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SEND Workforce Development

This webpage now lists the wide range of SEND training available to Sheffield settings from a number of providers. This is part of the Workforce Development area of the whole city SEND and Inclusion Strategy. This new approach is a work in progress and we are hoping to make it easier to locate specific training from a number of providers by listing it all on this webpage.

The training has been separated by the areas of healthy child development and to reflect the broad areas of need by the SEND Code of Practice (Communication and Interaction / Cognition and Learning / Social, Emotional and Mental Health / Sensory and/or Physical), plus one category for systems and processes. Please use the buttons below to navigate to the area of training that you are looking for.

Where no dates or locations are listed on the website, this is because there are multiple dates available and these are listed on the Eventbrite booking page. Costs to settings have been indicated as applicable.

For any queries or feedback about this new approach, please contact enquiries@learnsheffield.co.uk.

Communication and Interaction Cognition and Learning Social, Emotional and Mental Health Sensory and/or Physical Systems and Processes

Communication and Interaction

Use the buttons below to navigate this section.

Language and Understanding Social Communication Speech and Stammer

Language and Understanding

The training offer from Sheffield Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) Service is available here, please log in to access the resources.

Accredited Makaton
How to use Makaton, a language program that combines signs, symbols, and speech to support communication for individuals with learning or communication needs. Audience: All roles in Early Years, primary, and all phases in special Location: In person (TBC) Cost: TBC Training Team: Fusion SEND Hub How to book: Book Here.

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Makaton for Babies
Makaton Signing for Babies and Families (MSBF) is for practitioners who would like to sign with babies and toddlers in their care. Makaton Signing for Babies and Families training is designed to encourage the development of communication and language skills in babies and toddlers. During this course you will learn approximately 100 signs and symbols and gain practical ideas of how to implement Makaton through songs, games and activities. You will receive a pocketbook of signs and symbols and a certificate of attendance. Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers and SENCos working with babies and young children in their care and have little or no previous experience of Makaton. Location: Online Sessions: Wednesday 7 January 2026, Wednesday 14 January, Wednesday 21 January, Wednesday 28 January, Wednesday 4 February, Wednesday 11 February, all 7.00-8.00pm. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY MAKBABIES) Cost: 2 tokens for Early Years Professional Development Training Package subscribers. Please contact EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk for pricing if you do not subscribe. Training Team: Kirsty Davison- Hands on Communication How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

Makaton for Babies

Makaton Signing for Babies and Families (MSBF) is for practitioners who would like to sign with babies and toddlers in their care. Makaton Signing for Babies and Families training is designed to encourage the development of communication and language skills in babies and toddlers. During this course you will learn approximately 100 signs and symbols and gain practical ideas of how to implement Makaton through songs, games and activities.

You will receive a pocketbook of signs and symbols and a certificate of attendance.

Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers and SENCos working with babies and young children in their care and have little or no previous experience of Makaton.

Location: Online

Sessions:
Wednesday 7 January 2026, Wednesday 14 January, Wednesday 21 January, Wednesday 28 January, Wednesday 4 February, Wednesday 11 February, all 7.00-8.00pm.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY MAKBABIES)

Cost: 2 tokens for Early Years Professional Development Training Package subscribers. Please contact EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk for pricing if you do not subscribe.

Training Team: Kirsty Davison- Hands on Communication

How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

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Makaton Level 1
Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. The course includes lots of interactive activities discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work. You will also learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2, and some of the Additional stage, of the Core Vocabulary which is over 150 signs! You will receive a participant manual and an official Makaton level 1 certificate. Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers, SENCos, teachers, teaching assistants, year 1 teachers and leaders. Location: In person- see locations below Sessions: Thursday 6 November 2025 and Thursday 20 November, 1.30-4.30pm at The Manor Community Childcare. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY MAKL1 01) Saturday 21 March 2026 and Saturday 28 March, 9.30am-1.00pm at Primrose Family Hub. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY MAKL1 02) Cost: 2 tokens for Early Years Professional Development Training Package subscribers. Please contact EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk for pricing if you do not subscribe. Training Team: Kirsty Davison- Hands on Communication How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

Makaton Level 1

Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. The course includes lots of interactive activities discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work. You will also learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2, and some of the Additional stage, of the Core Vocabulary which is over 150 signs!

You will receive a participant manual and an official Makaton level 1 certificate.

Audience: All early years practitioners, childminders, managers, SENCos, teachers, teaching assistants, year 1 teachers and leaders.

