The Golden Key: Afternoon Cohort

Nasen’s Golden Key programme is designed for early years practitioners who would like to deepen their understanding of inclusive practice and strengthen their support for young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Developed and delivered by nasen, this course aims to guide and support practitioners in shaping practice that meets the diverse needs of all children from the earliest stages.

The course explores:

• Legislation and terminology relating to SEND
• Child-centred approaches, high-quality interactions, observation techniques and assessment tools to identify children’s learning and development needs.
• Supporting children with SEND through the Graduated Approach.
• Building positive relationships with children and their parents/carers.
• Working in partnership, including the role of the SENCO and outside agencies, and how to work together effectively to support children with SEND.
• The principles of effective transition

Delivered over four 2-hour sessions, the course will include reflective activities and practical strategies, designed to build practitioner confidence and develop an embedded inclusive approach. Registrants MUST commit to attending all four sessions.

Target audience: Practitioners working in the role of key person (not SENCOs), including childminders

Location: Sessions will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. Once registered, you will receive a link to join the online sessions via email.

Time: All sessions for the afternoon cohort will take place from 1:00-3:00 PM

Dates:

• Session 1: Tues 30 Sept
• Session 2: Tues 7 Oct
• Session 3: Tues 14 Oct
• Session 4: Tues 21 Oct

If you require any adaptations, support, or reasonable adjustments to access this training, please contact Anna Speke at nasen: annas@nasen.org.uk

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The Golden Key Programme by nasen

Early Years SEND CPD for practitioners working as key person

Nasen's Golden Key training program upskills EY practitioners to identify and provide for the needs of all children in their care. It involves identifying individual needs, fostering trust with children and their parents/carers, and daily interaction with children to gain a holistic understanding of their preferences, interests, and development needs.

This training is designed for practitioners (who are not EY SENCO’s) in Early Years PVI and maintained school settings.

The Golden Key training has a practitioner satisfaction rating of 97%!

96% of attendees incorporated their learnings into their daily practice.

96% of attendees also report that they have shared their learnings with their setting.

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Empowering Inclusive Education: The SEND Network

This professional development opportunity is brought to you by the HEART Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub SEND Network.

The SEND Network is a dynamic community of early years educators and professionals united by a shared commitment to inclusive practice. Through collaboration, innovation, and practical support, the network helps settings create environments where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

💡 What We Do

Connect & Collaborate: Share insights, resources, and real-world solutions to strengthen SEND provision.

Build Confidence: Through professional development, we empower practitioners to act early and effectively.

Celebrate Strengths: We help reframe SEND from a deficit model to one that highlights potential, reassuring families and inspiring educators.

Ensure Equity: By advocating for ordinarily available provision, we support consistent, high-quality support in mainstream settings—no diagnosis required.