The Foundation Stage Forum Community
Welcome to the FSF – a community for early years professionals. Engage in conversations, offer and receive advice and support, make connections. Discover our library of education articles and podcast episodes to enhance your reflective practice. Working together to achieve high-quality early childhood education.
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What can Play contribute to Early Years Science?
by Natalie Day
We know that children love to play. Play is an intrinsic developmental vehicle by which children develop a plethora of skills through physical play, playing with objects, pretence and game play. This ‘knowledge’ of the importance of play has gaine…
Podcast: Advice on opening your own Nursery
Ben and Jules chat with Curtly Ania, nursery owner and mentor for others who are on the journey to opening their own early years setting. Curtly shares practical advice and inspiration, including some of the key things to consider if you are thinking…
Teacher, Varinder Kaur Johal, reflects on 10 years as an educator
In this reflective article, teacher Varinder Kaur Johal responds to the question ‘is your role as a teacher evolving and how has it changed?’ after a decade as an educator.
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2026 May & July - Portage Workshop: A small step approach to learning for children with SEND - 2025 - Southampton
Portage Workshop: A small step approach to learning for children with SEND - 2025 This two-and-a-half-day course is the basic qualification certificate in the Portage model of teaching. Monday 11 May 2026, 9.15am-4pm Civic Centre Tuesday 12 May 2026, 9.15am-4pm Civic Centre Monday 6 July 2026, 9.30-11am Online session size=2 width="100%" align=center> Who should attend? Those who work with the 0-5 year’s age range and are interested in delivering inclusive learning and play activities. It will be of particular relevance to those who hold the Early Years Special Educational Needs coordinator role in the r setting or those who wish to move into this position. It would also be highly beneficial for practitioners looking to further develop their SEND practice and as part of their work support individual children or lead small group work including children with additional needs. You will be able to: Understand the Portage Principles and model of support Use the basic skills to deliver Portage under supervision Apply Portage skills in one’s own workplace Understand the history and local development of Portage Understand the range of materials and resources Develop confidence in working together using the Portage Model Demonstrate awareness of the National Portage Association Southampton maintained schools and Southampton PVI Early Years & Childcare providers Price: £120 Academies, free schools and other organisations Price: £150 -
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2026.04.27 - Y6 Teacher Training Cross-School Moderation Southampton
Cross-School Moderation Monday 27 April, 1pm-4pm. Venue to be confirmed. Learning outcomes Collaborative moderation across schools Shared professional dialogue and evidence review Fees for training Southampton City Council maintained schools: £20 Academies, free schools, and other organisations: £25 -
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2026.03.02 - Y6 Teacher Training Moderation Information Southampton
Year 6 Teacher Training 2026 We are excited to offer a series of high-impact training sessions designed specifically for Year 6 teachers in Southampton. Whether you are new to the year group, or looking to sharpen your SATs and moderation strategies, these sessions will provide practical tools, expert insights, and collaborative opportunities. Moderation Information Monday 2 March 2026 - 1pm-4pm. Venue to be confirmed. Learning outcomes Key training documents and guidance (ARA, TAG, etc) Focus on common areas of focus such as dialogue, particular weakness etc. Standardisation of work for Year 6 Fees for training Southampton City Council maintained schools: £20 Academies, free schools, and other organisations: £25 -
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Early years training at Dorking Nursery School - Spring & Summer 2026
Fri 20 March - New to Early Years for Support Staff (half day) - Donna Harwood-Duffy This morning course will give delegates: An overview and understanding of the EYFS and areas of learning An understanding of their role in supporting teaching and learning both inside and outside Support for writing observations An understanding of what good practice looks like Thurs 30 April - Blossoming with Language - a Nurturing Journey - Marlis Juerging-Coles A day to explore the importance of language skills in the early years, especially post-pandemic. It helps educators to consider the implications and understand how to promote language development in practical and joyous ways. Marlis Juerging-Coles is a director of Linden Learning, with a passion for the social gift of language. Tues 19 May - Supporting Young Children's Emotional, Personal & Social Development: Foundations of Being - Julia Manning-Morton This course is an opportunity to spend time revising and extending understanding of the personal, social and emotional development of young children, including emotions, behaviour and brain development, and the importance of social belonging and self-other awareness. For further information and to book, visit the Early Years Training page on our website - www.dorkingnurseryschool.co.uk, email centre@dorking.surrey.sch.uk -
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Inductions
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New Tapestry App for Amazon Fire Devices
The new Tapestry app is now available to download from the Amazon Appstore. The new app is called Tapestry – Childhood Education Platform. Download the app for Amazon Fire devices This new app fully replaces the previous version of Tapestry. We've created user guides to help you get familiar with the new app. For information about minimum operating system requirements and the status of the old app, please visit our FAQs section. -
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'Oral Health in Early Years' free online training
Would you like some ideas for supporting dental health in your setting? 😁 We run free online training sessions (including some evening sessions) for anyone working in early years. We cover topics like tooth-friendly snacks and drinks, toothbrushing tips, bottle and dummy use, as well as activity ideas. After attending the training we email you lots of resources to use in your setting. Please see our flyer for session dates and booking information. Who are we? We are your local Oral Health Improvement Team. We are employed by the NHS but our service is commissioned by Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils. If you have any questions or if you would like to book onto a session please email us on ccs.oralhealthbeds@nhs.net We look forward to hearing from you! oral health sessions EY Feb - July 26.pdf -
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New Tapestry App for Apple and Android
The new Tapestry app is now available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. An Amazon Fire version is arriving very soon, so stay tuned. The new app is called Tapestry – Education Platform. Download the app for Apple devices Download the app for Android devices This new app fully replaces the previous version of Tapestry. We've created user guides to help you get familiar with the new app. For information about minimum operating system requirements and the status of the old app, please visit our FAQs section.
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