PATA (UK) upcoming events

Everyday Wellbeing for Practitioners (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Everyday Wellbeing for Practitioners

During this session we will be looking at how we support our wellbeing, recognising that to support children’s wellbeing, we need to look after our own wellbeing first.

This session will share practical ways we can support our wellbeing daily, with a focus on how we survive the winter months. Sonia will offer a range of ideas, including some simple recipes, creative suggestions and planting ideas.

The EYFS Environment in the context of wrap-around provision (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The EYFS Environment in the context of wrap-around provision

This course is for all Gloucestershire wrap-around providers and is free of charge, funded by GCC.

Course Aim: Wrap-around providers with children of Reception age or younger must be aware of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In the context of this, join us to consider how your environment facilitates play for the youngest children in your care.

Course Information: during the session we will explore:

The role of the environment in the EYFS
What is play? (based on the 8 Principles of Playwork)
The role of the playworker
Key characteristics of play
Continuous provision
Auditing your environment

Our focus will be how to develop your setting as an inclusive space for all children and their diverse learning needs and milestones.

Suitable For: All Gloucestershire Wrap-around providers.

Date: Tuesday 3rd November

Time: 9:30am - 11:00am

Venue: Online

Cost: £0

Important additional Information:

Before booking a place, please read our information sheet which can be found here
Please ensure you complete the 'attendee name' and 'attendee email address' (of the person attending) to ensure we send the Zoom Invitation to the correct email address. A contact telephone number for the attendee is also required in case we need to contact them.
Please note zoom/teams invitations will be sent out 24 hours before the course/meeting starts.
Please notify us if you are unable to attend so that your place can be given to the next person on the waiting list.

Network Meeting - Autumn Term (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Network Meeting - Autumn Term

Whilst we will always have a focus to the network meetings, we are also mindful that there may be different concerns relating to any current issues. The network meetings will therefore always be topical taking into account the current landscape.

Suitable for: Early Years Managers or Deputies.

Delivered by: Michelle King. Michelle is a PATA Early Years Support Officer and she previously spent 12 years as an early years educator, 5 years of this time as a setting manager. Between them they draw upon their differing specialisms to offer support and guidance.

Date: Tuesday 10th November

Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Venue: Online

Cost: FREE for PATA members only (1 place per setting - Manager or Deputy)

(Failure to notify us of any non attendance may result in you not being able to attend future free network meetings).

Important additional Information:

Before booking a place, please read our information sheet which can be found here
Please ensure you complete the 'attendee name' and 'attendee email address' (of the person attending) to ensure we send the Teams Invitation to the correct email address. A 'contact telephone number' for the attendee is also required in case we need to contact them in an emergency.
Please note zoom invitations will be sent out 24 hours before the course/meeting starts.

Safeguarding for wrap-around provision in the context of the EYFS (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Safeguarding for wrap-around provision in the context of the EYFS

This course is for all Gloucestershire wrap-around providers and is free of charge, funded by GCC.

Course Aim: Wrap-around providers with children of Reception age or younger must comply with the Safeguarding and Welfare requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Join us to look at the specific requirements, the reporting processes in Gloucestershire and best practice within your setting.

Course Information: during the session we will explore:

Knowing the EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare requirements
The reporting processes in Gloucestershire
Communication including security arrangements, information gathering
Scenarios to help understanding in a practical context.

Please note that this course will assume that those attending have already completed your usual safeguarding training.

Suitable For: All Gloucestershire Wrap-around providers.

Date: Tuesday 12th November

Time: 9.30am - 11.00am

Venue: Online

Cost: £0

Important additional Information:

Before booking a place, please read our information sheet which can be found here
Please ensure you complete the 'attendee name' and 'attendee email address' (of the person attending) to ensure we send the Zoom Invitation to the correct email address. A contact telephone number for the attendee is also required in case we need to contact them.
Please note zoom/teams invitations will be sent out 24 hours before the course/meeting starts.
Please notify us if you are unable to attend so that your place can be given to the next person on the waiting list.

Becoming Actively Anti-Racist (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Becoming Actively Anti-Racist

This training helps those who are very culturally aware and participating allies, who demonstrate non-racist practice and are moving towards anti-racist practice in their settings. It aims to explore anti-racist awareness and aspects of culture, diversity, equity and inclusion. Participants will recognise unconscious bias, microaggressions, racist behaviour and language related to racial discrimination and how this will be addressed and eliminated for adults and for children. The session will provide the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate anti-racist practice in education along with approaches to respectfully challenge the barriers and myths often used to block anti-racist practice.

