As part of our ongoing professional development, our team recently took part in training focused on emotional regulation, inclusion and effective communication.

The training gave us the opportunity to reflect on our practice, develop our understanding and explore practical strategies that we can bring into our everyday interactions with children.

Supporting Emotional Regulation

During the training, we explored different ways of understanding emotions and supporting emotional regulation. We considered how children may communicate their feelings through their behaviour and how our own responses can help them to feel safe, secure and understood.

This links closely with our child-centred approach. Rather than simply reacting to behaviour, we aim to understand what a child may be communicating and consider how we can support them through their emotions.

By providing calm, responsive and nurturing interactions, we can help children gradually develop the skills they need to recognise, communicate and regulate their emotions.

Inclusion at the Heart of Our Practice

Inclusion is fundamental to our approach at First Day Nursery Hackney.

The training explored the importance of creating an environment where every child is valued, respected and supported.

We reflected on how small adaptations to our environment, our interactions and the way we communicate can make a significant difference to a child's ability to participate and feel that they belong.

This reflects our Curiosity Approach ethos, where we see each child as an individual and value their unique interests and ways of learning.

Discovering Makaton

As part of the training, our team were introduced to the basics of Makaton, a communication approach which combines signs and symbols with speech.

We learned a range of simple signs that can be incorporated into everyday interactions with children. These provide an additional way for children to communicate their needs, choices and feelings, while also supporting the development of spoken language.

For some children, having a visual or physical way of communicating alongside spoken words can make interactions more accessible and meaningful.

Learning Through Music and Song

One of the most enjoyable parts of the training was learning and practising songs using Makaton signs.

Music, repetition and movement are already wonderful tools for supporting children's learning and communication, so combining these with Makaton demonstrated how easily signing can become part of everyday nursery life.

Songs can encourage children to join in at their own pace, build confidence and develop communication skills in a fun and engaging way. Repetition also gives children opportunities to become familiar with signs and use them independently over time.

Taking Our Learning Into Everyday Practice

At First Day Nursery Hackney, we believe that professional development is an important part of continually improving the experiences we provide for children and their families.

The training has strengthened our understanding of emotional regulation, inclusive practice and communication, while giving our team practical strategies that can be embedded into everyday nursery life.