Working with Parents: Building Stronger Partnerships for Children’s Learning Hosted by Pen Green Centre & East Midlands Stronger Practice Hub At Pen Green, working with parents is not a programme—it is our foundation. We believe parents are the first and most enduring educators of their children, and we position them as co-researchers and co-constructors of […]
Enhancing Outdoor Practice in the Early YearsProfessional Development Day for Early Years Practitioners Join us for an inspiring day of professional development dedicated to enriching outdoor learning in early years settings. This practical and reflective event will explore the value of outdoor environments in supporting children's development, wellbeing, and curiosity. Through hands-on workshops, discussions, and […]
Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes are accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), giving our trainees access to inspiring national training from experienced educators across the country (delivered virtually), alongside high-quality local, face-to-face delivery here at Pen Green. This combination deepens trainees’ knowledge, understanding, and professional confidence. At Pen Green Research Base, we […]
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Mona Sakr as our guest for the next Baby Room Network session — with a special focus on transitions. 💬✨ As many of us have recently welcomed new babies and families into our settings this September, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and connect.
A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND Fully Funded Training Course – Delivered by East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Overview This immersive training course introduces early years professionals to A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND—a values-led, evidence-informed model developed by Pen Green and endorsed by the Department for […]
Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes are accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), giving our trainees access to inspiring national training from experienced educators across the country (delivered virtually), alongside high-quality local, face-to-face delivery here at Pen Green. This combination deepens trainees’ knowledge, understanding, and professional confidence. At Pen Green Research Base, we […]
📢 New Networking Opportunity: Ofsted Updates – Inspection & the Curriculum Network The East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is delighted to continue our new network: Ofsted Updates – Inspection & the Curriculum Network, designed for leaders and managers in early years settings, schools, and childminders.
Join us for an inspiring Professional Development Day designed for early years educators. Explore key areas of practice that will develop your pedagogy and outcomes for children.
Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Road, Lincoln LN1 3DY
We’re excited to introduce a new opportunity to connect and learn together through our Speech and Language Support Network, led by Karen Royle, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. This informal online network runs alongside our funded 1-1 speech and language consultation sessions and is designed to bring together early years practitioners who want to strengthen their […]
Nutrition Essentials for the Early Years 2-Part Webinar Series with Guest Speaker Catherine Jeans, Registered Nutritionist Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Good nutrition in the early years is not just about healthy eating—it underpins learning, development, and wellbeing, as recognised in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance. In […]
If you are looking for a nursery place for your child then we'd like to invite you to join us at our Nursery Stay & Play Session. Are you looking for a nurturing and inspiring nursery for your child? Join us at Kingswood Community Nursery for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you can: […]
Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes are accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), giving our trainees access to inspiring national training from experienced educators across the country (delivered virtually), alongside high-quality local, face-to-face delivery here at Pen Green. This combination deepens trainees’ knowledge, understanding, and professional confidence. At Pen Green Research Base, we […]
Looking for your next step?
Join us at our online information session for employers and potential apprentices interested in the fully funded Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship.
This programme is designed for experienced practitioners looking to step into leadership roles, and for employers wanting to develop and retain senior staff.
📢 New Networking Opportunity: Outdoor Learning The East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is delighted to launch our new network: Outdoor Learning, building on the success of our recent professional development days. The first session will be co-facilitated by Menna Godfrey. Join us to share ideas, reflect on practice, and continue inspiring high-quality outdoor play […]
Leadership Networking Event: Staff Retention & Wellbeing Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Join us for the first in a new series of leadership networking events designed for early years leaders across the East Midlands. This informal networking session (Friday 28th November, 8:00am–10:00pm) will focus on one of the biggest priorities […]
A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND Fully Funded Training Course – Delivered by East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Overview This immersive training course introduces early years professionals to A Celebratory Approach to Working with Children with SEND—a values-led, evidence-informed model developed by Pen Green and endorsed by the Department for […]
Leadership Networking Event: Staff Retention & Wellbeing Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Join us for the first in a new series of leadership networking events designed for early years leaders across the East Midlands. This informal networking session (Tuesday 25th November, 3:00–5:00pm) will focus on one of the biggest priorities […]
Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes are accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), giving our trainees access to inspiring national training from experienced educators across the country (delivered virtually), alongside high-quality local, face-to-face delivery here at Pen Green. This combination deepens trainees’ knowledge, understanding, and professional confidence. At Pen Green Research Base, we […]
