Access to high-quality training is essential for early years professionals to
However, training costs can be a barrier for many childcare providers. The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Learning Zone provides a range of free digital learning resources, which helps early years practitioners upskill without financial constraints.
This blog explores the most relevant free training resources available through NISCC. whilst also showing how they can benefit early years professionals and how to access them.
The NISCC Learning Zone has a bunch of courses designed mainly for the social care workforce. While a lot of these are focused on adult social care, they also offer great insights for those working in early years settings. it offers training on topics like child development, safeguarding, trauma-informed practices, and nutrition. These hit the mark for what’s needed in childcare across Northern Ireland.
To help early years practitioners find the most relevant courses, I’ve put together a handy table that outlines the best training options. This also includes courses specifically for early years and some broader social care courses that can easily be adapted. You’ll find this table below.
The table is organized for easy browsing, making it simple for practitioners to choose courses that fit their professional growth. Each course entry has a link to the related NISCC page, giving a quick description and key learning outcomes. I’ve also indicated which standards I think each course addresses. Hopefully, this will help you connect your learning to early years practice.
By joining these courses, early years professionals can boost their skills and knowledge, ultimately enhancing the care and education they provide for young kids. This effort supports ongoing professional development in the field, while also ensuring practitioners are well-equipped to meet the varied needs of children and families.
A solid grasp of child development is vital for early years practitioners. These courses delve into important developmental milestones, the ways children grow and learn, and strategies for promoting their well-being.
0-6 Years
7-12 Years
13-18 Years
Policy and Legislation in Child Development
Safeguarding is a fundamental aspect of early years provision, ensuring that children remain safe from harm. This training addresses essential safeguarding duties. It looks at how to recognise concerns, and importantly, the legal obligations that early years professionals must adhere to.
Grasping the effects of trauma on child development is increasingly important in early years practice. This course offers guidance on creating supportive, nurturing environments for children who have faced challenges.
Healthy eating is crucial in early childhood. This course provides practical strategies for encouraging balanced nutrition in childcare settings
This course examines holistic approaches to children’s well-being, covering mental health, emotional resilience, and physical health.
Investing in training means investing in children.
Whether you’re a childminder, preschool leader, or nursery manager, with ongoing professional development, you are ensuring you are providing the best possible care and education.
These free resources are a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills, keep up with best practice, and ensure compliance with Northern Ireland’s Minimum Standards for Childcare.
☑️ Flexible learning – Complete courses at your own pace.
☑️ Compliance-friendly – Helps meet Minimum Standards and other regulatory requirements.
All courses and learning materials are available on the NISCC Learning Zone.
For a detailed breakdown of which courses are best suited to early years professionals, check out the comprehensive training table below.
The NISCC Learning Zone is a fantastic resource for early years professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills without financial barriers.
Whether you want to deepen your understanding of child development, improve safeguarding practices, or adopt a trauma-informed approach, there are valuable learning opportunities available for free.
Our Minimum Standards online course provides
Altogether helping you prepare for inspections and improve your childcare practice.
Copy and save this Google Sheet with FREE training from NISCC, but also Skillup and Openlearn
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Accessing quality training is crucial for early years professionals, but cost can be a barrier. The NISCC Learning Zone offers a range of free courses to help practitioners stay informed, compliant, and skilled in childcare. Let’s explore key training options together and how to access them.
2 Responses
Hi.
Can you do health and safety course for childminders on an app yourself still?
Remember doing it a few years ago but can’t find the link!
Thanks Karen Stewart
Hi Karen, yes still available. If you haven’t already you need to login to the NISCC portal and you can access the training. here is a link https://learningzone.niscc.info/learning-resources/health-and-safety-in-a-childminding-setting/
Enjoy C x