Advance Your Early Years Practice with Expert CPD Training
Master Floorbooks, child-led learning, and inquiry-based teaching with flexible, on-demand CPD training.
CPD-Certified Training and Expert Resources for Early Years Practitioners
As early years practitioners, we work hard to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for children. But keeping up with professional development can be a challenge.
- Do you struggle to find CPD that’s practical and useful?
- Short on time? Do you need concise training that can fit around daily responsibilities?
- Want to progress in your career with recognised CPD accreditation?
At Mindstretchers Academy, we believe you deserve high-quality training and resources that are flexible, relevant, and immediately applicable to your practice.
That’s why we’ve developed expert-led training courses, insightful webinars, and real-world books and journals covering everything from The Floorbook Approach™ to nature pedagogy.
Our CPD courses stand apart as:
✅ Practical theory – Learn strategies you can apply immediately in your setting rooted in research.
✅ Self-paced & flexible – Access courses anytime, anywhere, and train at your own speed.
✅ CPD-accredited – Earn certificates to support your career growth and meet professional standards.
Start learning today—build skills, gain CPD certificates, and grow in confidence.
Your Training Options
Advanced Certification Pathways
If you want to specialise in key areas of early years education, our Advanced Certification Pathways provide structured training with a recognised certificate upon completion.
Child-Led Inquiry Pathway – Learn to implement The Floorbook Approach™, structure inquiry-based learning, and integrate children's voices into planning.
Nature Pedagogy Pathway – Develop expertise in nature-based learning and supporting children’s holistic development in outdoor environments.
Each pathway consists of a small structured collection of CPD-certified courses that allow you to develop your skills in a particular topic while earning a recognised Advanced Certificate.
CPD-Certified Individual Courses
Our short, on-demand courses are designed to give you practical, real-world skills that you can apply immediately.
Each course can be completed in just one hour making it easy to meet professional requirements while developing practical skills.
Our Core Four Courses:
- Introduction to Floorbooks – Learn how to document learning and empower children's voices.
- Introduction to Talking Tubs – Spark deep thinking and discussion through exploratory play.
- Moving on with Floorbooks – Advanced strategies to take child-led learning further.
- Moving on with Talking Tubs – Expanding group inquiry techniques for deeper learning.
Each course is self-paced, CPD-certified, and available instantly.
Books & Publications by Dr. Claire Warden
Dr Claire Warden is the author of over 30 books providing in-depth knowledge, practical strategies, and research-based insights to help you refine your practice.
For practitioners who prefer self-guided study and reflective learning, this is a great place to start.
Free Resources to Support Your Learning
If you're new to Mindstretchers Academy and want to explore our approach before committing to a course, we offer a range of free downloadable guides designed to introduce key concepts and provide practical insights.
Our Inquiries series includes real-world examples of child-led learning, helping you see how responsive planning can transform practice. Topics include:
- What is Inquiry-Based Learning? – Understanding how children learn through curiosity and exploration.
- Documenting with Photographs – How to effectively capture and reflect on children's learning.
- The Language of Nature – Exploring how children develop a deep connection to their environment through language.
- Children as Designers – Encouraging children to take an active role in shaping their learning spaces.
Want Unlimited Access - Ask Your Manager About Full Access
If you’re looking for training resources and want access to all of our CPD courses? With Mindstretchers Academy Membership that’s exactly what you and your entire team can enjoy.With the membership, your entire team will get:
✅ Unlimited access to our full CPD training library.
✅ Advanced Certification Pathways included at no extra cost.
✅ CPD-accredited training anytime, anywhere.
Your manager may be able to provide this training for your whole team. Let them know about this opportunity!
FAQs
Can I take a CPD course even if my setting isn’t a member?
Yes! Our CPD courses are available individually to all practitioners - you can start learning today. Browse courses
Will I receive a certificate after completing a course?
Yes! Every completed course earns a CPD certificate that you can add to your professional record.
How can I access the membership if I’m not a decision-maker?
We recommend sharing our Info Pack with your manager or setting leader to explore how membership could support your team’s professional development.