Nutrition Essentials for the Early Years 2-Part Webinar Series with Guest Speaker Catherine Jeans, Registered Nutritionist Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Good nutrition in the early years is not just about healthy eating—it underpins learning, development, and wellbeing, as recognised in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance. In […]
Leadership Networking Event: Staff Retention & Wellbeing Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Join us for the first in a new series of leadership networking events designed for early years leaders across the East Midlands. This informal networking session (Friday 28th November, 10:00am–12:00pm) will focus on one of the biggest priorities […]
Leadership Networking Event: Staff Retention & Wellbeing Hosted by the East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub and Leicester City Council Join us for the first in a new series of leadership networking events designed for early years leaders across the East Midlands. This informal networking session (Monday 1st December, 10:00am–12:00pm) will focus on one […]
Looking for the right nursery place for your child?Come and experience Pen Green Nursery! Join us for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you and your child can explore our nurturing, stimulating spaces together. It’s the perfect chance to see how we support children’s learning, play, and wellbeing from 9 months to 4 years. […]
Join us for our next Baby Room Network session, where we’ll be exploring: Documenting the Learning of the Youngest Children: Observation & Assessment How do we truly see and capture the learning of babies?What does meaningful observation look like in a relational, responsive baby room? This is a supportive, practice-focused space for baby room educators, […]
Discover Early Years is a free careers and networking event bringing together students, schools, training providers, and Early Years employers. Hosted at Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base, this interactive event is designed to inspire the next generation of Early Years professionals and showcase the opportunities available in the sector today.
A community space for early-years apprentices to learn, connect, and thrive Join us for an interactive online forum designed just for early-years apprentices. You support children every day — now it’s time for us to support you. Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or community, this event brings apprentices together to share experiences, ask questions, and […]
Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes are accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), giving our trainees access to inspiring national training from experienced educators across the country (delivered virtually), alongside high-quality local, face-to-face delivery here at Pen Green. This combination deepens trainees’ knowledge, understanding, and professional confidence. At Pen Green Research Base, we […]
Looking for the right nursery place for your child?Come and experience Pen Green Nursery! Join us for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you and your child can explore our nurturing, stimulating spaces together. It’s the perfect chance to see how we support children’s learning, play, and wellbeing from 9 months to 4 years. […]
🌟 East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub – Information Session 🌟 Join us to discover how the East Midlands Stronger Practice Hub can support you and your early years setting. This free information session is an opportunity to learn more about our fully funded training, networks, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen practice, […]
🌟 East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub – Information Session 🌟 Join us to discover how the East Midlands Stronger Practice Hub can support you and your early years setting. This free information session is an opportunity to learn more about our fully funded training, networks, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen practice, […]
We are delighted to launch a brand new networking opportunity focused on one of the most powerful foundations of early childhood development: relationships. For this very first session, we are honoured to be joined by Dr Suzanne Zeedyk and Dr Jools Page, two leading voices whose work has shaped our understanding of relational practice in […]
Join our East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Speech & Language Support Network, a supportive online space led by specialist speech and language therapist Karen Royle. These sessions offer a confidential and welcoming environment where you can talk through the communication challenges you’re seeing in your setting, ask questions, and explore practical strategies to […]
🌟 East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub – Information Session 🌟 Join us to discover how the East Midlands Stronger Practice Hub can support you and your early years setting. This free information session is an opportunity to learn more about our fully funded training, networks, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen practice, […]
Join us for our Early Years Open Day and step into a learning community known nationally and internationally for its deeply relational, reflective and emotionally containing ethos. Whether you're just starting out in early years, coming straight from school, or a mature student returning to study, we welcome you to explore what Pen Green has […]
Working at Pen Green: Careers Open Event Are you qualified and looking for a new challenge?Considering a career change?Currently studying and wanting to explore your future career options? We’re inviting people to come along and find out what working at Pen Green Nursery is really like. This informal event is an opportunity to meet staff, […]
Relationships in the Early Years Network Tuesday 17 February | 6.00–7.30pm Following the success of our last session, we are delighted to welcome Suzanne Zeedyk back for a deeper dive into relational dynamics. Building on the previous conversation, this session will explore how relationships shape emotional regulation, resilience, and wellbeing across early childhood and beyond. […]
🌿 Outdoor Learning Network Taking Time to BE and Learn Outdoors The Outdoor Learning Network offers a welcoming space for early years professionals to engage in discussion, reflection, and shared practice focused on high-quality outdoor provision for young children. This network supports professional dialogue and the ongoing development of effective, thoughtful outdoor learning experiences. Together, […]
Join our East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Speech & Language Support Network, a supportive online space led by specialist speech and language therapist Karen Royle. These sessions offer a confidential and welcoming environment where you can talk through the communication challenges you’re seeing in your setting, ask questions, and explore practical strategies to […]
