Training for Coventry Childminders Thinking and Talking about...

Bookings - book all 6 session for a reduced rate of £100 or book individual sessions at £20.00 each - all sessions will take place virtually via ZOOM

Thinking and Talking about…Step into a world of fresh ideas and practical inspiration with our exciting new series of ‘Thinking and Talking about…’ training courses designed especially for childminders. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, refresh your skills, or explore new ways to support children's learning and development, these sessions are made for you. Each course is interactive, relevant, and packed with tips you can use straight away in your setting. These sessions will be delivered by Lisa Gadsby, who has 30 years’ experience of working in early years across a range of sectors and services.

Connect with others, build your toolkit, and feel re-energized in your vital role.

Don’t miss out – your next great idea starts here!

Online ‘Live’ 1 hour CPD – 6.30pm - 8.00pm all sessions will take place via Zoom virtual platform

Autumn Term 2025

Session 1 - Wednesday 22 October - Thinking and talking about your curriculum

Session 2 - Wednesday 12 November - Thinking and talking about routines and daily transitions

Spring Term 2026

Session 3 - Wednesday 21 January - - Thinking and talking about the Ofsted Inspection Framework

Session 4 - Wednesday 11 March - Thinking and talking about emotional wellbeing

Summer Term 2026

Session 5 - Wednesday 20 May - Thinking and talking about parent partnerships and home learning environments

Session 6 - Wednesday 10 June - Thinking and talking about promoting positive behaviour

Session 1 - Wednesday 22 October - Thinking and talking about your curriculum

This engaging and practical course is designed to support childminders in understanding how to plan, deliver, and reflect on a high-quality curriculum tailored to the needs of young children. Rooted in the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the course explores how to create meaningful learning experiences that promote every child’s development through play, exploration, and responsive care.

Whether you're new to childminding or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course will empower you to provide a thoughtful and effective curriculum that supports each child's unique learning journey.

Session 2 - Wednesday 12 November - Thinking and talking about routines and daily transitions

This practical course is designed to help childminders create smooth, consistent daily routines and positive transitions that support young children’s emotional security, independence, and development. Through a combination of reflective practice and practical strategies, participants will explore how predictable routines and well-managed transitions contribute to a calm, responsive environment where children can thrive.

Ideal for new and experienced childminders alike, this course provides the tools to foster a predictable, nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

Session 3 - Wednesday 21 January - Thinking and talking about the Ofsted Inspection Framework

This online course will support childminders in navigating the Ofsted Inspection Framework, including the most recent updates to the framework. Participants will explore key areas of the Ofsted framework, including safeguarding, learning and development, assessment, and leadership and management. Childminders will gain confidence in preparing for inspections and implementing best practices to support children’s development and well-being.

Ideal for both new and experienced childminders, this session allows childminders to consider and apply learning directly to their setting.

Session 4 - Wednesday 11 March - Thinking and talking about emotional wellbeing

Be the calm in their storm…. Because the greatest gift we can give children is robust mental health.

This session will focus on mindfulness for Under 5’s – and how you can make this part of your everyday practice, how to create an emotionally nurturing learning environment and will consider how the rhythm of the day supports children’s bodies and minds. Participants will explore making links between parental and child mental health and your powerful role as a childminder to make a difference.

This session is suitable for all childminders with a range of experience and will support your confidence and knowledge of emotional wellbeing for children.

Session 5 - Wednesday 20 May - Thinking and talking about parent partnerships and home learning environments

Designed to support childminders in developing effective partnerships with parents and carers, this session will focus in on creating strong links between home and the childminder setting to support children’s learning and development.

High-quality parent partnerships are central to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and have a lasting impact on a child’s outcomes. This course explores the importance of two-way communication, trust-building, and shared learning goals. It also provides practical strategies to help childminders support and extend children’s learning through activities, routines, and environments that bridge home and childcare settings.

Accessible for both new and experienced childminders, this course encourages reflective practice and gives childminders the confidence to build stronger relationships with families—benefiting both children’s progress and overall wellbeing.

Session 6 - Wednesday 10 June - Thinking and talking about promoting positive behaviour

The final session of our series is designed to support childminders in understanding and promoting positive behaviour in young children, in line with early years best practices and the EYFS framework. Through practical guidance and reflective learning, participants will develop strategies to create a calm, respectful, and supportive environment where all children can thrive.

The course explores the reasons behind behaviour, the importance of relationships, consistency, and communication, and how to support children in developing self-regulation, empathy, and social skills.

This course is suitable for all childminders who want to build their confidence in managing behaviour positively and supportively, in line with the needs of individual children.