knowledge learned during the Performance Management - Supervision and Appraisals workshop (being held on Tuesday 5th March).  It is possible to attend this workshop, as a stand-alone course, if you consider your one-to-one meetings to be adequately documented in order to support moving towards performance investigations. 

We are also delivering Performance Management (Part 3) - Conducting Investigations and Disciplinary Meetings on Tuesday 26th March.

Date: Tuesday 19th March Time: 9:30pm - midday

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Course Aim: To provide practitioners in early years settings with tools for dealing with behaviour and how to promote positive outcomes.

The course covers all aspects of behaviour for children.

Course Information: During this workshop practitioners will have an opportunity to discuss children’s behaviours which impact on their daily routine. We will share good practice and look at effective observation methods as a means to reduce unwanted behaviours. The workshop will look at the benefits of focusing on positive behaviour and the impact this has on a setting and a child’s self esteem. Every setting which attends will also be asked to bring a copy of their current behaviour policy which we will review.

Suitable For: Those working with children including Early Years Practitioners, Managers or support staff such as lunchtime supervisors and Out of School/Breakfast Club staff.    

Date: Thursday 21st March     Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £45.00 for members / £80.00 for non members

Performance and Management (Part 3) - Conducting Investigations and Disciplinary Meetings

Course Aim: To provide managers with the confidence to conduct investigations into all behaviour, conduct or capability concerns.  This course will then help attendees identify the best course of action to be taken in order to support sustainable improvements.  The course will provide all paperwork associated with disciplinary hearings. 

Course Information: This session will guide you through the step-by-step processes of:

Suitable For:  All individuals in a management position – setting leaders, managers and committee members.

Please note: This course builds on knowledge learned during the Performance Management - Performance Improvement Plans workshop (being delivered on Tuesday 19th March); however, it is possible to attend this workshop, as a stand-alone course.   

We are also delivering a Performance Management Supervision and Appraisals course on Tuesday 5th March.

Date: Tuesday 26th March 9:30am - midday

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre 

Cost: £25 for members / £35 for non members

Introduction to Playwork

Course Aim:  To develop an understanding of play and playwork settings.

Course Information:  During the session we will look at the following:

· The importance of play

· Playwork principles

· Types of play

· Loose parts

The course aims to provide you with the information required for an induction into playwork, giving you an understanding of children and play, your role and responsibility of being a playworker and how to build good relationships. 

Playwork is often undervalued as a separate discipline so we have developed this course to look specifically at this area and to support practitioners.

Suitable For: 

Anyone who works or volunteers with children in a playwork setting including breakfast, after school and holiday clubs who would like a better understanding of playwork.

Delivered by:

Nicki Woolway, a Level 3 qualified playworker with 9 years experience of owning and managing two play settings. 

Date: Thursday 28th March      Time: 6:45pm - 9:15pm

Venue: Chequers Bridge Centre

Cost: £25.00 for members / £35.00 for non members

Anna Ephgrave - Planning In The Moment

LIMITED SPACES REMAINING - PLEASE  'JOIN WAITLIST' TO BE ALLOCATED PLACES.

PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE ON 01452 541244 IF YOU REQUIRE ONLY ONE PLACE ON THIS COURSE.

Course Aim: To provide you with the necessary tools to help your children feel confident and independent especially through outdoor play and risk taking play.

Course Information:  The course will cover:-          

It will also touch on:-         

Suitable For:   Anyone working in Early Years (including Reception).  Anna has requested that at least 2 delegates attend from each setting in order to get the best out of the course.

Date: Monday 1st April 9:00am - approximately 3:00pm

Venue: Hillview Evangelical Church, Hucclecote, Gloucester, GL3 3LX

Cost: PLEASE NOTE PATA'S NORMAL REFUND POLICY DOES NOT APPLY FOR THIS BOOKING.  WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE REFUNDS OR CREDITS ONCE A BOOKING IS MADE.  WE CAN, HOWEVER, CHANGE THE NAME OF DELEGATES ATTENDING UP UNTIL MIDDAY WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH.

FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE INVOICE DATE BY BACS, CASH (AT THE PATA OFFICES) OR CHEQUE.  OTHERWISE YOUR WHOLE BOOKING WILL BE CANCELLED AND YOUR PLACES WILL BE OFFERED TO THOSE NEXT ON THE WAITING LIST.

PLACES WILL BE ALLOCATED IN STRICT DATE/TIME ORDER. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SPACES OR IF YOU ARE STILL ON THE WAITING LIST.

Members:  Please join the waiting list. 

£95 (for one attendee - please contact the office on 01452 541244)

£185 (for two attendees) 

£270 (for three attendees)

£355 (for four attendees)

£440 (for five attendees)

£525 (for six attendees)

£610 (for seven attendees)

£695 (for eight attendees)

£780 (for nine attendees)

Non Members Please join the waiting list. 

£120 (for one attendee - please contact the office on 01452 541244)

£225 (for two attendees) 

£335 (for three attendees)

£445 (for four attendees)

£555 (for five attendees)

£665 (for six attendees)

£775 (for seven attendees)

£885 (for eight attendees)

£995 (for nine attendees)

 

Helicopter Stories with Trisha Lee
Please note booking opens 10am Wednesday 12th December (Members) and 10am Wednesday 19th December (Non-Members)

We are excited to be running our first ‘Helicopter Stories’ training with Trisha Lee. The Helicopter approach, pioneered by Vivian Gussin Paley and championed in the UK by Trisha Lee, harnesses the power of storytelling. Places are limited.

In its simplest form, Helicopter Stories lets children dictate their stories which are written down verbatim, exactly as they are told, by an EYFS or Key Stage 1 practitioner. The children then gather around a taped out stage and the stories are acted out.

Alongside the simplicity of this approach is an ethos that is child-centred, creating a culture of curiosity and wonder at the dexterity of children’s imaginings during both the telling and the acting out of their stories.

This holistic approach uses the power of storytelling to develop key curriculum areas such as creativity, communication and language, personal, social and emotional skills in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 classroom, giving children's stories a voice in a safe space.

 

The course will cover:-

· A creative and holistic approach to learning

· Inclusive whole-class approach to learning that values ever child’s contribution

· Engaging creativity, boost self-confidence and improve speaking and listening skills

· Promote collaborative learning in a supportive, safe environment

· Allow children to explore the power of words, forming a bridge into the world of writing

 

The course is highly interactive and includes a demonstration with a group of preschool aged children as part of the day. Every delegate who attends should leave the course able to try the approach with their children the next day if they so wish.

 

Date: Wednesday 15th May

Time: 10am - 3:30pm (please arrive from 9:30am onwards for a 10am prompt start) 

Venue: The Church Centre, Larkhay Road, Hucclecote, Gloucester, GL3 3NS 

Cost: PLEASE NOTE PATA'S NORMAL REFUND POLICY DOES NOT APPLY FOR THIS BOOKING.  WE ARE UNABLE TO GIVE REFUNDS OR CREDITS ONCE A BOOKING IS MADE.  WE CAN, HOWEVER, CHANGE THE NAME OF DELEGATES ATTENDING UP UNTIL MIDDAY THURSDAY 9TH MAY

FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE INVOICE DATE BY BACS, CASH (AT THE PATA OFFICES) OR CHEQUE.  OTHERWISE YOUR BOOKING WILL BE CANCELLED AND YOUR PLACE WILL BE OFFERED TO THOSE NEXT ON THE WAITING LIST.

Members:  £85 (BOOKING OPENS WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER AT 10AM)

Non Members £105 (BOOKING OPENS WEDNESDAY 19TH DECEMBER AT 10AM)