Supporting Professional Development Through Expertise, Collaboration and Evidence-Informed Practice
High-quality early years education begins with knowledgeable, confident practitioners who feel supported to develop their skills and reflect on their practice.
At Thrive Together, our Early Years Learning Leads (EYLLs) play an important role in helping early years professionals access high-quality training, develop their understanding and translate research into meaningful everyday practice.
Working across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, our Learning Leads provide fully funded professional development and tailored support in key areas of early childhood development.
Through a combination of training, professional discussion and practical guidance, we aim to empower practitioners to make informed decisions that positively influence children's learning and development.
What Is an Early Years Learning Lead?
Our EYLLs are experienced early years professionals with specialist knowledge in important areas of children's early learning.
They work alongside educators and leaders to build professional confidence, share effective approaches and support improvements that are achievable within different early years environments.
Our Learning Leads focus on four areas:
Mathematics
Supporting practitioners to develop children's early mathematical understanding through play, exploration, meaningful interactions and everyday experiences.
Communication and Language
Exploring how responsive interactions, rich learning environments and intentional teaching can help children become confident communicators.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED)
Developing approaches that nurture positive relationships, emotional understanding, independence and children's sense of belonging.
Early Language
Strengthening practitioners' understanding of language development in the earliest years, including approaches to supporting babies and toddlers through communication-rich experiences.
What Support Is Available?
Through the EYLL Programme, practitioners can access two complementary forms of professional learning.
1. Early Years Professional Development (CPD)
Our free professional development programmes provide opportunities for early years educators to deepen their understanding of child development and strengthen their teaching practice.
Delivered by our specialist Learning Leads, the programmes draw upon evidence-informed approaches and encourage practitioners to consider how new learning can be applied within their own provision.
Participants can benefit from:
- Specialist learning: Developing knowledge and practical skills in key curriculum and development areas.
- Flexible online learning: Accessing self-directed materials alongside facilitated professional learning sessions.
- Professional discussion: Sharing experiences, exploring ideas and reflecting with other early years practitioners.
- Practical application: Considering how research and professional learning can inform everyday interactions and teaching.
- Collaborative development: Building connections with colleagues and other local providers.
Programmes include professional development for educators working with children aged two to four, alongside dedicated early language and mathematics opportunities for those supporting children under two.
Training is delivered through a structured programme over an academic term, combining online learning with sessions facilitated by an Early Years Learning Lead.
2. Bespoke Support for Early Years Settings
Alongside our CPD opportunities, eligible settings can access up to three days of fully funded, tailored support from a specialist Early Years Learning Lead.
This provides an opportunity to explore a specific area of practice in greater depth, with support designed around your setting's individual priorities.
Your Learning Lead may work alongside your team to:
- Reflect on current approaches and identify opportunities for development.
- Explore evidence-informed strategies relevant to your setting.
- Provide coaching, modelling and professional discussion.
- Support leaders and practitioners to establish achievable development priorities.
- Consider how new approaches can be embedded and sustained over time.
Bespoke support is collaborative, practical and responsive to the needs of your provision.
Who Can Take Part?
Our EYLL professional development opportunities are available to early years educators and settings working with children before Reception.
This includes practitioners and leaders in day nurseries, pre-schools, childminding provision and school-based early years settings.
Whether you're an experienced practitioner hoping to develop specialist knowledge or someone looking to strengthen confidence in a particular area, our programmes provide opportunities to learn, reflect and grow professionally.
Meet Our Early Years Learning Leads
Our team brings a wealth of experience from across the early years sector, with each Learning Lead specialising in an important area of children's development.
Interested in Developing Your Practice?
Whether you'd like to participate in our professional development programmes or explore bespoke support for your setting, Thrive Together is here to help.
Our team can provide further information about the opportunities available and how to get involved.
Register your interest to take the next step in your professional development.