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Learning, Play & Curriculum

Extended Learning for Toddlers

 Recognise, nurture and extend children's learning through meaningful play, everyday routines and responsive interactions. 

 

 Suitable for all early years practitioners. 

 🕒 30 Minutes | 💻 100% Online | 📚 Self-Paced Learning | 🎓 Certificate Included | 🚀 Instant Access 

Why This Course Matters

 Toddlers learn best through exploration, repetition and responsive relationships. Every interaction, routine and play experience presents an opportunity to extend children's thinking and development. This course helps practitioners recognise these "teachable moments" and use simple, practical strategies to deepen learning without interrupting children's natural curiosity. 

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Course Details

 Everything you need to know before enrolling. 
What You'll Learn
 
By completing this course, you will be able to:
 

✔ Understand how toddlers and preschoolers learn through play, interaction and repetition.

✔ Recognise learning opportunities and "teachable moments" during everyday routines and activities.

✔ Use simple, practical strategies to extend children's thinking, language and learning.

✔ Create environments and experiences that naturally encourage curiosity, exploration and independence.

✔ Reflect on your own practice and make meaningful improvements to support children's learning.

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Course Modules

Module 1: How Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn

  • How young children learn through play and exploration
  • The importance of repetition and relationships
  • The practitioner's role in supporting development

Module 2: Recognising Learning in Everyday Moments

  • Identifying teachable moments
  • Spotting learning opportunities during routines, play and daily interactions
  • Making the most of spontaneous learning experiences

Module 3: What Does "Extending Learning" Really Mean?

  • Understanding what extending learning is (and isn't)
  • Following the child's lead
  • Supporting deeper thinking without over-directing

Module 4: Practical Strategies to Extend Learning

  • Using comments instead of questions
  • Open-ended questioning techniques
  • Modelling language and thinking
  • Giving children time to respond
  • Supporting communication through meaningful interactions

Module 5: Extending Learning Through the Environment

  • Creating environments that inspire curiosity
  • Using resources intentionally
  • Encouraging independence through thoughtful provision
  • Planning spaces that naturally extend learning

The course also includes interactive activities throughout and concludes with a knowledge quiz to reinforce learning before you receive your certificate.

Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
 

👶 Baby Room Practitioners

🧸 Nursery Practitioners

🏡 Childminders

⭐ Room Leaders

👩‍💼 Nursery Managers

🎓 Early Years Students and Apprentices

Certificate
📜 Certificate Included
Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a downloadable certificate which can be used as evidence of professional development and training.
The certificate can be downloaded immediately after successful completion.
Course Features
📱 Mobile Friendly
💻 Fully Online Learning
📜 Certificate Included
🎯 Interactive Learning Activities
🤝 Learner Support Available
📅 12 Months Access
⏱ Learn at Your Own Pace
🚀 Instant Access After Enrolment
Why Choose Stepping Stones?
🌟 Designed Specifically for Childcare Professionals
📚 Practical, Workplace-Focused Learning
🎯 Easy-to-Follow Online Training
💻 Flexible Learning Around Your Schedule
🚀 Instant Access After Purchase
📜 Certificate Included
🤝 Friendly Learner Support
💷 Affordable Professional Development
🏡 Trusted by Early Years Professionals Across the UK

How It Works

Enrol Online

 Purchase the course and gain instant access to your learning dashboard. 

Complete the Training

 Work through the course at your own pace on desktop, tablet or mobile. 

Receive Your Certificate

 Successfully complete the assessment and download your certificate. 

Ready to Get Started?

 Turn everyday moments into meaningful learning opportunities that build confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning. 

ENROL NOW - £20.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by "extended learning"?

 Extended learning is about recognising opportunities to deepen children's thinking through conversation, play, routines and responsive interactions rather than directing learning. 

Is this course suitable for toddler practitioners?

 Yes. The course focuses on supporting children in the toddler and preschool years through practical, developmentally appropriate strategies. 

Are there practical examples included?

 Absolutely. You'll explore real-life scenarios and practical techniques that can be used immediately in your setting. 

Will I receive a certificate?

 Yes. A downloadable certificate is available after successful completion. 

Is there a quiz?

 Yes. The course concludes with a knowledge quiz to reinforce learning before your certificate is awarded. 

Training for Your Whole Team?

This course is perfect for individual learners looking to develop their knowledge and skills.

If you're a nursery owner, manager, or organisation looking to train multiple staff members, explore our Pathways and Partnership solutions.

These programmes combine training, workforce development, compliance support, and progress tracking to help settings build confident, capable, and inspection-ready teams.

 Individual Course   Team Training & Pathways 
 ✅ Instant access   🏢 Designed for nurseries and childcare settings 
 ✅ Self-paced learning   📈 Support workforce development 
 ✅ Certificate included   📋 Improve compliance and training oversight 
 ✅ Ideal for individual professional development   👥 Train multiple staff members 
 £20  🤝 Ongoing support available 

 

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