Foundations of Early Childhood Practice: Supporting Children, Families, and Educator
​United Kingdom

Foundations of Early Childhood Practice: Supporting Children, Families, and Educators
Duration: 2 hours
Audience: Early Childhood Educators 
Format: Interactive, discussion + applied activities
Wednesday 3rd February 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm GMT (United Kingdom)

Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe holistic strategies for supporting children’s behaviour and wellbeing.
2. Identify strategies for fostering inclusive, engaging, and responsive learning environments.
3. Apply national frameworks and guidelines to daily practice.
4. Work collaboratively as part of a team to support children, families, and colleagues.

Course Modules
Module 1 
Welcome

• Introductions and sharing one unique aspect of your centre or practice.
• Icebreaker question: “What is one practice you love that works well in your setting?”

Module 2 
Supporting Children’s Behaviour and Wellbeing Holistically

• Overview of holistic approaches to behaviour and wellbeing: emotional, social, cognitive, and physical aspects.
• Discussion: How can educators respond to children’s behaviours in ways that promote self-regulation, resilience, and positive relationships?
• Practical strategies:
  • Observing and understanding triggers behind behaviours.
  • Positive guidance techniques and scaffolding.
  • Integrating wellbeing into everyday routines and play.

Module 3 
Inclusive & Responsive Learning Environments

• Key strategies: intentional teaching, scaffolding, play-based learning.
• Cultural competence: respecting diverse family practices, languages, and traditions.
• Country-specific notes:
  • Australia: Indigenous perspectives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
  • UK: British values, safeguarding, inclusion and SEN (Special Educational Needs).
  • USA: Equity, anti-bias education, IDEA regulations for children with disabilities.
  • Canada: Reconciliation and Indigenous inclusion, multicultural practices.
• Activity: Share one adaptation you make for inclusivity in your centre.

Module 4
Working as a Team Player

• Importance of collaboration in early childhood settings: with colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Discussion: How can team collaboration improve children’s behaviour, wellbeing, and learning outcomes?
• Practical strategies:
  • Communication and active listening within the team.
  • Sharing responsibilities and supporting colleagues.
  • Reflective practice as a group.
• Activity: In pairs or small groups, discuss a challenging scenario and brainstorm collaborative solutions.

Module 5
Practical Application: Strategies & Documentation

• Designing daily routines and activities that support holistic development, wellbeing, and behaviour.
• Documentation methods:
  • UK: Learning journals, assessment against EYFS Early Learning Goals.
• Activity: Draft a mini-activity plan for your setting, incorporating one inclusive or culturally responsive element that also supports behaviour and wellbeing.

Module 6
Reflection & Wrap-Up

• Reflective questions:
  1. One change you will implement immediately.
  2. One challenge you anticipate and a strategy to overcome it.
• Quick group share (optional if online).
• Provide national resources for further reading:
  • UK: Department for Education (EYFS), Early Education​