Early Years Training – Alexandra Chiorando

Are you ready to transform your approach to early childhood education? Join us for this immersive, two-day professional development course, led by Alexandra Chiorando, a renowned expert in the early years field and an inspirational trainer with over 25 years of experience. Alexandra’s dynamic sessions combine her deep knowledge, practical insights, and boundless passion for empowering educators to create exceptional learning environments for young children. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or new to the field, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of children’s developmental needs and explore innovative strategies that will elevate your practice.

Course will be held on the 28th and 29th of March 2025 at:

WINS

But don’t just take our word for it!

Participants rave about Alexandra’s courses:

“Like eating a fabulous feast of Early Years experience and ideas with a funny family friend!”

“It’s a mind-blowing training course.”

“Alexandra is not just a wealth of knowledge, but she is also incredibly relatable, relevant, and an inspirational motivational speaker.”

One participant even said,
“The training session was absolutely amazing! Look no further than Alexa—she opened my eyes (wider). Her training had us feeling like mini-Einsteins in the making. Seriously, she’s got the magic touch when it comes to making learning fun. 10/10 would totally recommend!”

Course Outline:

Day 1

Session 1 – Understanding Children’s Behaviour

In our first session, we will explore the underlying factors that influence children’s behaviour, equipping you with a deeper understanding of their emotional and developmental needs. We will explore evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive approach that effectively supports every child.

A central focus will be on fostering self-regulation and emotional literacy, emphasising the crucial role of adults as external regulators. We will also discuss the importance of establishing calm, attuned environments that promote a sense of security and connection, enabling children to thrive. Participants will gain insights into how children learn to recognise and regulate their emotions, and how to effectively support this process through meaningful interactions and intentional practices.

The session will introduce a range of practical resources to enhance emotional well-being in early years classrooms, including visual aids, sensory tools, and calming strategies. Drawing on real-life examples from my 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership roles, I will provide actionable strategies and techniques that can be immediately applied to your professional practice.

Interactive activities, professional reflection, and opportunities for discussion will ensure that you leave the session with a clear and comprehensive framework to support children’s behaviour in a compassionate, developmentally informed, and effective way.

Session 2 – Sensory Processing

Building on Session one, we’ll explore sensory processing and the critical role of sensory play in children’s development. Together, we’ll examine the eight sensory systems, with a particular focus on proprioceptive and vestibular development, as well as interoception—the sense that helps children understand and regulate internal body signals such as hunger, thirst, and emotions. We’ll consider how these sensory systems influence children’s well-being, behaviour, and ability to focus and engage with their environment.

This session will delve into effective strategies to support neurodiverse children, particularly those with sensory processing differences. We’ll discuss practical ways to create sensory-friendly environments, tailor activities to meet individual needs, and provide appropriate calming or stimulating sensory inputs.

Through a real-life case study, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how small, targeted adjustments can significantly benefit children with unique sensory needs, enabling them to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence to identify and respond to sensory needs, embedding sensory awareness into everyday play and learning experiences in a meaningful and inclusive way.

Session 3 – Schematic Play

In this session, we’ll explore the eight primary play schemas commonly observed in early childhood, delving into their significance in children’s learning and development. You will learn to identify the signs and behaviours associated with each schema, enabling you to recognise and nurture each child’s unique play style and interests.

We’ll discuss a wide range of resources, activities, and setups that can be incorporated into your continuous provision to support these schemas. By understanding the motivations behind schematic play, you can create environments and opportunities that align with children’s natural exploratory behaviours, fostering deeper engagement and meaningful learning experiences.

When you can identify and support schemas effectively, you empower children to develop critical skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. This session will equip you with practical strategies and an enhanced understanding of schematic play, enabling you to enrich your early years practice and respond to children’s developmental needs with confidence and creativity.

Day 2

Session 1 – Communication and Language: Bringing Stories to Life

This session focuses on how young children communicate and develop language skills through engaging, imaginative activities. We’ll explore the transformative power of active storytelling, providing hands-on techniques to captivate young children with books and immerse them in the magic of stories. Practical activities include performing a story to bring it vividly to life, using hot seating to step into the shoes of characters, and following children’s interests to create personalised, interactive storytelling experiences. Packed with creative ideas, this session will equip you with tools to inspire a lasting love of reading, enrich language development, and foster meaningful connections with stories.

Session 2 – Outdoor Play and Learning

Outdoor play is an essential part of children’s learning and development, offering unique opportunities to build skills, resilience, and confidence. In this session, we’ll explore how outdoor play fosters key dispositions for learning, such as curiosity, problem-solving, and perseverance. You’ll discover how to support active, adventurous play in any weather, ensuring children can engage with the natural world year-round. Through inspiring real-life examples of outdoor play setups, we’ll discuss practical ideas to motivate and challenge children while promoting exploration and discovery. By the end of the session, you’ll feel equipped to create engaging outdoor experiences that inspire a love of learning and adventure.

Session 3- Getting Ready to Write: Developing Early Writing Skills Through Play

This session focuses on how to nurture the foundational skills needed for early writing through playful, engaging activities. We’ll explore how to develop children’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and core strength—all essential precursors to writing—using creative, hands-on play. You’ll discover practical ideas to embed mark-making opportunities in everyday activities, from sensory play to role play, and learn how to create inviting environments that encourage children to experiment with early writing. Packed with inspiring examples and resources, this session will equip you with the tools to support children on their journey towards confident and joyful writing.

Alexandra’s courses are described as “a fabulous reminder of why I became a teacher” and “comprehensive and filled with innovative ideas.” Another participant shared, “This helped me remember and gave me the passion for teaching again.” With engaging presentations and actionable strategies, you’ll leave this training feeling energized and equipped to create meaningful change in your classroom.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in early years education, deepen your connection with the children you teach, and shape a future where every child thrives. Sign up today and step into a world of discovery, connection, and inspiration!

Price for either day 1 or day 2 is £245.
£245 – Includes one day workshop training, lunch and refreshments.
£395 – Includes two days workshop training, lunch and refreshments.
£990 – Includes two days workshop training, lunch and refreshments, for 3-5 Teachers from your school.

Register your interest

Meet your Trainer: Alexandra Chiorando

Children are at the centre of everything I do.

I am deeply passionate about high-quality education and firmly believe that children thrive when they feel valued, connected, and respected.

With over 30 years of experience in education, I have worked as a teacher, SENCO, and member of a Senior Leadership Team in schools, as well as holding senior roles in private nursery settings. I have also served as an EY Ofsted Inspector and as an Associate Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Currently, I work as an independent consultant, supporting schools, nurseries, and childminders across the UK and internationally. I thrive on exciting projects and have recently collaborated with BBC Bitesize as a consultant. At present, I’m working with an independent video production company on a new TV programme for young children.

I also contribute to educational research and have shared my practice and thoughts to inform articles, providing insights and practical advice to support Early Years professionals in their work.

Public speaking is another passion of mine, and I regularly deliver large-group training sessions for nursery groups and school clusters, both in the UK and internationally. Over the past three years, I’ve especially enjoyed working with the First7 group in Romania, as well as delivering training in China last year. This year, I am excited to deliver a seminar at the Childcare and Education Expo in London and to organise my second UK conference, while delivering training at international schools around the world.

I understand the desire of Early Years Practitioners and Teachers to enhance their practice through high-quality training, coaching, and consultation. My approach is engaging, practical, and tailored to your needs.

Above all, I love spending time with children and feel most at home when playing and chatting with little ones. I live in Altrincham, Cheshire, with my husband and two sons.

Alexandra Chiorando