Free early years information sessions
Join our series of free, live online sessions designed for anyone working in early years settings – including nurseries, crèches, preschools, and reception classes.
Led by our expert, Emma, these sessions offer practical advice and insights to help you support children with any level or type of hearing loss, including glue ear.
Attend as many sessions as you like – we’re here to support you in creating inclusive, accessible environments for every child.
Details
Dates and time
When: Every Tuesday from 3 June to 24 June
Time: 3.45pm to 5pm
Location
Online on Zoom
Cost
Free
What you'll learn
Gain valuable insights into key deaf-specific topics, including how deafness – including temporary conditions like glue ear – can affect a child’s learning, development, and experience in an early years setting, whatever their level of deafness and hearing loss.
You'll also discover practical strategies to help improve your childcare provision and apply your new knowledge to better support deaf children in your care.
Upcoming sessions
Be Ready for Parents as Partners
Tuesday 17 June 2025, 3.45pm to 5pm
In this session, we’ll explore the emotional journey that many parents experience when raising a deaf child.
You’ll hear from a guest speaker who will share their personal story – from the early days of diagnosis to choosing the right childcare setting.
By the end of the session, you’ll be able to:
- understand the emotional impact deafness can have on parents and carers
- recognise what families look for when choosing early years provision
- identify ways to build strong, supportive relationships with parents
- create an inclusive, nurturing environment for deaf children in your setting
Promote Social and Emotional Development
Tuesday 24 June 2025, 3.45pm to 5pm
In this session, we’ll look at how early emotional development impacts all areas of learning.
We’ll explore how the early stages of a child’s life can impact their confidence, self-esteem, resilience and friendships later in life.
By the end of the session you’ll be able to:
- identify how deafness can impact personal, social, and emotional development (PSE)
- describe the importance of PSE development in other areas of learning
- Describe the barriers to PSE for deaf children and how to overcome them
Meet your host
Emma Simmons, Programme Delivery Officer
Emma has been supporting deaf children and their families since 2000 and has worked for the National Deaf Children's Society since 2009.
During her time at the charity, Emma has taken on various roles, including Mentor Coordinator, Youth Worker, SEN CA, and Advice and Guidance Officer. She brings lots of valuable experience to her current role as Programme Delivery Officer.
Emma lives in a small seaside town called Portrush in Northern Ireland. In her free time, Emma enjoys good food and wine, books, travel and being outdoors on the beach with family, friends and her dog, Ivy.
How to join our events
These sessions will take place online via Zoom.
You can join using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. For the best experience and to fully take part in all activities, we recommend using a computer or laptop.
For further information, you can watch our easy guide to joining online events (YouTube).
Communication support
Communication support, such as captions or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, is available on request when you book your place.
If you have a question about communication support, please email training@ndcs.org.uk.