South West College Champions the Power of Play at 12th Annual Early Years Conference. 08 May 2025 South West College proudly hosted early years professionals, educators, and advocates at its 12th Annual Early Years Conference at the Omagh campus, centered on the theme “Rooted in Play: Supporting Connections and Identity Formation in the Early Years.” The conference celebrated the vital role of play in fostering children’s emotional, social, and identity development. It brought together a dynamic community of students and practitioners for a full day of expert insight, thought-provoking discussion, and practical workshops, all aimed at deepening understanding and strengthening practice across the early years sector. The event featured a keynote address from Jennifer Ward of the Education Authority, who spoke on “Getting Ready to Learn: Nurturing Connection, Learning, and Healthy Development through Play.” Her inspiring session explored meaningful strategies for embedding connection-based play into everyday early years settings. Alan Herron and Angela Stallard from PlayBoard were also in attendance and delivered a dynamic session exploring the holistic benefits of play and the critical need for continued advocacy for play-based learning in early childhood education. Throughout the day, delegates took part in a range of engaging workshops. These included sessions led by Northern Ireland Forest School, Halina Kemper from Puddleducks Playgroup on the neuroscience of play and child development, Lisa Lenaghan from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who addressed emotional expression through play, and Elaine McCrisken, founder of Strive NI, among others. Each session offered fresh perspectives and practical ideas to take back into early years practice. John Moore, Head of Department for Health, Life and Personal Sciences at South West College, said the conference reflected the College’s continued commitment to the sector: “We are proud to showcase how South West College is responding to the needs of the childcare sector through our expanding range of childcare courses including all-age apprenticeships, Level 2 traineeships, and free CPD Skill Up courses. These courses demonstrate our commitment to providing accessible and responsive training that empowers the Early Years workforce. “ I would also like to thank our incredible SWC staff and students, whose creativity and dedication helped make this event a success. They are a true credit to the College and the future of the profession.” Fey Cole, Curriculum Manager for Health, Life and Personal Sciences, added: “At a time when childcare is high on the government agenda, the importance of our profession is clearer than ever. Early years practitioners are highly skilled professionals laying the foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing, and their work must be recognised and valued as such. “We are also sincerely grateful to the organisations who provide placement opportunities for our students their mentorship is essential in preparing the next generation of practitioners to enter the sector with confidence, skill, and passion.” South West College continues to offer a wide range of flexible, accessible training opportunities for those working or aspiring to work in Early Years education, more information can be found below. Ready to make a difference in young lives? Discover our range of Childcare courses: NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development Traineeship Enniskillen Apprenticeships Childcare Level 2 Full-Time This qualification is designed to help learners build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in a children’s setting. This qualification confirms competence in these areas and serves as the required qualification for all new practitioners for registration and regulatory requirements in Northern Ireland.... View NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development Traineeship NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Childrens Care Learning and Development (Management) (NI) Dungannon Higher Education Childcare Level 5 Part-Time This Diploma is aimed at those working with children and young People from 0-19 years, concentrating on Early Years Practice. The qualification meets the minimum standards for managing Child Care settings as set out in DHSSPS Child-minding and Day Care (Children under 12). It is designed to guide and assess the development of knowledge and skills including those relating to leading teams and manag... View NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Childrens Care Learning and Development (Management) (NI) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland) Dungannon Enniskillen Further Education Childcare Level 3 Full-Time This qualification is designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas in children’s settings, including early years. The qualification then builds on this knowledge and provides extended knowledge and skills to further learners understanding and provide a stepping stone into high... View NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland) Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College Omagh Higher Education Childcare Level 5 Full-Time *Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC.* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification an... View Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College (Part-Time) Omagh Higher Education Childcare Level 5 Part-Time The closing date for this year is 11th June 2025. Therefore, all completed applications should be uploaded to our system by Friday 6th June 2025 to allow processing time. The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent ... View Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College (Part-Time) BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast Omagh Higher Education Childcare Level 6 Part-Time *Applications must be made to Stranmillis directly before 1st March on year of entry.* This is a four year part-time course aimed at those interested in a career in Early Years. The theoretical training establishes and develops the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of supporting, caring for and educating young children in a professional environment. A work based elem... View BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development Dungannon Omagh Further Education Apprenticeships Childcare Level 3 Full-Time Part-Time The qualification allows learners to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding about child development (0-12 years) and to develop and refine the practical and technical skills required for employment and / or career progression in the Early Year and Childcare sector, working with children from 0-5 years and 11 months. This qualification is available as Full Time, Part Time or via an App... View City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Childcare Level 2 Full-Time This qualification has been designed to provide an understanding of the children and young people's sector. This also gives an introduction to the practical skills and knowledge required to work in this area. View City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC.