Training & Events

Early Years LIT Cluster - Banbridge

Date:   Tuesday 5th May 2026       1:30pm - 3:30pm

Venue: Banbridge Youth Centre

 

This cluster is designed to:

• Introduce you to the team and the support available.

• Build new relationships with colleagues across the area.

• Shape the future of clusters together by sharing what you would like them to focus on going forward.

• Provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and influence how we work together to support children and families.

Audience:   Nursery Teachers and Playgroup Leaders.

Number of attendees: 30

 

Developing Early Attention​ and Listening Skills

This professional learning course on developing early attention and listening skills, has been written and produced collaboratively by RISE NI, SENIS MLD, SEN EYIS, the School Improvement Service and the Language and Communication Service.   

Our aim is to present to you a toolkit to help you informally assess attention and listening skills, in your setting with individuals, groups or whole setting.

In this training there are five sessions: 

Introduction to early attention and listening skills Sensory Motor skills Attention skills Listening skills Attention and Listening Baselines

 

Phonological Awareness Programme

Created by the Language and Communication Service, the Phonological Awareness Programme offers a fresh approach to this fundamental area of learning. We have split each area into small chunks to allow you to learn at your own pace and delivered the course via Google Classroom so you can access the lessons and materials when and where you need them.

Alongside the lesson videos, you will have access to;
 + over 300 newly created resources and games,
 + example videos of how to use each resource,
 + a progression continuum with detailed charts, and
 + a 5 minute informal assessment tool.

ECT Digital Skills Professional Learning Day (Nursery/Primary/Special)

Target audience:  Early Career Teachers in Nursery/Primary/Special ECTs registered with the EA for the academic year 2025-2026 will have received an access code to enable them to apply for this event.   About this event

In this interactive session, the C2k eLearning team will guide attendees through what is available on the C2k/EdIS system.  The session will provide an overview of the My-School interface and hands on experience of effective tools to support learning and teaching. Attendees will be able to access the best tools available across the C2k/EdIS network on their return to school.

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Build confidence in using a range of digital tools to enhance classroom practice and pupil engagement. Understand how to efficiently access and use the My-School portal for teaching and learning resources. Explore how Microsoft 354 and Google Classroom can support teaching, learning, productivity, and accessibility in everyday classroom activities. Discover how C2K Newsdesk can be used to support communication skills development through engaging, real-world content. Receive guidance on the responsible and effective use of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to support teaching and learning. Date

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Time

9.30 am - 3.30 pm

Substitute cover is available for the release of ECTs working in schools (excludes Independent Schools).  Monies in relation to sub cover will be issued to schools after teacher has attended event.  Schools advised to code to Miscellaneous School Charge/Cost on NISTR.  Special Schools Only:  Please code to EA-V In-service training (quoting EA ECT event) on NISTR.

Please ensure you enter your email address correctly when registering.

Event Closing Date:  One week before the event date.

This professional learning opportunity aims to support the development of the following GTCNI competences:

GTCNI Competence No 1

Teachers should demonstrate that they understand and uphold the core values and commitments enshrined in the Council’s Code of Values and Professional Practice.

GTCNI Competence No 2

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates about the nature and purposes of education and the social and policy contexts in which the aims of education are defined and implemented.

GTCNI Competence No 11

Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of how to use technology effectively, both to aid pupil learning and to support their professional role, and how this competence embeds across all of the competences.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse. It happens when a child or young person is coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity in exchange for things that they may need or want like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they're in a loving and consensual relationship so the sexual activity may appear consensual. This is called grooming and is a type of abuse. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they're being abused. CSE does not always involve physical contact, and can also occur through the use of technology.

Join us to understand CSE, and how to support a pupil and their parents/carers once it is known that CSE is suspected or confirmed.

Course Details:

Pre-recorded and online.

Sub cover is not available.

Safeguarding & Child Protection - Responding to Neglect in Educational Settings

This pre-recorded training explores the different types of neglect, with a focus on the impact of neglect on a child’s overall development. It provides participants with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to neglect, to develop a support plan for a child at risk of neglect, and signposts to practical ideas of how to engage parents in discussions about the impact of neglect. It is underpinned by the recognition that every child needs at least one adult that is responsive to their needs.

Course Details:

Pre-recorded and online.

Sub cover is not available.

Power to Change. Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

The ‘Power to Change Campaign’ is part of the NI Strategy to End Violence Against Woman and Girls (VAWG). The campaign was launched by the PSNI in January 2025 in collaboration with the Department of Justice and the Executive Office.  The recorded webinar and the learning resources provided for use with staff and young people are designed to fit in with the preventative curriculum.  The aim of the campaign is to invite and encourage all men and boys to check and change their attitudes, beliefs and behaviours towards women and girls; to challenge their peers, and to have the confidence to step in safely to put a stop to behaviour that might put their friends at risk of offending. The campaign also hopes to instigate conversations about the influence of social media – and help to educate about the powerful algorithms that are behind the pushed microdoses of misogynistic and harmful messaging.

