Acorn Early Years Training

A huge thank you to Tigerlily Paediatric First Aid Training, who joined us yesterday to deliver their full-day Paediatric First Aid course to our teams.
The training provided staff with the practical skills and confidence needed to respond to a range of emergency situations, helping to keep children safe and well in our care. Continuous professional development is incredibly important to us, and we're grateful to Tigerlily for another engaging and informative day of learning.

Building connections, inspiring curiosity.
Today, our Pedagogical Lead, Becky Watanabe, delivered our Connection to Curiosity training, supporting practitioners to deepen their understanding of how babies grow, learn and form relationships in their earliest years.
The course explores early brain development, the prime areas of the EYFS, and the vital role that secure, responsive relationships play in helping children thrive. From meaningful care routines to rich sensory experiences, practitioners discovered how everyday moments can nurture connection, curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Pete Moorhouse is at Stanwick today and things are getting hands-on!
Our team are spending the day exploring the wonderful world of clay during the "Clay: Ideas Taking Shape" training session. From squishing, shaping and mark-making to creating sculptures with natural materials, staff are discovering exciting new ways to inspire children's creativity and curiosity.
The session is packed with practical ideas for setting up engaging clay experiences that grow alongside children's skills and confidence. We can't wait to bring these exciting techniques back to the nursery and see where our children's imaginations take them!
At Acorn, we're passionate about investing in high-quality training that helps us create inspiring learning experiences every day.

🌳 New school year. New skills. New opportunities.

As September approaches, it's the perfect time to invest in your professional development and build your confidence in outdoor learning.

Our Introduction to Forest School course is ideal for Early Years practitioners wanting to develop their understanding of Forest School principles and explore the benefits of learning in nature.

Gain valuable insights into woodland environments, natural resources and outdoor learning approaches that can enrich children's experiences throughout the year.

📅 Wednesday 30th September
⏰ 9:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Acorn Training Centre, Westcroft, MK4 4DE
💷 £35 per person

Get ahead before term gets busy and start the new academic year inspired by the possibilities of outdoor learning.

🔗 Book your place today:
https://www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/Pages/FAQs/Category/forest-school-short-courses

🍃

💻 Need to refresh your DSL knowledge but can't attend in person?

As the new academic year gets underway, it's important that Designated Safeguarding Leads remain confident in their responsibilities and aware of current safeguarding expectations.

Our Online DSL (Knowledge & Skills Update) session provides an opportunity to revisit key areas of the role, strengthen your understanding, and ensure you're leading safeguarding effectively within your setting.

Delivered by safeguarding expert Tammie Redman, this course is ideal for established DSLs looking to keep their knowledge current.

📅 Tuesday 29th September
⏰ 6:30pm – 9:30pm
💻 Online
💷 £45 per person

Stay informed, stay compliant, and continue to provide strong safeguarding leadership.

🔗 Book now: acornearlyyears.org.uk/book-training

💻 Looking to update your safeguarding knowledge without leaving your setting?

As we prepare for another busy academic year, safeguarding remains one of the most important responsibilities for everyone working with children.

Join our Online Basic Safeguarding training and gain a clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection requirements, delivered by experienced Safeguarding Trainer and Consultant, Tammie Redman.

Perfect for practitioners who want the flexibility of online learning while ensuring they remain informed, confident and compliant.

📅 Friday 25th September
⏰ 9:30am – 1:00pm
💷 £40 per person
📍 Online

Invest in your professional development this September and help create safer environments for every child in your care.

🔗 Book now: acornearlyyears.org.uk/book-training

🛡️ Looking to become a Designated Safeguarding Lead but need a more flexible training option?

Our online evening DSL Training is ideal for busy professionals preparing to take on safeguarding leadership responsibilities within their organisation.

This comprehensive course covers the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, key legislation, decision-making, reporting procedures, record keeping, and effective safeguarding leadership.

📅 Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th September
⏰ 6:30pm – 9:30pm
💻 Online
💷 £60 per person

Get prepared for the new academic year and strengthen your confidence in one of the most important roles within your setting.

🔗 Book now: acornearlyyears.org.uk/book-training

🌿 Looking for new ideas to refresh your provision this September?

Before the new school year begins, why not explore how simple, natural materials can create powerful learning opportunities?

Join Becky Watanabe for Invitations to Play & Using Natural Resources and discover practical ways to create engaging, open-ended experiences that encourage creativity, exploration and curiosity.

Learn how everyday resources such as sticks, stones, leaves and loose parts can transform your environment and inspire meaningful play.

📅 Thursday 24th September
⏰ 9:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Acorn Training Centre, Westcroft, MK4 4DE
💷 £35 per person

Start the new academic year with fresh ideas that children will love.

🔗 Book now: acornearlyyears.org.uk/book-training

🛡️ A new school year brings new children, new families, and new responsibilities.

Before September gets into full swing, make sure your safeguarding knowledge is up to date and your confidence is where it needs to be.

Our Basic Safeguarding training provides an essential introduction to child protection and safeguarding responsibilities for anyone working with children, whether regularly or occasionally.

Delivered by experienced Safeguarding Trainer and Consultant, Tammie Redman, this course will help practitioners understand their role in helping to keep children safe and recognise when concerns need to be acted upon.

📅 Thursday 17th September
⏰ 9:30am – 1:00pm
📍 Acorn Training Centre, Westcroft, MK4 4DE
💷 £40 per person

Start the new academic year with confidence, knowledge, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding children.

🔗 Book now: acornearlyyears.org.uk/book-training