We are delighted to welcome Pen Green alumni back for a special event featuring former postgraduate student and leading early years consultant Dr Stella Louis. Following the success of our previous alumni gathering with Dr Julian Grenier (EEF), this event offers an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and engage in timely conversation about the importance of […]
How to Write Meaningful Observations Many practitioners tell us that observation, assessment, and planning can feel overwhelming — especially when there’s pressure to record learning rather than truly understand it. This online practice clinic, led by highly experienced nursery practitioners, is designed to help you slow down, think deeply, and make sense of what you […]
Relationships in the Early Years Network Session 3: Professional Love in Early Years Practice – with Jools Page In this session, Jools will introduce her research on professional love and the important role it plays in supporting young children’s emotional security, learning and development. Drawing on her work with early years practitioners, she will explore how […]
Things I Wish I’d Known: An Essential Guide for New and Aspirant Leaders 23rd March | 4:00–5:30pm | Online This uplifting one-hour session explores the powerful parallels between how we support young children and how we lead, support, and nurture our teams. Together, we’ll reflect on the everyday skills early years professionals already use with […]
A community space for early-years apprentices to learn, connect, and thrive Join us for an interactive online forum designed just for early-years apprentices. You support children every day — now it’s time for us to support you. Whether you’re seeking clarity, confidence, or community, this event brings apprentices together to share experiences, ask questions, and […]
Explore your future in Early Years Join us at Pen Green to discover how you can build a rewarding and meaningful career supporting children, families and communities. Whether you are just starting your journey in Early Years or looking to progress into leadership, advanced study or teaching, our Open Day will help you explore the […]
Our next Baby Room Network will focus on relationships and high-quality interactions, exploring the strong relational foundations that underpin babies’ learning and development. This session will consider how attuned, responsive interactions support babies’ emotional security, communication and early thinking. Together, we will reflect on what high-quality interactions look like in practice, how practitioners can tune […]
Early Writing: Building Strong Foundations for the GLD (Half-day training) This half-day training supports practitioners to understand how early writing develops from birth and how secure physical, sensory and emotional foundations underpin children’s ability to meet the Writing Early Learning Goal (GLD). Aligned with Best Start in Life principles, the session focuses on developmentally appropriate […]
Ofsted Updates – Inspection & the Curriculum Network Join us for the next Ofsted Updates Network with Jude Simpson, designed for leaders and managers in early years settings, schools, and childminders.
Pen Green Initial Teacher Training Information Session Thinking about becoming a teacher? Join us for an informative and welcoming session to explore Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching. At Pen Green, we believe that teaching begins with relationships. Our ITT routes […]
Mobile devices are now a common part of everyday life for many young children. Recent research suggests that by the age of four, more than half of children have their own tablet, and many spend significant time using digital devices each day. In this webinar, researchers from the iKids Study will share emerging evidence about […]
Masters Degree Information Session Early Childhood & Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) Thinking about taking the next step in your early years career? Join us for an informal Masters Degree Information Session and find out how Pen Green’s postgraduate programme can support you to deepen your practice, develop your research voice, and lead […]
Our Apprenticeship Support Forum is a dedicated space for early years apprentices to come together, reflect on their experiences in practice, and deepen their understanding of new learning. These sessions provide an opportunity to bring questions from your day-to-day work, explore challenges, and make meaningful links between theory and practice. Through discussion with peers and […]
Join us for the next phase of our Outdoor Learning Network, where we move from discussion into real examples from practice. In this session, we are delighted to be joined by: Paul Lewis – The Children’s Garden Victoria Furness – Forest School For Life Paul and Victoria will share case studies from their practice, exploring […]
Apprenticeship Information Session – Level 3 & Level 5 Thinking about taking the next step in your early years career? Join us for an informative and welcoming session to explore apprenticeship opportunities with Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base. Whether you are new to the sector or looking to deepen your expertise, our apprenticeships […]
How to Write Meaningful Observations Many practitioners tell us that observation, assessment, and planning can feel overwhelming — especially when there’s pressure to record learning rather than truly understand it. This online practice clinic, led by highly experienced nursery practitioners, is designed to help you slow down, think deeply, and make sense of what you […]
Baby Room Network: Planning for Children’s Learning In our next Baby Room Network, we’ll be focusing on planning — thinking about how we plan for children’s learning in ways that are meaningful, responsive and rooted in relationships. We’ll explore what it means to start with the child — tuning into their interests, motivations and ways […]
Join us for this practical and reflective webinar exploring the foundations of early writing in the EYFS. Drawing on research, developmental understanding and real examples from practice, this session will consider why writing is far more than pencil and paper — and why physical development, movement, relationships and enabling environments matter so deeply. Through discussion, […]
Looking to build on your experience and develop your practice through degree-level study? Join us for an informal Foundation Degree Information Session and find out how Pen Green’s flexible, work-based programme can support you to deepen your understanding of early childhood and grow as a confident, reflective practitioner.