The webinar was hosted on MS Teams and introduced by Therese Moran (CPSS).  It is delivered by Lindsay Fisher (PSNI Detective Superintendent and  PSNI lead for the campaign), with an input from Jane McCarthy from The Executive Office. 

Course Details:

Pre-recorded and online.

Sub cover is not available.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Training for Newly Appointed Designated & Deputy Designated Teachers 2025/2026 -Dundonald

AIMS:

To enable Designated and Deputy Designated teachers to have an understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues.​

To equip Designated and Deputy Designated teachers with the knowledge and skills required to apply relevant child protection legislation, policies and procedures to their day to day practice.​

​OBJECTIVES:

Day 1

Become familiar with the principles, legislation, policies and guidance underpinning safeguarding and the relationship between safeguarding and child protection.​​

Recognise and discuss the signs and symptoms of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect and exploitation through the use of case studies.​​

Increase awareness of specific safeguarding issues such as neglect, mental health, child sexual exploitation and online safety and recognise safeguarding issues for children with increased vulnerabilities.​​

The roles and responsibilities of Designated Teachers, the safeguarding team, Board of Governors, EA CPSS and ETI and SBNI/Case Management Reviews.
Record Keeping and Records Management.

​Day 2:

Through the use of a case study focusing on Domestic Violence and Abuse participants should become familiar with the following:

Domestic Violence and Abuse Issues​
Challenges for children and professionals in managing disclosures​
Recognising, receiving, responding to and recording activities following a disclosure or observation of child abuse​
Use of the UNOCINI referral document​
Relationships with our partner agencies and how we communicate with them.​
Case conference and decision making
Recording and record keeping​

Audience

Newly Appointed Designated & Deputy Designated Teachers

Course Details:

October 2025 – March 2026

9:30am -  4:00pm

Sub cover provided to a maximum of £246 for a full day (this rate is subject to change).

Participants will be invited directly to book onto training by the Child Protection Support Service Team.  If you have any queries, please email cpssdutyandtraining@eani.org.uk.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Training for First Time Principals 2025/2026 -Armagh

AIMS

To provide newly appointed Principals with the knowledge and understanding to fulfil their role in managing safeguarding and child protection in their school/educational setting.

OBJECTIVES

•  Identify the role of members of the school safeguarding team.
•  Become familiar with the role of and support offered by the EA Child Protection Support Service (CPSS).
•  Discuss the role of ETI in safeguarding and child protection.
•  Increase their knowledge of legislation and DE guidance governing safeguarding and child protection.
•  Understand the role of the Principal in managing allegations against members of staff.
•  Consider the requirements around record keeping.
•  Become familiar with the Case Management Review process and the messages for schools from recent SBNI CMR reviews.
•  Become familiar with Domestic Homicide Reviews and the role of Education in the process.

Audience

Newly Appointed Principals

Course Details:

October 2025 – March 2026

9:30am -  4:00pm

Sub cover provided to a maximum of £246 for a full day (this rate is subject to change).

Participants will be invited directly to book onto training by the Child Protection Support Service Team.  If you have any queries, please email cpssdutyandtraining@eani.org.uk.

SEND Implementation and SENCo Support

This learning area contains modules of SEND training resources and guidance materials for SENCos/Learning Support Coordinators, senior leaders, teaching and non-teaching staff in schools and educational settings. It replaces the old SEND Website which will no longer be accessible. Click on the ‘Documents’ link on the menu on the right of the Dashboard page to find the following topic areas:

Graduated Response (WEP and SpEP) Leadership and Management Parent and Carer Leaflets Personal Learning Plan (PLP) Policies Provision Mapping SEN and Medical Categories SEND Podcasts School Development Day Packs Views of the Child

Some of these resources are also available on the public-facing EANI SEND Website on the new SENCo Support page https://send.eani.org.uk/sencosupport

AIMS:

 

To provide an understanding of changes to the SEN Framework To share updates on changes to legislation, regulations and the draft Code of Practice To host resources and materials to support staff who are working with children and young people with SEN in your school or setting.

 

TIME/DATE:

This learning area is open year-round.

Understanding the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs

Understanding the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for pupils identified as having Special Educational Needs - SEND Implementation and Development Team

A programme of four videos and supporting resources to promote effective practice in creating, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the PLP

Video 1 - Introduction to the PLP & Legislation

Video 2 - Stages and Content of the PLP

Video 3 - Responsibilities and the PLP Process

Video 4 - Parts of the PLP

Participants will be sent the link to access the PLP training videos/ resources on the EA SDS learning portal following registration.

