Webinar Wednesday: Early Years Essentials — Milestones in Motion

Designed to inspire and empower practitioners, 'Early Years Essentials' sessions provide an introduction or further insight into key early years themes, including child development, play, building positive relationships and interactions, observation, assessment and planning, behaviour and emotional regulation, and working effectively with parents and families. Each session, whilst standalone, builds opportunities for reflection, discussion, and practical strategies with links to further learning opportunities and a wide range of resources and CPD options to support workforce development. This session: Milestones in Motion — Understanding Child Development and Individual Growth in the Early Years (recorded on 14 October 2026) A strong understanding of child development is essential for supporting children's learning and progress in the Early Years. In this webinar, we explore key developmental milestones from birth to age 5 and examine how they connect to the seven areas of learning and development within the EYFS. We consider the unique developmental journey of every child, recognising that children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. Further sessions in this series 11 Nov 2026: Exploring Interaction Approaches That Make the Biggest Impact in Early Years 10 Feb 2027: Why this, why now, why these children? 10 Mar 2027: Observe, Reflect, Extend - Turning Play into Purposeful Learning 21 Apr 2027: Behaviour as Communication 12 May 2027: From Difficult to Constructive - Mastering Conversations that Build Trust _ _ _ About Webinar Wednesdays Webinar Wednesday is our year‑round series of online professional learning sessions designed to connect Birmingham’s early years community through shared themes, practical strategies and sector expertise. Each 1‑hour webinar is led by our Early Education Advisor Team with partners and guest speakers, offering focused CPD that fits into busy schedules. Webinar Wednesday runs across the academic year and is organised into five themed strands: Early Years Essentials Language Learning Reflection & Planning Tool The Magic of Books Transition Toolkit WellComm in Practice This allows practitioners to join the full programme or follow the sessions most relevant to their area of interest.