Characteristics of Effective Learning: Unlock the Secrets of How Children Really Learn

Transform your understanding of children’s learning processes and discover the golden thread that connects brain development to lifelong learning success.

Are you confident you understand how children truly learn best? Do you sometimes feel uncertain about recognising and supporting the deeper learning processes happening in your setting? You’re not alone.

Many early years professionals focus heavily on what children are learning – counting, letter recognition, colours – but feel less confident about understanding how children learn most effectively. Yet research shows that children who develop strong learning characteristics during their early years become resilient, creative, engaged learners throughout their lives.

The Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) are the statutory foundation of the EYFS, yet they’re often overlooked or misunderstood. This comprehensive course reveals the fascinating science behind how children’s brains develop and provides you with practical tools to nurture the learning dispositions that matter most.

What You’ll Master

Developmental Understanding

• How synapses form in children’s brains and why repeated experiences strengthen learning pathways
• The critical differences between upstairs and downstairs brain functioning during stress
• Why the first three years are so crucial for building strong learning foundations

Recognition and Assessment

• Practical strategies for identifying and observing all three characteristics in daily practice
• Moving beyond tick-box observations to meaningful assessment of learning processes
• Understanding what effective learning really looks like across different ages and stages

Environment and Interaction

• Creating enabling environments that naturally promote playing and exploring, active learning, and critical thinking
• Mastering sustained shared thinking techniques that extend children’s learning momentum
• The art of knowing when to interact and when to step back to allow deep learning

Professional Application

• Embedding CoEL across your entire provision without additional paperwork
• Supporting children’s transition to Year 1 with strong learning characteristics
• Building parent partnerships around children’s learning dispositions

Course Format:

• 60 minutes of expert video instruction
• 90 minutes total professional development (including reflection activities)
• Accessible on any device with lifetime access
• Certificate of completion for your professional portfolio
• Practical strategies you can implement immediately

Meet Your Course Instructor: Tamsin Grimmer

Tamsin Grimmer is a respected early years consultant and trainer specialising in children’s learning and development. Her approach combines cutting-edge research in neuroscience and child development with practical strategies that work in real early years settings.

As an independent consultant and former lecturer, Tamsin has extensive experience supporting practitioners to understand the deeper aspects of how children learn. Her expertise in the Characteristics of Effective Learning makes complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable to your daily practice.

Her research-based yet deeply practical approach makes complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable in any early years setting.

Course Overview: What You’ll Discover

This transformative course (60 minutes of expert instruction plus reflection activities) will revolutionise how you understand and support children’s learning:

Module 1: Introduction to Effective Learning

• Why the characteristics of effective learning are the ‘golden thread’ running through quality early years practice
• The recipe for creating engaged children: positive dispositions + nurturing relationships + enabling environments
• How effective learning empowers children to become flexible, adaptable learners for life

Module 2: Brain Development Quiz

• Fascinating facts about when babies’ brains begin functioning (you’ll be surprised!)
• How 100 billion brain cells create the foundation for all future learning
• The shocking impact of neglect on brain development and the hopeful science of brain plasticity

Module 3: How Learning Happens in the Brain

• The pathway analogy: how walking through a field mirrors how synapses form and strengthen
• Why repetition and reflection are crucial for embedding learning in long-term memory
• How myelination speeds up neural pathways and what this means for your practice

Module 4: Growing Positive Dispositions

• The three characteristics decoded: engagement, motivation, and thinking
• Why learning through first-hand experiences creates the strongest neural pathways
• How to design open-ended activities that guarantee success and build confidence

Module 5: Playing and Exploring

• Why play is children’s highest cognitive state and how it aids memory formation
• The power of loose parts and self-initiated activities for developing independence
• Creating an environment where children can follow their fascinations safely

Module 6: Active Learning

• Real video examples of perseverance and concentration in action
• How to provide the right level of challenge without overwhelming children
• Supporting children’s intrinsic motivation rather than creating an adult-pleasing culture

Module 7: Creating and Thinking Critically

• Surprising examples of toddlers’ logical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• How to offer provocations that spark curiosity and deep thinking
• The art of sustained shared thinking and maintaining learning momentum

Module 8: The Role of the Adult

• Julie Fisher’s research on being attentive, responsive, and respectful
• How to tune into children rather than expecting them to tune into you
• Opening gateways to new learning without overwhelming young minds

Module 9: Embedding CoEL in Practice

• Practical examples of CoEL in action across different areas of your setting
• The difference between open and closed resources and when to use each
• How to set up provocations that invite children to engage and explore

Module 10: Summary and Reflection

• Bringing it all together: building relationships, providing enabling environments, and supporting learning characteristics
• Your next steps for implementing what you’ve learned in your setting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m already familiar with the three characteristics. Will I learn anything new?
A: Absolutely! This course goes far deeper than surface understanding. You’ll discover the neuroscience behind how children learn, practical observation techniques, and environment design strategies that most practitioners haven’t encountered. The brain development content alone will transform how you view children’s behaviour and learning.

Q: How is this different from reading about CoEL in Development Matters?
A: While Development Matters outlines what the characteristics are, this course reveals why they matter and how to support them effectively. You’ll gain scientific understanding of brain development, see real examples through video clips, and receive practical strategies for immediate implementation.

Q: Will this help with Ofsted inspections?
A: Yes! Understanding and effectively implementing the Characteristics of Effective Learning is increasingly important for Ofsted judgements. This course gives you the depth of knowledge and practical examples to demonstrate how CoEL underpins your entire provision.

Q: I work with babies and toddlers. Is this course relevant for under-3s?
A: Absolutely! The course covers brain development from 4-5 weeks gestation onwards and includes examples relevant to all ages from birth to 5. You’ll understand how the foundations of effective learning are established in the earliest years.

Q: How quickly can I implement what I learn?
A: Many strategies can be implemented immediately. The course focuses on understanding children’s natural learning processes and enhancing what you’re already doing, rather than requiring major changes to your practice.

Q: Do I need any special equipment or materials?
A: No special equipment is needed. The course helps you see your existing environment and resources through a new lens, maximising their potential for supporting effective learning.

Q: Can I share this with my team?
A: Your course access is for individual use. However, the knowledge you gain will naturally enhance your team’s understanding as you share insights and implement new approaches. We also offer team packages if multiple colleagues want to access the course.

Q: How long do I have access to the course?
A: You have unlimited lifetime access, so you can revisit sections whenever you need to refresh your understanding or share insights with new team members.

Q: Will I receive a certificate?
A: Yes! You’ll receive a certificate for 90 minutes of professional development upon completion, which includes the 60-minute course plus time for reflection and planning implementation.

Q: I’m a childminder working alone. Is this course suitable for me?
A: Definitely! The principles of supporting effective learning apply whether you’re working with one child or thirty. You’ll gain invaluable insights into child development and learning that will enhance your professional practice.

Transform Your Understanding of How Children Learn

This isn’t just another course about the EYFS requirements – it’s a deep dive into the fascinating world of children’s developing minds and practical strategies that will transform your daily practice.

For just £48 you’ll get:

• Expert-led instruction from renowned early years consultant Tamsin Grimmer
• Scientific understanding of brain development and learning processes
• Practical strategies for supporting all three characteristics effectively
• Professional certification for 90 minutes of CPD
• Lifetime access to revisit content whenever needed
• Immediate implementation tools for your setting

Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to master one of the most important aspects of early years practice. Understanding how children learn most effectively isn’t just beneficial for the children in your care – it’s essential for providing the high-quality early education they deserve.

The early years shape learning attitudes that last a lifetime. Make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to make every moment count.