Please use the EA training access code sent to all school leaders at the beginning of the academic year to register.

Setting Effective Expected Outcomes for the Personal Learning Plan

Setting Effective Expected Outcomes - SEND Implementation and Development Team

Aims:

To understand the SMART(E) framework process, along with other supporting strategies to develop outcomes. To highlight how to link in provisions that will enable children and young people to succeed.

Participants will be sent the link to access the training video/ resources on the EA SDS learning portal following registration.

Please use the EA training access code sent to all school leaders at the beginning of the academic year to register.

Overview of the Social, Behavioral and Emotional Wellbeing (SBEW) Chapter within the SEN Resource File

AIMS:

To outline the shift from managing behaviour to understanding and supporting children and young people experiencing SBEW needs
Provide guidance on establishing a whole school ethos firmly built on collective care, Trauma Informed Practice and the Principles of Nurture
To know and understand how developing proactive and collaborative approaches leads to an evolution in how support is provided to pupils experiencing SBEW needs

Course Details: Each individual member of staff attending must complete an individual registration. Registration for the first session in the course will automatically register the applicant for the subsequent sessions in the set.

PLEASE NOTE: This training takes place online using MS Teams on 2 separate days. Participants must attend BOTH dates in the applicable set of sessions. Links will be issued approximately one week prior to commencement of course.

24 September & 1 October 2025 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

26 November & 3 December 2025 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

28 January & 4 February 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

4 March & 11 March 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

27 May & 3 June 2026 - 2.15-4pm (each day)

Nurturing Principles & Practice - An Overview

AIMS:

Participants will gain an understanding of the following: -

Context of Nurture
6 Principles of Nurture
Underpinning theory -
Neuroscience/Attachment/Trauma Aces
Nurturing approaches

Course Details:

24th September 2025 - 11am- 12pm 

28th January 2026 -  1:30pm  - 2:30pm 

29th April 2026  - 3pm  - 4pm 

Audience:

EA Staff, EOTAS, Nursery, Post -Primary, Pre-School, Primary & Special 

If you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’ and if you are a member of Education Authority staff please select  ‘Education Authority’  by scrolling to the bottom of the dropdown options.

Nurture in 5 - Emotional Health Programme

AIMS:

Provide a practical application of emotional health and wellbeing techniques within a nurturing approaches framework
Participants will gain an understanding of the following:
Emotional health and wellbeing strategies and techniques

Course Details:

1st October 2025  - 11am- 12pm 

4th February 2026  - 1:30pm  - 2;30pm 

6th May 2026  - 3pm  - 4pm 

Audience:

EA Staff, EOTAS, Nursery, Post Primary, Primary, Pre- School, Special 

If you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’ and if you are a member of Education Authority staff please select ‘Education Authority’ by scrolling to the bottom of the dropdown options

Connect & Nurture (CAN)

AIMS:

Provide an overview of the Connect & Nurture programme and its practical application of Circle. Participants will gain an understanding of the following;
To build on previous Circle Time experiences relative to trauma informed practice.
To provide staff with the opportunity to explore Connect and Nurture activities and ideas to support the development of Social, Emotional, Behavioural and Well-being (SBEW).

Course Details:

8th October 2025  - 11am  - 12pm 

18th February 2026 - 1;30pm - 2;30pm 

13th May 2026  - 3pm - 4pm 

Audience:

Pre School, Nursery,  Primary, Post Primary,  Special , Special, EA Staff 

If you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’ and if you are a member of Education Authority staff please select ‘Education Authority’ by scrolling to the bottom of the dropdown options

 

Theraplay Informed Practice

AIMS:

Provide an overview of Theraplay and the practice associated.

Participants will gain an understanding of the following;

What is Theraplay
The format of Theraplay
Explore some of the activities involved

Course Details:

15th October 2025  - 11am - 12pm 

25th Febrary 2026  - 1:30pm  - 2;30pm 

20th May 2026 - 3pm  - 4pm 

Audience:

Pre School, Nursery, Primary, Post Primary, Special, EOTAS, EA Staff 

If you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’ and if you are a member of Education Authority staff please select ‘Education Authority’ by scrolling to the bottom of the dropdown options.

Nurturing the Senses

Provide an opportunity to explore sensory processing presentations, in addition to utilising strategies and techniques to support and nurture pupils.

Participants will gain an understanding of the following:

• How sensory systems can affect classroom learning

• Sensory Stories, Strategies & Techniques

Course Details 

Wednesday 27th May 2026 - 3pm-4pm 

Audience: Pre-School, Nursery, Primary, Post Primary, Special, EOTAS & EA Staff 

 

If you are currently not attached to any school please select ‘Other’ and if you are a member of Education Authority staff please select ‘Education Authority’ by scrolling to the bottom of the dropdown options.

Setting Up a Specialist Provision - Early Years Classroom

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY 

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide staff from Specialist Provisions with guidance on how to set up an Early Years Specialist Provision classroom and support them to meet the needs of each individual pupil.

Course Structure/Content:

This session outlines three important areas for Specialist Provsion staff to consider when setting up their classroom.

1. Physical Structure 
2. Visual Schedules 
3. Activity Systems 

Each of these areas are covered in detail with real-life examples. 

SPS staff will model their use, followed by supporting discussion about how they can be adapted to suit your own individual classroom environment. 

Course Details:

Location: EA Centres

Length: 9.30am - 3.30pm

Suggested Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

An Overview of Quest and Q skills CCEA Assessment Framework

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Information Session aims to provide an overview of Quest and Q-Skills as a tool to assess pupils in a Specialist Provision  with a focus on using CCEA Assessment Frameworks within your classroom. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:     

1. Understand how to access CCEA Resources for SEN.

2. Understand the progression of the assessment continuum.

3. Explore the CCEA developmental stages, Quest, Q Skills & SEN Framework for Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities.

4. Learn about CCEA work in development.

5. Learn how to access CCEA Curriculum Resources & Guidance.

Course Time:

3.00pm - 4.00pm

Suggested Audience: 

Early Years & Primary Specialist Provision Staff, Senior Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCo)

Course Details:

MS Teams

Physical Structure in a Specialist Provision - Early Years

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement Physical Structure within their Early Years classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following -   

1. Understand the importance of structuring an Early Years Specialist Provision classroom.   
2. Explore how the physical structure can be adapted.                                                         
3. Identify ways to label and organise resources and areas.                   
4. Explore ways to reduce distractibility to support pupil learning.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 3.00pm - 3.45 pm

Suggested Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Visual Schedules in a Specialist Provision - Early Years

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement  Visual Schedules within their Early Years classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. To develop an understanding of visual schedules and the benefit for pupils.

2. How to develop a pupil individual schedule.

3. Develop an understanding of the range and progression of schedules that may be required to meet individual pupil needs.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Length: 3.00pm - 3.45 pm

Targeted Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators

Developing Activity Systems to Promote Pupil Independence in a Specialist Provision - Early Years

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement Activity Systems within their Early Years classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. To develop an understanding of activity systems and the benefit for pupils.

2. How to develop an activity system.

3. Develop an understanding of the range and progression of activity systems that may be required to meet individual pupil needs.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Targeted Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Visual Supports in a Specialist Provision - Early Years

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to explore how to implement Visual Supports within their Early Years classroom to better support the individual needs of their pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. Understand how visual supports can be used, e.g. countdown strips, super symbols, choice boards.

2. Explore how we can develop turn taking visuals using visual supports.

3. Understand how visuals can be used to indicate change in a pupil's schedule. 

4. Explore how visuals can be used to support learning through play.                                                       

Course Details:

MS Teams

Time: 3.00pm - 3.45 pm

Targeted Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Play Skills in a Specialist Provision - Early Years

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to provide an opportunity for Specialist Provision staff to support play skills.  It aims to explore how to  implement  play-based strategies within an Early Years/ Foundation Stage classroom to better support the individual needs of pupils.  

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. Develop an understanding of the importance of play in the Early Years.

2. Develop an understanding of the stages of play.

3. Explore how to develop an environment to promote play.

Course Details:

MS Teams

Length: 3.00pm - 3.45pm

Targeted Audience:

Early Years Specialist Provision Staff, Foundation Stage Specialist Provision Staff, School Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCos)

Supporting expected outcomes in Specialist Provision's using the WellComm Screening Toolkit

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ONLY

Training Aim:

This Professional Learning & Development Programme aims to  provide an overview of the WellComm (Speech, Language, and Communication toolkit), from screening to intervention for pupils in a Specialist Provision. 

Course Structure/Content:

This session has been specifically structured to support the following:

1. Develop an awareness of the WellComm screening toolkit and intervention resources.

2. To become familiar with the WellComm scoring and tracking process.

3. Preparation for using the WellComm screening toolkit as an assessment tool to support IEP/PLP target setting.

Course Time:

3.00pm - 4.00pm

Target Audience

Early Years & Primary Specialist Provision Staff, Senior Leadership Team, Learning Support Coordinators (SENCo)

Course Details:

MS Teams