海角论坛

EducationCareer-Long Professional Learning

We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of others through education. We seek to achieve this through our teaching, research and knowledge exchange activity. Importantly, in doing so, we work closely with our school and local authority partners in relation to Career-long Professional Learning (CLPL).

Our events support the continuing professional development of teachers and other professionals with access to high-quality learning, teaching and development opportunities. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or would like to discuss available options, please contact us.

Our new Professional Learning and Development catalogue for 2026–27 is currently in development and will be available soon.

In the meantime, you can continue to explore our CLPL Catalogue 2025-26 for an indication of the range of professional learning available from the 海角论坛 Institute of Education. Many of these opportunities continue to be available, and we are also developing new and updated provision for 2026–27.

If you are interested in any of the provision in the 2025–26 catalogue or would like to discuss professional learning for your school, organisation or context, please get in touch with us.

Find out more about other courses on offer including MEd

Current CLPL events:

November 2026

Course Overview

Come along, share your practice, be inspired and help us continue to put the child at the centre of the curriculum.

  • Date: 7 Nov 2026
  • Format: 0900-1230
  • Location: University of 海角论坛
  • Cost : £45 Early Bird Price until Tuesday 6 October, £55 Standard Price after 6 October
  • Apply via the  or Application Form - Child's Curriculum

Join us for an inspiring and engaging conference exploring The Child’s Curriculum and what it means to put children’s experiences, interests, voices and learning at the heart of practice.

Hear from inspiring keynote speakers and practitioners as they share ideas, experiences and examples from across early years and primary education. Our Spotlight Sessions will showcase innovative practice and provide opportunities to celebrate what is happening in our settings and schools.

 What to expect:

  • Inspiring keynote presentations
  • Real-life examples of innovative practice
  • Spotlight sessions celebrating innovative approaches
  • Opportunities to reflect, share and learn together
  • Time to connect with colleagues and be inspired

Whether you are an early years practitioner, teacher, leader or professional working with children and families, this conference will provide ideas, inspiration and practical approaches to take back into your own setting.

Draft Programme

0900-0915 Registration
0915-0920 Welcome & Introductions
Welcome to everyone and an introduction to the session.
0920-1000 Keynote: The Child’s Curriculum,  Ollie Bray, Director, Education Scotland
1005-1030 Spotlight Session 1: The Child’s Curriculum, Ferguslie Park ELCC
1030-1050 Refreshments
1050-1115 Spotlight Session 2: The Child’s Curriculum, Michelle Manson, HT, Baljaffray Primary School
1115-1135 Spotlight Session 3: The Child’s Curriculum, Lisa McCabe, QIO, Early Years
1140-1215 Keynote: The Child’s Curriculum, Deirdre Grogan, Professor of Practice
1220-1230 Q&A

Course Overview

6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 1 – Policy, Culture & Play 16 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Understanding the wider context that shapes how we value and approach play.

Seminar 2 – Observing Play 23 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Developing the skill of noticing, interpreting and understanding children’s play.

Seminar 3 – Teachable Moments 30 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Recognising opportunities to extend thinking, learning and development through play.

Seminar 4 – Balancing Learning Experiences 7 December 4.00pm-5.00pm
Exploring how to create a balance between child-led play, adult support and other learning experiences.

Seminar 5 – Planning for Play 14 December 4.00pm-5.00pm
Using what we know about children to plan meaningful opportunities for play and learning.

Seminar 6 – Discussion, Reflection & Support 18 January 4.00pm-5.00pm
Bringing it together through discussion, reflection and shared ideas for practice.

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Presenter: Deirdre Grogan

Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)

Cost:  £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions.

Apply: Via the or Application Form - The play feed

Course Overview

Seminar 1 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 1 – Policy, Culture & Play
Understanding the wider context that shapes how we value and approach play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 16 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 2 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 2 – Observing Play
Developing the skill of noticing, interpreting and understanding children’s play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 23 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 3 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 3 – Teachable Moments
Recognising opportunities to extend thinking, learning and development through play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 30 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

December 2026

Course Overview

Seminar 4 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 4 – Balancing Learning Experiences
Exploring how to create a balance between child-led play, adult support and other learning experiences.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 7 Dec 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 5 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 5 – Planning for Play
Using what we know about children to plan meaningful opportunities for play and learning.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 14 Dec 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

January 2027

Course Overview

Seminar 6 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 6 – Discussion, Reflection & Support
Bringing it together through discussion, reflection and shared ideas for practice.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 18 Jan 2027
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of 海角论坛 (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.