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Leading the Whole School: EYFS for Senior Leaders

A three-part course designed for senior leaders in primary schools. Throughout the course you will explore the principles which underpin practice in the EYFS and the characteristics of effective learning and how to assess and document the learning of children in Nursery and Reception classes.  

The course will be delivered by Viki Veale, senior lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education. Viki leads a broad range of modules focusing on professional confidence, political engagement, research activity and an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Lecturers, Faye Odurny and Jo Head will also work with Viki to deliver the course.   

St Mary’s School of Education offers longstanding excellence in professional learning, which is affirmed by our reputation for education degrees, active research centres, and 'outstanding' delivery of initial teacher education. 

Date and Time 

The course will run over three sessions from 4pm to 6pm on:

  • Monday 27th January 2025
  • Monday 10thFebruary 2025
  • Monday 24th February 2025.

Location 

The course will be held at our main campus, Twickenham.

Price 

The full course cost is £220.

Content

Throughout the course you will be introduced to the research which underpins Early Years pedagogy which highlights the importance of senior leaders understanding of this critical period of learning and development, and to the particular paradoxes faced by Nursery and Reception teachers.  

You will participate in guided learning tasks that will support your development and give you an insight and understanding of the EYFS to enable informed leadership of the whole school.

Areas and topics covered in the course will include:

  • leading the whole school, leadership theory, and research 
  • understanding what makes Early Years unique
  • exploring the characteristics of effective learning
  • theory and research in early childhood development
  • the role of the adult - play based pedagogy and relational pedagogy
  • key documentation in planning and assessing provision for young children
  • designing an enabling environment
  • key documentation for planning for observation and assessment
  • leading the whole school and building positive relationships with your EYFS team.

 The course dates are planned to allow time for attendees to visit their Early Years departments and spend time with the team around the sessions.

Requirements 

To enrol on this short course, you should you should hold QTS and be a practicing senior leader, deputy head or head teacher in a primary school.

Award 

This short course is accredited by CPD UK. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance from St Mary’s University.

Book your place now

For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses Team: