Skills Bootcamp in Early Years Technical Specialist (SEND & Mental Health)

This specialist qualification is designed for Early Years practitioners who want to develop a deeper understanding of children’s mental health, emotional wellbeing and the factors that can influence emotional development during the early years.

Learners will develop the knowledge, understanding and practical strategies needed to recognise and support the mental health and wellbeing needs of babies and young children. The qualification explores the importance of positive relationships, early intervention and creating nurturing environments that help children thrive emotionally, socially and developmentally.

The programme covers key areas including:

• Understanding mental health and wellbeing in the Early Years
• Promoting positive emotional development
• Recognising factors that can affect children’s mental health
• Understanding attachment, trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Supporting emotional regulation and resilience
• Developing inclusive and nurturing environments
• Identifying when additional support may be required
• Working effectively with families and other professionals to support children’s wellbeing

As awareness of children’s mental health continues to grow, this qualification provides practitioners with practical tools and evidence-based approaches that can be applied immediately within nursery and Early Years settings. Learners will gain a greater understanding of how early experiences shape development and how practitioners can help children build the foundations for lifelong emotional wellbeing.

The qualification supports settings in responding to increasing levels of social, emotional and mental health need, while strengthening inclusive practice and early intervention. It is particularly valuable for practitioners who support vulnerable children, children with SEND, or those experiencing barriers that may impact their emotional wellbeing and development.

Qualification Specification

Delivered through a dedicated face-to-face practical workshop, this nationally recognised qualification equips practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise and respond effectively to severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic emergencies within Early Years settings.

As the number of children with allergies and complex medical needs continues to rise, Early Years providers are increasingly expected to ensure staff are appropriately trained to support children’s health, safety and wellbeing. This qualification provides practical, hands-on training that prepares practitioners to respond quickly and appropriately should a child experience a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The training covers:

• Understanding allergies and anaphylaxis in children
• Recognising the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reactions
• Identifying common allergens and potential triggers
• Emergency response procedures and casualty management
• The safe use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs), including EpiPen and Jext devices

A unique aspect of this programme is its relevance to the growing national focus on allergy awareness and child safety following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe. The introduction of Benedict’s Law has highlighted the importance of ensuring education and childcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise allergic emergencies and respond effectively. This qualification helps practitioners and employers prepare for evolving expectations around allergy management, staff training and safeguarding responsibilities.

The workshop includes practical demonstrations, real-life scenarios and hands-on use of training auto-injectors, giving learners the opportunity to build confidence in a safe and supportive learning environment. By the end of the training, learners will be able to respond calmly and effectively during an allergic emergency and contribute to stronger medical needs provision within their setting.

Ideal for: Early Years practitioners, SENCOs, Room Leaders, Nursery Managers, Inclusion Leads and anyone responsible for supporting children with allergies, medical needs or complex health conditions within an Early Years setting.

Effective communication is at the heart of children’s learning, development and wellbeing. This practical workshop focuses on supporting babies and young children who experience speech, language and communication difficulties, including those with SEND, developmental delays and social communication needs.

Learners will explore a range of evidence-based strategies and communication tools that can be implemented immediately within Early Years environments to support participation, engagement and positive outcomes for children.

The workshop covers:

• Understanding communication and interaction needs in the Early Years
• Identifying barriers to communication and learning
• Supporting speech, language and communication development
• Using visual communication systems and communication aids
• Makaton and alternative communication approaches
• Creating communication-friendly learning environments
• Working with parents, carers and external professionals to support communication development

Through practical activities and demonstrations, learners will gain hands-on experience with resources commonly used to support communication and interaction, including visual timetables, communication boards, social stories and other inclusive communication tools.

By the end of the workshop, practitioners will feel confident implementing practical strategies that support children’s communication, independence and inclusion within their own settings.

Many children experience challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation and self-management. This highly practical workshop provides learners with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand sensory differences and support children’s emotional wellbeing within inclusive Early Years environments.

Learners will explore how sensory processing difficulties can impact behaviour, communication, learning and social interactions, while developing practical strategies to help children regulate their emotions and engage successfully in everyday activities.

The workshop covers:

• Understanding sensory processing and sensory differences
• Recognising signs of sensory overload and dysregulation
• Supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
• Practical sensory strategies and interventions
• Developing inclusive environments that reduce barriers to participation
• Using sensory resources to support learning and development
• Promoting positive behaviour through understanding and support

The session includes opportunities to explore a range of sensory resources, regulation tools and practical approaches that can be adapted to meet individual children’s needs. Learners will gain ideas that can be implemented immediately to support calmer, more inclusive and emotionally supportive learning environments.

By the end of the workshop, practitioners will have increased confidence in supporting children who require sensory and emotional regulation support, helping them to participate more successfully in nursery life and learning experiences.

Early identification and intervention are critical in improving outcomes for children with additional needs. This specialist workshop equips practitioners with the practical skills and confidence needed to recognise emerging concerns, gather meaningful evidence and contribute effectively to assessment and support planning processes.

The workshop focuses on helping practitioners understand their role in identifying need at the earliest opportunity and ensuring children receive timely and appropriate support.

The workshop covers:

• Recognising early signs of SEND and developmental delay
• Observation and assessment techniques
• Gathering evidence to support referrals and interventions
• Understanding the graduated approach and SEND processes
• Contributing to support plans and targeted interventions
• Working collaboratively with SENCOs, families and external agencies
• Monitoring progress and evaluating support strategies

Using case studies, practical examples and real-world scenarios, learners will explore how effective observation, assessment and intervention can improve children’s outcomes and support successful inclusion within Early Years settings.

The workshop also helps practitioners develop confidence in understanding SEND processes, documenting concerns appropriately and contributing meaningfully to the planning and review of support arrangements. 

By the end of the workshop, learners will have practical tools, templates and strategies that can be used immediately within their own setting to strengthen early intervention and inclusive practice.