If you are looking for a nursery place for your child then we'd like to invite you to join us at our Nursery Stay & Play Session. Are you looking for a nurturing and inspiring nursery for your child? Join us at Kingswood Community Nursery for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you can: […]
Looking for the right nursery place for your child?Come and experience Pen Green Nursery! Join us for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you and your child can explore our nurturing, stimulating spaces together. It’s the perfect chance to see how we support children’s learning, play, and wellbeing from 9 months to 4 years. […]
We are excited to launch a new networking opportunity focused on schemas and mathematics in the early years. This network will explore how schema theory can support meaningful mathematical learning experiences for young children and help practitioners use children’s schematic interests to inform planning, environments and interactions. Together, we will consider how recognising and responding […]
Looking for the right nursery place for your child?Come and experience Pen Green Nursery! Join us for a relaxed Stay and Play session where you and your child can explore our nurturing, stimulating spaces together. It’s the perfect chance to see how we support children’s learning, play, and wellbeing from 9 months to 4 years. […]
NPQ Information Session Are you considering taking the next step in your leadership journey? Join us for an online information session to find out more about the National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) we are planning to deliver in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching.
How do adults recognise when a child is ready to engage, beginning to drift, or becoming overwhelmed? In this two-part webinar series, Professor Sam Wass explores attention and regulation as shared, relational processes shaped through moment-by-moment interactions between children and adults. Drawing on developmental research and real-world early years practice, these sessions will consider how […]
Masters Degree - Early Childhood & Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) Online Information Session Thinking about taking the next step in your early years career? Join us online for an informal Masters Degree Information Session and find out how Pen Green’s postgraduate programme can support you to deepen your practice, develop your research […]
Level 6 Qualification BA (Hons) Top-Up Early Childhood & Education (Integrated Working with Families and Children) Online Information Session Do you have a Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification and 240 credits at Levels 4 and 5? Join us for an online information session to find out more about our Level 6 BA (Hons) Early Childhood […]
Lincolnshire Early Years Professional Development Day Supporting the Foundations for Early Writing Join us for a reflective and practice-focused professional development day exploring the foundations of early writing in the Early Years. This event will consider how writing begins long before children pick up a pencil — rooted in relationships, communication, movement, play and meaningful […]
Thinking about becoming an Early Years Teacher? Join us to discover the brand new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA), delivered by Pen Green Research, Development and Training Base in partnership with the University of Greenwich. Launching this September, this innovative apprenticeship offers the opportunity to achieve a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early Years […]
Thinking about becoming an Early Years Teacher? Join us to discover the brand new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA), delivered by Pen Green Research, Development and Training Base in partnership with the University of Greenwich. Launching this September, this innovative apprenticeship offers the opportunity to achieve a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early Years […]
Are you passionate about early years education or curious to learn about the pioneering work at Pen Green? Join us for our Visitor Day at the Pen Green Centre for Children and Families in Corby. What to Expect on a Pen Green Visitor Day Inspiring Insights: Learn about Pen Green’s unique approach to early childhood […]
Following the fantastic response to last year's webinar, we're delighted to welcome back Dr Mona Sakr and Dr Sara Bonetti for this interactive follow-up session. This webinar is designed for local authority early years advisors and nursery managers and builds on the findings from their Nuffield Foundation-funded research, Achieving High Quality Provision in the Baby Room of English […]
Take the Next Step in Your Early Years Career Whether you're looking to become an Early Years Teacher, develop your leadership, complete a degree or continue your professional learning, our Career Development Open Event is the perfect opportunity to explore your next step. Join us at Pen Green Research Base to discover the range of […]
Are you looking for a nursery where your child can feel safe, valued and inspired to learn? Join us at our Kingswood Community Nursery Open Day and discover how we create a place where children are encouraged to be curious, confident and full of wonder. At Kingswood, we believe every child deserves to belong. Through […]
Early Years Professional Development Open Day Wednesday 19 August | 4.00–7.00pmPen Green Research, Development and Training Base, Corby It's not too late to apply for a 2026 start. Whether you're looking to become an Early Years Teacher, develop your leadership, gain a degree or continue your professional learning, join us at our Early Years Professional […]
Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Information Session Could your setting or childminding provision benefit from free, tailored support from an experienced early years leader? Join our short online information session to find out more about the new Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme and the support available to eligible early years settings and […]
Relational Pedagogies: Trusting the Child and Knowing Yourself A Fully Funded East Midlands Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Conference Join us for an inspiring day exploring how relationships, kindness, play and self-reflection can transform educational practice and strengthen outcomes for children. Bringing together two of the most influential voices in relational education, Dave Whitaker and […]
How to Write Meaningful Observations Many practitioners tell us that observation, assessment, and planning can feel overwhelming — especially when there’s pressure to record learning rather than truly understand it. This online practice clinic, led by highly experienced nursery practitioners, is designed to help you slow down, think deeply, and make sense of what you […]
We’re excited to bring together childminders through our Speech, Language and SEND Support Network, led by Karen Royle, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. This informal online network runs alongside our funded 1:1 speech and language consultations and is designed specifically to support childminders in developing confidence in children’s speech, language and communication, including inclusive approaches […]
This network explores how schema theory can support meaningful mathematical learning experiences for young children and how practitioners can use children's schematic interests to inform planning, environments and interactions. Together, we consider how recognising and responding to schemas can deepen children's engagement with mathematical concepts through play, movement, exploration and relationships. The aim of this […]
Friday 18 September 2026 | 11.30am–1pm | Online via Microsoft Teams Discover the maths hiding in everyday play Children love making things move, and ramps are a perfect invitation for exploration. But ramp play is much more than just fun – it can provide rich opportunities for mathematical thinking, problem solving and reasoning in the […]
Join Jude Simpson, Senior His Majesty’s Inspector (SHMI), Ofsted, for our next Ofsted Network session. Following our previous session exploring curriculum under the renewed inspection framework, Jude will return to talk us through the updated Early Years Inspection Toolkit, due to be introduced from September. This session will explore the latest updates, what has changed […]
We’re excited to bring together practitioners through our Speech, Language and SEND Support Network, led by Karen Royle, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. This informal online network runs alongside our funded 1:1 speech and language consultations and is designed to support early years practitioners to develop their confidence in speech, language and communication, including supporting […]
For our next Baby Room Network, we’ll be doing something a little different and taking a virtual visit into the Pen Green baby room. We’ll explore the environment together, sharing the thinking behind how spaces, activities and resources have been set up and how these respond to the current interests and fascinations of the children. […]
A practical webinar exploring how autism may present in girls in the early years. Consider less visible presentations, communication and play, friendships, sensory and emotional regulation, and how we can better understand and support the children in our settings.
Reflective Leadership in Early Years Practice A collaborative leadership session from West Northamptonshire Council and the East Midlands Stronger Practice Hub Join us for a thoughtful and practical morning exploring reflective leadership in the early years sector. This session is designed to support leaders to strengthen self-evaluation, develop confident leadership practice, and create shared understanding […]
Thinking about becoming an Early Years Teacher? Join us to discover the brand new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA), delivered by Pen Green Research, Development and Training Base in partnership with the University of Greenwich. Starting in January 2027 this innovative apprenticeship offers the opportunity to achieve a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early […]
We’re excited to bring together childminders through our Speech, Language and SEND Support Network, led by Karen Royle, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. This informal online network runs alongside our funded 1:1 speech and language consultations and is designed specifically to support childminders in developing confidence in children’s speech, language and communication, including inclusive approaches […]
There the Dance Is: Bringing Co-Regulation into Practice From understanding children’s states to knowing how to respond This third session with Professor Sam Wass brings together the thinking explored across the There the Dance Is series and considers what it means for everyday early years practice. Drawing on Sam’s research into attention, regulation and the […]
How to Write Meaningful Observations Many practitioners tell us that observation, assessment, and planning can feel overwhelming — especially when there’s pressure to record learning rather than truly understand it. This online practice clinic, led by highly experienced nursery practitioners, is designed to help you slow down, think deeply, and make sense of what you […]
Join us for a practical and engaging session exploring high-quality EYFS practice in light of the updated Ofsted inspection toolkit and revised EYFS Statutory Framework 2026.
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