Early Years Teaching Centre
Our Early Years Teaching Centre in an integral part of Great Torrington Bluecoat C of E Primary School; an early year specialist centre where we consider that both learning for both children and adults should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Everything we do is ultimately focused on improving outcomes for children.
Our training is underpinned by current thinking about children’s learning and based in research. We support practitioners in developing self evaluation and encourage reflective practice. We always welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue with colleagues from other settings and we are eager to learn about the practice of others. As a centre we are committed to working with parents and to learn with them. We actively listen to children and families and respond appropriately based on identified need and what works well. We are also engaged in exploring with innovative practice.
Our Early Years Teaching Centre is in its infancy and we are continually developing new training programmes and learning opportunities. All Bluecoat staff will contribute to our training programmes in order that our training remains rooted in real, everyday practice and meets the needs of other practitioners, locally, nationally and internationally. We are committed to providing responsive and accessible training delivered by practising Bluecoat practitioners who recognise the delights and challenges of everyday practice.
What We Offer
Early Years Consultancy
Our Early Years Consultancy offers tailored support and advice for practitioners in the Early Years Foundation Stage and for practitioners taking the EYFS approach into Year One practice. With our philosophy of working alongside colleagues to build long-term capacity and improve outcomes for children, we can offer practical advice, support and recommendations rooted in real practice around teaching and learning, Early Years leadership and developing the learning environment.
Professional Development Mornings
A morning where practitioners can visit the School and Early Years Teaching Centre in a relaxed atmosphere to observe and discuss everyday practice. Members of staff will be available to answer questions and talk about their work with children and families. The morning closes with lunch and an opportunity to reflect on observations made and discussion of impact on future practice. Areas of particular interest might include:
Effective early years pedagogy
Getting boys writing
Outdoor learning
Forest school
Planning and assessment
Transition
Maximum of 12 participants.
Training Courses
Developing the learning environment as the third educator
Self-Regulation & Encouraging Positive Learning Behaviours
Positive Touch (Massage in Schools Programme)
New to EYFS
Supporting the Prime Areas of Learning Outdoors
Exploring a Forest School Approach in Your Setting
Developing Communication and Life Skills Through Creative Play, Storytelling and Dramatic Activities
Professional Library
Bluecoat Early Years Teaching Centre is delighted to offer a professional library service for colleagues and settings in and around the area.
The library has been established as part of our Teaching Centre development and in response to the feedback we have received from delegates attending our training and events. The library is stocked with professional reading, not readily available from standard libraries.
The library is located in the Bluecoat Early Years Teaching Centre building, on the upper floor and is open by appointment. Please contact our EYTC Administrator at jsmart@bluecoat-learn.org.
There is a quiet working area for those who wish to make reference to books here on site, and a lending service is available for those who prefer to take books away with them.
We welcome feedback on the service and titles available – see below for full list. We would be happy to hear suggestions of other books to be added to the library.
EYTC Library Flyer