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Course catalogue

Essential training courses for early years settings

The core online courses nursery teams rely on, from food safety and paediatric first aid to safeguarding leadership, GDPR, SEND and Ofsted readiness.

Choosing the right essential course

This category brings together the training most settings build their staff plans around. Match each course to the person’s role rather than asking everyone to take everything.

Why this training matters

Many of these topics are legal duties rather than extras. Since 1 September 2025 safer eating has been a specific safeguarding and welfare requirement in the EYFS, and a paediatric-first-aid-trained member of staff must be in the room whenever children are eating or drinking. The same changes formalised the Designated Safeguarding Lead role and require every practitioner’s safeguarding training to be refreshed at least every two years. Supervision of staff who have contact with children and families is also a statutory EYFS requirement.

Training your whole team

Every online course in this category is included in the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month, which makes it simple to cover induction, refreshers and role-specific training for everyone. You can also buy individual places, with group rates from 3 learners.

Frequently asked questions

Is the paediatric first aid course online?

No. Paediatric First Aid (Face-to-Face Course) is blended. Learners complete self-paced e-learning theory, then attend a practical classroom day with infant and child mannequins. It is a Level 3 qualification valid for 3 years.

Are the other courses online?

Yes. Every other course in this category is online and self-paced, so learners can fit it around the rota.

Do food handlers need a food hygiene certificate?

Food handlers do not have to hold a food hygiene certificate, but food business operators must make sure they are supervised and trained in food hygiene in line with their work. Food Hygiene (Level 2) is written for nursery cooks and practitioners who prepare and serve food.

Do learners get a certificate?

Yes. Learners receive a certificate when they pass the end-of-course assessment, and they can resit the assessment as many times as they need.