Becoming actively anti-racist includes:

Awareness of the terminologies related to racism and anti-racism
Demonstrate an understanding of structural racism in our society
Identify and discuss the difference between the concepts of 'non-racist' and 'anti-racist'
Develop an understanding of how language used to identify a person's colour or heritage can be problematic
Understanding how unconscious bias and stereotypes can determine mindsets and attitudes in settings and workplaces
Recognise positive practice whereby thoughts and views about anti-racism are shared in an open and honest environment

Makaton for Early Years (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Makaton for Early Years

The Makaton for Early Years Setting Workshop is for professionals in Early Years environments, including:

Nursery and Preschool Staff

Childminders and Early Years Practitioners

Reception and Foundation Stage Teachers and Classroom Support Staff

SENCOs

Speech and Language Therapists

Professionals supporting language in Early Years settings

The workshop is fun and interactive and is designed for early years professionals who want to create calm, engaging and inclusive environments throughout the day and requires no previous knowledge of Makaton.

Key Outcomes from the Workshop:

By the end of the session participants will:

Grasp the key goals and benefits of using Makaton.
Be adept at applying Makaton with symbols, signs, and speech drawing from everyday vocabulary
Skilfully use the specialised vocabulary tailored to Early Years Settings adaptable to various scenarios and settings.

Know where to find further information, pursue additional training, and access important resources, including information on the Makaton Friendly Scheme and Membership.

Makaton for Early Years (24 Nov 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Makaton for Early Years

The Makaton for Early Years Setting Workshop is for professionals in Early Years environments, including:

Nursery and Preschool Staff

Childminders and Early Years Practitioners

Reception and Foundation Stage Teachers and Classroom Support Staff

SENCOs

Speech and Language Therapists

Professionals supporting language in Early Years settings

Key Outcomes from the Workshop:

By the end of the session participants will:

Grasp the key goals and benefits of using Makaton.
Be adept at applying Makaton with symbols, signs, and speech drawing from everyday vocabulary
Skilfully use the specialised vocabulary tailored to Early Years Settings adaptable to various scenarios and settings.

Know where to find further information, pursue additional training, and access important resources, including information on the Makaton Friendly Scheme and Membership.

How to Stay Regulated with a Dysregulated Child (30 Nov 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Course Aim – To help participants understand regulation and dysregulation in children and how we can support children to be regulated.

Course Information – How can we recognise what regulation and dysregulation is in children? Explore what helps a child to be regulated and identify what might be the cause of their dysregulation. The course will include some practical ways in which we can support children who are dysregulated, leaving you with a menu of ideas to add to your wellbeing toolkit.

Inclusive Environments (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Inclusive Environments: Practical Strategies for the Everyday Early Years Practitioner

This session will develop your understanding of what an inclusive environment looks like and provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your setting, picking up ideas to adapt your physical environment to make all children and families feel like they are welcomed, valued, included and belong.

NoodleNow (online) (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

NoodleNow (online)

Please ignore the start date of December 2026 - these courses can be started at any time of the year.

NoodleNow provide online courses (there are currently 93 but this is increasing all the time). Once you are registered you can log in at any time and work through a course. At the end you will undertake a short test and if successful receive a certificate for your CPD file. All the courses are included in the cost and access is for one year from registration.

It's a great way for practitioners to upskill at their own pace, but also to pick a course to help with a specific issue - for example there is a course on dealing with biting. If you have a child who starts biting, any members of your team who are registered with NoodleNow can do the course as a refresher and come up with a plan of action.

We think that these courses will complement our 'live' training and provide you with another option for keeping your practice fresh and relevant.

Course included in the package cover everything from food safety, manual handling, physical development and outstanding practice. You can see the full list of courses here.

Cost (PATA Members only):

We are able to offer access to our members for

£25 per person (no additional VAT) with no minimum number and including Noodle Nibbles.

(Individual membership is usually £99+VAT or organisational membership (with a minimum of 5 people) is usually £25+VAT per person (so a minimum of £150). There is also a ‘bolt on’ package of short courses called Noodle Nibbles which are usually an extra £5+VAT per person which will be included in your package.)

The access will last for a year and you can do as many of the courses in that time as you wish for no additional costs.

PLEASE NOTE YOUR INVOICE MUST BE SETTLED BEFORE YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR LOG IN DETAILS.