Location: In person- see locations below

Sessions:
Thursday 6 November 2025 and Thursday 20 November, 1.30-4.30pm at The Manor Community Childcare.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY MAKL1 01)

Saturday 21 March 2026 and Saturday 28 March, 9.30am-1.00pm at Primrose Family Hub.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY MAKL1 02)

Cost: 2 tokens for Early Years Professional Development Training Package subscribers. Please contact EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk for pricing if you do not subscribe.

Training Team: Kirsty Davison- Hands on Communication

How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

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Speak up for Sheffield- Introduction Course
The ability to effectively support children’s speech, language, and communication (SLC) development is essential for everyone working with young children and families. The Speak Up for Sheffield introduction course provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies to help practitioners promote SLC in everyday settings. The course was created in collaboration with Sheffield speech and language therapists. It addresses key areas including brain development, the vital role of adults in supporting communication, and evidence-based strategies to nurture speech and language skills in young children. This course is designed for all professionals working at the Universal Level - that is, anyone who works directly with young children and their families and wants to build confidence in supporting speech and language development. Course Highlights: Understand typical speech, language, and communication development Learn how brain development impacts communication skills Explore practical, everyday strategies to support children’s SLC development Gain knowledge to better engage and support families in communication activities Further Opportunities: Participants interested in advancing their expertise may express interest to the facilitator for future access to the Speak Up for Sheffield Language Champions course, which offers more in-depth training. Audience: All professionals who work with young children in early years education, health and social care. Location: Online and in person- see below Sessions Wednesday 8 October 2025, 9.30-4.00pm at St Mary’s Church, The Garden Room (Booking code EY SUFS 01) Thursday 6 November and Thursday 20 November, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Manor Community Childcare Centre. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY EY SUFS 02) Monday 23 February 2026, 9.30-4.00pm at St Patrick’s Voluntary Catholic Academy (Booking code EY SUFS 03) Friday 6 March 2026 and Friday 20 March, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Little Ark Nursery and Preschool. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY EY SUFS 04) Wednesday 6 May 2026, 9.30am-4.00pm at The Circle (Booking code EY SUFS 05) Tuesday 9 June 2026 and Tuesday 23 June 2026, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Mansel Primary School. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY EY SUFS 06) Tuesday 16 September 2025, Tuesday 23 September 2025 and Tuesday 30 September 2025, all 6.00-8.00pm online. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY SUFST 01) Wednesday 21 January 2026, Wednesday 28 January 2026 and Wednesday 4 February, all 6.00-8.00pm online. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY SUFST 02) Thursday 14 May 2026, Thursday 21 May 2026 and Thursday 4 June, all 6.00-8.00pm online. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY SUFST 03) Cost: Free for Sheffield settings Training Team: Community Early Years Practitioners How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

Speak up for Sheffield- Introduction Course

The ability to effectively support children’s speech, language, and communication (SLC) development is essential for everyone working with young children and families. The Speak Up for Sheffield introduction course provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies to help practitioners promote SLC in everyday settings. The course was created in collaboration with Sheffield speech and language therapists. It addresses key areas including brain development, the vital role of adults in supporting communication, and evidence-based strategies to nurture speech and language skills in young children. This course is designed for all professionals working at the Universal Level - that is, anyone who works directly with young children and their families and wants to build confidence in supporting speech and language development.

Course Highlights:

Understand typical speech, language, and communication development
Learn how brain development impacts communication skills
Explore practical, everyday strategies to support children’s SLC development
Gain knowledge to better engage and support families in communication activities

Further Opportunities: Participants interested in advancing their expertise may express interest to the facilitator for future access to the Speak Up for Sheffield Language Champions course, which offers more in-depth training.

Audience: All professionals who work with young children in early years education, health and social care.

Location: Online and in person- see below

Sessions
Wednesday 8 October 2025, 9.30-4.00pm at St Mary’s Church, The Garden Room
(Booking code EY SUFS 01)

Thursday 6 November and Thursday 20 November, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Manor Community Childcare Centre.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY EY SUFS 02)

Monday 23 February 2026, 9.30-4.00pm at St Patrick’s Voluntary Catholic Academy
(Booking code EY SUFS 03)

Friday 6 March 2026 and Friday 20 March, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Little Ark Nursery and Preschool.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY EY SUFS 04)

Wednesday 6 May 2026, 9.30am-4.00pm at The Circle
(Booking code EY SUFS 05)

Tuesday 9 June 2026 and Tuesday 23 June 2026, all 9.30am-12.30pm at Mansel Primary School.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY EY SUFS 06)

