Early Language Professional Development Programme
Starting this autumn term 2026, the Bristol and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub Early Language Learning Leads are running the Early Language Professional Development Programme (PDP). We are recruiting 15 Early Years settings per cohort to take part in this fully funded programme. Within these attendance numbers, and depending on demand, we may be able to consider up to two attendees per setting.
Meet your Learning Leads
Liberty Fletcher-Gardiner leads the Regional PVI and Schools cohort.
Liberty Fletcher-Gardiner
Liberty Fletcher-Gardiner is an early years teacher and leader with 18 years' experience across schools and nursery settings in inner-city London and Bristol, supporting children from birth to five. She specialises in early language development, phonics, oracy and EYFS improvement, leading evidence-informed practice that strengthens provision.
Currently undertaking an MA in Early Years at CREC, she enjoys connecting research with practice. She is committed to championing inclusive, high-quality early years provision and supporting practitioners to give every child the best possible start in life.
Anna Morgan leads the Bristol and Gloucestershire Childminders cohort.
Anna Morgan
Anna Morgan is an Early Years Consultant for the Bristol Early Years Quality Improvement team and has worked with Bristol early years settings and schools for over 15 years. She leads on Communication, Language and Literacy and is dedicated to supporting high-quality learning and language development in the early years.
She leads the Bristol Early Language (BEL) Programme and is a Local Specialist Leader for Communication, Language and Literacy, helping settings embed evidence-informed practice. She also contributes to the Early Years Book Club and has worked with NALDIC to champion effective support for multilingual learners.
Download the Flyer
Who it is for
The Early Language PDP is designed for PVIs, childminders and schools with nursery classes who have 2 to 4 year olds attending their setting. The course content is aimed at Early Years practitioners who are qualified at Level 3 and above.
What is involved
The Early Language PDP, developed by the DfE, is completed over one academic term. It includes seven online modules alongside a programme of weekly seminars, beginning with an introduction session and finishing with a celebration. Depending on the cohort, some seminars are held face to face. The course is led by our Early Language Learning Leads.
Module overview
- Unit 1: Understanding typical language development
- Unit 2: Creating communication supportive environments
- Unit 3: Achieving high quality interactions
- Unit 4: Measuring progress and identifying needs
- Unit 5: How language supports behaviour and wellbeing
- Unit 6: Building partnership with parents
- Unit 7: Embedding good communication and language in your setting
Autumn Term 2026 cohorts
Our Early Language PDP will run two cohorts per term. The cohorts will be open to attendees from across our regions OR will be specified by Local Authority. The autumn term cohorts are below. Spring and summer cohorts will be announced later in the year.
The deadline for expressions of interest for both autumn cohorts is Monday 19 October 2026 at 9am.
Regional PVI and Schools: Early Language PDP Cohort
Led by: Liberty Fletcher-Gardiner
Deadline for expressions of interest: Monday 19 October 2026, 9am
Programme dates: all sessions are held online on Thursday afternoons.
- Introduction: Thursday 5 November 2026, 4pm to 5pm
- Seminar 1: Thursday 12 November 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 2: Thursday 19 November 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 3: Thursday 26 November 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 4: Thursday 3 December 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 5: Thursday 10 December 2026, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 6: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 7: Thursday 14 January 2027, 4pm to 5.30pm
- Seminar 8, celebration and giveaways: Thursday 21 January 2027, 4pm to 5.30pm
We would love to run at least one face to face session for this cohort, but this will depend on where participants are based.
Bristol and Gloucestershire Childminders: Early Language PDP Cohort
Led by: Anna Morgan
Deadline for expressions of interest: Monday 19 October 2026, 9am
Programme dates: sessions are held on Fridays. Most are online, with the first and last seminars held face to face. For the face to face sessions you can choose a morning or afternoon slot.
- Introduction: Friday 6 November 2026, 1pm to 2pm, online
- Seminar 1: Friday 13 November 2026, 9am to 11am or 12.30pm to 2.30pm, face to face (venues to be confirmed)
- Seminar 2: Friday 20 November 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 3: Friday 27 November 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 4: Friday 4 December 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 5: Friday 11 December 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 6: Friday 8 January 2027, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 7: Friday 15 January 2027, 1pm to 2.30pm, online (TBC)
- Seminar 8, celebration and giveaways: Friday 22 January 2027, 9am to 11am or 12.30pm to 2.30pm, face to face (venues to be confirmed)
Outside our region?
If you are an Early Years setting from outside the areas covered by the cohorts above and you are interested in joining this CPD opportunity, please complete our general Expression of Interest form.
If you have any questions, please contact sph@beyth.co.uk.
