Investing In Training

Investing in Training: Building Stronger Foundations for Children and Families

A message from our leadership team“At Fenton Barns Nurswry, we are committed to creating the very best environment for children, families and staff. One of the most important ways we do this is by continually investing in professional training. When our staff grow in knowledge and confidence, children benefit from richer learning experiences, greater safety and stronger support. We are proud to share some of the recent training our team has completed, and how it strengthens the care we provide every day.”

Risky Play: Balancing Safety and Learning

Risky play is a term that sometimes surprises people but at its heart, it is about giving children the chance to explore, take measured risks and learn about their own abilities. Activities including climbing, balancing, or experimenting with new challenges help children develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

Our training focused on helping staff strike the right balance: encouraging children to test their limits while ensuring that safety remains the top priority. By understanding the benefits of risky play and learning how to supervise it effectively, our staff can create opportunities for children to grow in independence and self-awareness.

Jodie our practitioner in training said ‘I learnt so much that I didn’t think of before. The children observing the risky play and don’t often take still benefit from seeing the risks that others take’.

Trauma-Informed Practice: Creating Safe and Supportive Environments

Every child’s story is unique, and some may carry experiences that shape how they interact with the world around them. Trauma-informed practice equips staff with the knowledge and sensitivity to recognise these experiences and respond with empathy and care.

This training highlighted the importance of building trust, maintaining predictable routines, and fostering safe spaces where children feel secure. By approaching children with understanding, our staff can better support their emotional well-being, helping them to thrive in both learning and relationships.

Lauren our Nursery Manager said ‘it takes skill and patience to be able to attune into what a child needs. At times we need to take a step back and think, there is a reason for this behaviour, and we need to support the children to understand how to regulate’.

Child and Adult Protection: Safeguarding at the Core

The safety of children and adults within our setting is our highest priority. Our team regularly refreshes their training on safeguarding and protection to ensure that everyone is confident in recognising concerns, responding appropriately, and following clear procedures.

This recent training reinforced our commitment to vigilance and responsibility. By staying informed and prepared, our staff uphold the trust families place in us, creating an environment where children are always protected and valued.

Cherise our practitioner said ‘protecting those that are vulnerable should be our priority by lifting up those that need our support, kindness and respect. We show the best of humanity’.

Schematic Play: Understanding Children’s Learning Patterns

Young children often explore the world through repeated patterns of play known as schemas. For example, some children may enjoy filling and emptying containers, while others may be fascinated by spinning or transporting objects. These behaviours are not random; they are ways of making sense of how the world works.

Our schematic play training helped staff identify these patterns and plan experiences that build on children’s natural interests. By recognising and supporting schematic play, we can nurture curiosity, extend learning, and make each child’s development journey more meaningful.

Kiera our Supervisor said ‘it was in very simple terms which is good for those who don’t know much about it. Each schema was well explained’. 

Continuing Our Commitment

Training is not a one-time event it’s an ongoing journey. At Fenton Barns Nursery, we are committed to continually reflecting on our practice, deepening our understanding, and strengthening the care and education we provide.

For families, this means reassurance that your child is supported by a team that values best practice and stays up to date with the latest research. For prospective staff, it shows our dedication to professional growth and the positive impact we can make together. By investing in training, we invest in the well-being, safety, and future of every child in our care.