Thriving Through Change: Business resilience for early years providers

This engaging webinar is designed to provide a concise overview of services and initiatives that can support and enhance your Early Years provision, including how to access and utilise apprenticeship funding for staff training and building a skilled and motivated team through funded opportunities.

Apprenticeship Levy Opportunities: Discover how the Co-op Levy Share scheme is partnering with The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood (convened by HRH The Princess of Wales) to fund apprenticeships focused on early childhood education, plus learn more about the various Levy services available, both for Greater Manchester and national organisations that work with levy paying organisations to help fund the training and assessment costs of apprenticeships. The services offer help and support during this process.

Early Years Apprenticeships: Learn about the range of apprenticeship programs and recruitment service offered by GC Education and Skills, a social enterprise with over 30 years of experience in supporting individuals to kick-start their careers and achieve their full potential.

T Levels in Education and Childcare: Gain insights into the new Greater Manchester T Level Campaign, learn how you can get involved, what are the benefits and what support is available to you.

Community Support from Local Colleges: Explore how local colleges and community organisations can collaborate to support early childhood initiatives, providing resources and expertise to enhance your services.​

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Delivered by: The Growth Company (MFG Institute), GC Education & Skills and Jo Whitehead, Business Advisor – Growth at GM Business Growth Hub

Join Jo Whitehead, Growth Business Advisor at GM Business Growth Hub for a practical and inspiring session designed to help Early Years providers increase occupancy through smart marketing, digital tools, and time-saving strategies like ChatGPT.

This webinar is tailored for nursery owners, managers, and directors who are looking to grow their occupancy in a competitive and ever-changing market. During the session, we’ll explore how to identify what makes your setting unique, how to position it effectively, and how to communicate your value to prospective families. From understanding your competitors to developing a stand-out offer, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance you can implement right away.

Expect an engaging mix of digital marketing techniques, from optimising your website and social media presence to building a trusted local reputation. You’ll also discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can simplify content creation, help you generate ideas, and save time across your marketing tasks. We'll share real-life examples, sample posts, and prompts you can adapt for your own setting.

By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a clear action plan and a downloadable resource pack full of templates, planners, and tools to put your new strategies into action. Whether your goal is to fill vacant spaces, stand out from local competition, or future-proof your setting, this session is designed to support you every step of the way.

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Delivered by: Jo Whitehead, Business Advisor – Growth at GM Business Growth Hub

This Early Years Masterclass will explore the essential skills and strategies of leadership, coaching, and mentoring to effectively support and empower early childhood educators and teams

Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how effective leadership can drive positive outcomes for both educators and children, creating an environment of collaboration, growth, and shared vision. We will explore leadership styles, focusing on the importance of adapting approaches to suit different team dynamics and individual needs within early years settings.

The session will also cover the practical aspects of coaching and mentoring, offering strategies to guide educators at all stages of their careers. Discussion will touch on case studies that highlight real-life challenges and solutions, enabling listeners to relate and reflect on their own practices and identify areas for improvement.

We will explore the impact of coaching and mentoring on professional development, emphasising how these practices can help build confidence, enhance skills, and promote a culture of continuous learning.

Throughout the discussion participants can expect to hear from experience, gain insight into proven coaching and mentoring techniques, and hear tips that will enable them to apply new knowledge directly to their work. The masterclass will provide valuable tools and resources to help listeners enhance their leadership capabilities, mentor effectively, and create supportive environments that nurture both staff and children.

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Delivered by: Elaine Sagar, CEO of Sunflower Childcare Group

Elaine Sagar is a dynamic leader in early years education. With a wealth of experience in the sector, she is also the Co-Chair of the Ofsted Big Conversation and NDNA Tameside, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping conversations and policies that impact early childhood education. A professional coach and mentor, Elaine is passionate about empowering educators, supporting their professional growth, and fostering a culture of leadership within early years settings. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of childcare and education has made her a respected figure in the field, committed to driving positive change and improving outcomes for both children and staff.

Details coming soon

This engaging 1 hour session is designed for Nursery Owners, Directors, and Managers to explore the practical and strategic benefits of AI in Early Years settings. We'll demonstrate how tools like ChatGPT can streamline lesson planning, enhance delivery, and reduce administrative burdens, all while aligning with EYFS and Development Matters guidance.

Attendees will see live examples of AI generating EYFS-aligned activities. The session will also show how AI can improve parent communications, develop staff training materials, and support marketing efforts. Whether you're curious about AI or ready to integrate it into your daily practice, this session offers practical ideas, templates, and inspiration.

Expect real-world examples, demonstrations, and time-saving use cases tailored to Early Years leadership. You'll gain insights into enhancing planning, supporting differentiated learning, and saving staff time. We'll explore AI use cases across learning areas, from communication and language development to inclusive practice and sensory planning. You'll leave with practical prompts, ready-to-use strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to confidently introduce AI into your setting.

Register your place

Delivered by: Jo Whitehead, Business Advisor – Growth at GM Business Growth Hub

Details coming soon