Tuesday 16 September 2025, Tuesday 23 September 2025 and Tuesday 30 September 2025, all 6.00-8.00pm online.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY SUFST 01)

Wednesday 21 January 2026, Wednesday 28 January 2026 and Wednesday 4 February, all 6.00-8.00pm online.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY SUFST 02)

Thursday 14 May 2026, Thursday 21 May 2026 and Thursday 4 June, all 6.00-8.00pm online.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY SUFST 03)

Cost: Free for Sheffield settings

Training Team: Community Early Years Practitioners

How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

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Speak up for Sheffield- Language Champions
Language Champions is an advanced, comprehensive training package designed for professionals working with children to deepen their understanding of speech, language, and communication needs. Delivered over six full-day sessions across the year, this course equips participants with extensive knowledge of various speech, language, and communication difficulties, their diagnoses, and their impact on children’s overall development, in the here and now and in the future. The programme incorporates reflective practice, supporting practitioners to evaluate their setting’s current approaches, identifying any gaps in provision and develop targeted action plans. By integrating the insights gained, participants will be better equipped to support early identification, intervention, and ongoing support for children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). The programme will support you to make changes to practice within your setting as identified in your action plan. Course Highlights: Gain a thorough understanding of different types of speech, language, and communication difficulties and their diagnoses Explore the broader developmental impact of SLCN on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development Develop in-depth awareness of effective approaches and strategies suited to children’s diverse needs Enhance skills in tracking and supporting the progress of all children’s communication development Understand speech and language therapy (SLT) pathways and referral processes Recognise the wider needs of children with SLCN and how to address them holistically Implement a range of evidence-based strategies and interventions within your setting Support colleagues Audience: Practitioners, educators, and early years professionals committed to developing their expertise in supporting children’s speech, language, and communication development, with the aim of fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Please note all participants must have attended the Speak up for Sheffield Introduction course prior to attending Language Champions. Location: In person (St Marie’s School) Sessions: Friday 12 September 2025, Friday 21 November, Friday 30 January 2026, Friday 13 March, Friday 15 May, Friday 17 July. All sessions are 9.30am-4.00pm. Please note that you must be available for all sessions. (Booking code EY SUFS Lang Champs). Cost: Free for Sheffield settings Training Team: Rebecca Bergman (Speech and Language Therapist) and Claire Murgatroyd (Early Years Quality Improvement Team) How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

Speak up for Sheffield- Language Champions

Language Champions is an advanced, comprehensive training package designed for professionals working with children to deepen their understanding of speech, language, and communication needs. Delivered over six full-day sessions across the year, this course equips participants with extensive knowledge of various speech, language, and communication difficulties, their diagnoses, and their impact on children’s overall development, in the here and now and in the future.

The programme incorporates reflective practice, supporting practitioners to evaluate their setting’s current approaches, identifying any gaps in provision and develop targeted action plans. By integrating the insights gained, participants will be better equipped to support early identification, intervention, and ongoing support for children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). The programme will support you to make changes to practice within your setting as identified in your action plan.

Course Highlights:

Gain a thorough understanding of different types of speech, language, and communication difficulties and their diagnoses
Explore the broader developmental impact of SLCN on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development
Develop in-depth awareness of effective approaches and strategies suited to children’s diverse needs
Enhance skills in tracking and supporting the progress of all children’s communication development
Understand speech and language therapy (SLT) pathways and referral processes
Recognise the wider needs of children with SLCN and how to address them holistically
Implement a range of evidence-based strategies and interventions within your setting
Support colleagues

Audience: Practitioners, educators, and early years professionals committed to developing their expertise in supporting children’s speech, language, and communication development, with the aim of fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Please note all participants must have attended the Speak up for Sheffield Introduction course prior to attending Language Champions.

Location: In person (St Marie’s School)

Sessions:
Friday 12 September 2025, Friday 21 November, Friday 30 January 2026, Friday 13 March, Friday 15 May, Friday 17 July. All sessions are 9.30am-4.00pm.
Please note that you must be available for all sessions.
(Booking code EY SUFS Lang Champs).

Cost: Free for Sheffield settings

Training Team: Rebecca Bergman (Speech and Language Therapist) and Claire Murgatroyd (Early Years Quality Improvement Team)

How to book: Email EarlyYearsBusinessSupport@sheffield.gov.uk including your name, setting and the booking code of the session you would like to book.

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Sheffield Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) Service Offer
Tuesday 30 September 2025 3.30-5.00pm	Stammering Teacher Workshop	Online	Book Soon

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