Makaton Training (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Makaton Training

Our Makaton training is delivered in multi-session blocks. Dates vary by level and availability.

Please visit our Makaton Training page for full details, prices and current dates, or email training@pataglos.org.uk.

Forest School Training (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Forest School Training

Please ignore the advertised date.

PATA's preferred supplier for Forest School training is Inspired Forest School Training. PATA Members receive special discounts on training - Members can access a dedicated page on the Inspired Forest School Training website. Members can find information to access this by signing in and going here.

Please visit www.inspiredforestschooltraining.co.uk for further information or email info@inspiredforestschooltraining.co.uk.

A brief summary about Inspired Forest School Training:

Inspired Forest School Training is a local provider of outdoor learning qualifications, adhering to OFSTED standards and regulated by OFQUAL. They offer a range of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications designed for professionals working with children from birth to 18+. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality training in line with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Supported by local businesses, including the University of Gloucestershire and Active Gloucestershire, they have formed strong partnerships to enhance the impact of their programs. Their collaboration extends to professionals specialising in various age groups, ensuring that training is tailored to diverse educational settings - from EYFS to KS4 - making it relevant and effective for all stages of childhood and adolescence.

The knowledge of their Lead Tutor, brings a wealth of experience in education, Scandinavian practices (the origins of Forest School), and extensive involvement with over 200 settings in six countries.

This unique blend of mastery enriches their training programs, offering participants insights into best practices derived from a global perspective. Their goal is to empower educators and childcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to create enriching practical learning experiences in natural settings.

What can Inspired Forest School Training offer our members?

Level 1 - Forest School Awareness - What is Forest School?

This aware provides a foundational understanding of the principles and practices associated with forest school education. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, participants gain insights into creating and facilitating nature-based learning experiences, fostering a connection between learners and the natural world.

Level 2 - Forest School Assistant - Support the FS Leader during sessions

Equipping individuals with the essential skills to support and contribute to forest school sessions. This practical training covers key aspects such as safety protocols, activity planning, and effective communication, preparing assistants to actively participate in creating enriching outdoor learning environments for children.

Level 3 - Forest School Leader - Train to lead sessions

The Level 3 Forest School Leader Qualification is a comprehensive training program for educators, providing advanced knowledge and skills to lead and manage forest school sessions independently. Participants learn to design and implement holistic outdoor learning experiences, emphasizing risk management, child development, and effective pedagogical strategies in natural settings.

CPD Continuing Professional Development

Workshops throughout the year to provide staff with a range of workshops to upskill and enhance the impact of outdoor learning and Forest School. These include: Willow Weaving with children, Outdoor First Aid, Forest School Refresher, Introduction to Beekeeping and more. https://www.inspiredforestschooltraining.co.uk/cpd

Members can access a dedicated page on the Inspired Forest School Training website. Members can find information to access this by signing in and going here.

How can our members contact you?

Website: https://inspiredforestschooltraining.co.uk

Discovery Hour: PATA Payroll Service - "Right first-time" benefits everyone (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Discovery Hour: PATA Payroll Service - "Right first-time" benefits everyone

How to submit your Pay information to ensure your payroll is processed accurately and quickly.

Following a successful lunchtime session we are gathering interest for another session. If you would like to attend please join the waiting list and when we have a date arranged we will contact you with full information.

Overview

Submitting accurate and complete pay information is essential for smooth and timely payroll processing.

In this Discovery Hour, join the Payroll Team as we focus on what pay data is required, when it's needed, and how to submit it correctly to the PATA Payroll Service - helping you avoid delays, corrections, and rework.

What to Expect

Meet the Payroll Team
How accurate input supports faster, right-first-time payroll processing
The key pay information required for each payroll run
Cut-off dates and why timing matters
Best practices for submitting changes such as leavers, starters, and amendments
Common submission errors and how to avoid them
Opportunity to ask questions and clarify requirements

Who Should Attend

This session is only available to Member PATA Payroll Clients and is suitable for:

Main Payroll Contact - person responsible for submitting the payroll
Committee Member (i.e. Treasurer) or Business Owner responsible for authorising the payroll
Manager or Administration responsible for preparing payroll information

By the end of this session, you'll know exactly what information to submit, how to submit it, and when ensuring your payroll is processed accurately, efficiently, and on time.

Date: tbc

Venue: Online

Cost: Free

Important additional Information:

Teams invitations will be sent out 24 hours before the session starts.
You will have the opportunity before the session to send us any relevant questions you may have to address during the session.