AGTT Early Years Development Programme 2025-2026

Overview of the programme

We are excited to offer the opportunity to work with schools on a journey of developing the EYFS through a series of interconnected sessions. There will be lots of opportunities to work on these developments in between each session, as well as

seeing real-life practice in action.

Session 1: Understanding the EYFS Curriculum, planning and organisation

Thursday 25th September, 9.15pm-3pm

• This session explores how the environment acts as a third teacher and how we plan for this effective environment

• Ensuring adults understand the value of the resources on offer to support new learning and embed prior experiences.

• Ensure all members of your team have a clear understanding of the rationale behind the way in the which the environment has been developed, the teaching and learning opportunities which are aligned to the curriculum planning and how we can respond to children’s emerging interests

IMPACT:

• Gain practical ideas to develop your EYFS curriculum and provision planning

• See the curriculum in action at Jerry Clay Academy

• Clarity for all adults on the potential of provision to support teaching and learning

• Strengthen adult interactions and expertise

Session 2: Developing children’s early language & love of reading

Thursday 12th February, 9.15am- 3.15pm

The sessions will draw on the latest research findings and explore the key steps involved in early language development. Consider the processes involved in talk, vocabulary enrichment and how we can successfully support quality talk within provision.

The Impact of the Learning Environment

Understand the impact of the learning environment on children’s language and communication.

Stages of Development for Speech, Language and Communication

Deepening understanding of the typical stages of development from birth to five years of age and distinguish between speech, language and communication.

Action Planning for Practice and Provision

Reflect on potential changes to practice and provision which will best support the development of children’s speech, language and communication.

IMPACT:

• Reflect on your current early years environment and begin to create a plan

to move forward

• Explore the key features of an enabling, language rich environment allowing

children to successfully follow their own interests

• Form strategies to extend children’s thinking, language and communication

skills through careful planning, resourcing and teaching within provision

• Reflect and evaluate current EYFS provision and begin to formulate

Session 3: The importance of the great outdoors

Thursday 4th June, 9.15am-3.00pm

• Focusing on the principles of effective provision

• Evaluation and creating action steps for connecting the outdoors with the indoors

• Consider why the outdoors is so vital and unique for children’s development

• Planning and organising resources for play outdoors

• Consider the adult role and how learning can be deepened further in this area

• This module will include a school visit to see effective practice in action

IMPACT:

• Understand the impact of outdoor learning on young children’s development

• Explore the connection between the physical environment and the

opportunities and possibilities for learning outdoors

• Develop practical strategies to deepen your knowledge of the adult role in

outdoor learning

Cost- £150 for the whole programme with all course materials to diseminate to your own school.