The following information provides an overview of the training and development offer available to early years settings. To find out more information about the wider role of the EPS please click here.
School ELCC’s should speak to their link psychologist for more information on the following topics. Partner provider ELCC’s should contact their local area EPS office, please click here to contact us.
Teaching Cognitive Skills for Life in the Early Years
The purpose of these interactive sessions is to work together to explore key skills that are essential for all children to navigate an increasingly complex and changing world. These skills will support them to become successful and independent life-long learners.
The sessions cover the importance of children’s awareness of their own learning skills; how adults influence children’s cognitive development through everyday interactions, and consider how early years practitioners can support the development of specific cognitive skills through everyday nursery activities. There is also a follow-up session (3 months after) which enables participants to come back together to share their practice and learning experiences.
Little Learners
Little Learners is a five session course for parents/carers designed to be delivered by EPs and ELCC staff (who have completed Cognitive Skills training). The course supports parents to understand early years cognitive skills and how to develop these within everyday interactions.
Nurturing Approaches
We have developed a professional learning course exploring Universal Nurturing Approaches. For more information please click here.
Early Years Universal Nurture Training Event November 2024/February 2025
This is a 2 day in person course for ELCC staff delivered by the Educational Psychology Service. The sessions focus on developing an understanding of the core theories underpinning a nurturing approach before moving on to explore how nurturing approaches can be delivered within an ELCC setting. Please click to register Early Years Universal Nurture
Emotion Coaching
We have developed a series of professional learning courses regarding the use of Emotion Coaching in settings. Please click here for more information.
Understanding Sensory Behaviours
An ALDO course has been created collaboratively with Aberdeenshire educational establishments and NHS Occupational Therapy to enhance practitioners’ understanding of sensory needs and how these can be supported in education. There are four modules in the course. The first of these modules helps us understand how everyone has sensory needs and preferences. The next module further develops skills and knowledge around targeted support needs. A further module focuses on interventions and adaptations that can help meet sensory needs and considers the school environment in addition to the curriculum. The final module focuses on the creation and utilisation of sensory spaces in schools and settings.
Click here to access the online course.
Other topics/areas of interest:
The EPS currently offers a range of other CLPL inputs that may also be of interest to Early Years practitioners. Please click on the topic areas below to find out more.