EducationCareer-Long Professional Learning

We aim to make a positive impact on the lives of others through education. We seek to achieve this through our teaching, research and knowledge exchange activity. Importantly, in doing so, we work closely with our school and local authority partners in relation to Career-long Professional Learning (CLPL).

Our events support the continuing professional development of teachers and other professionals with access to high-quality learning, teaching and development opportunities. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or would like to discuss available options, please contact us.

Our new Professional Learning and Development catalogue for 2026–27 is currently in development and will be available soon.

In the meantime, you can continue to explore our CLPL Catalogue 2025-26 for an indication of the range of professional learning available from the Strathclyde Institute of Education. Many of these opportunities continue to be available, and we are also developing new and updated provision for 2026–27.

If you are interested in any of the provision in the 2025–26 catalogue or would like to discuss professional learning for your school, organisation or context, please get in touch with us.

Find out more about other courses on offer including MEd

Current CLPL events:

Course Overview

6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 1 – Policy, Culture & Play 16 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Understanding the wider context that shapes how we value and approach play.

Seminar 2 – Observing Play 23 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Developing the skill of noticing, interpreting and understanding children’s play.

Seminar 3 – Teachable Moments 30 November 4.00pm-5.00pm
Recognising opportunities to extend thinking, learning and development through play.

Seminar 4 – Balancing Learning Experiences 7 December 4.00pm-5.00pm
Exploring how to create a balance between child-led play, adult support and other learning experiences.

Seminar 5 – Planning for Play 14 December 4.00pm-5.00pm
Using what we know about children to plan meaningful opportunities for play and learning.

Seminar 6 – Discussion, Reflection & Support 18 January 4.00pm-5.00pm
Bringing it together through discussion, reflection and shared ideas for practice.

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Presenter: Deirdre Grogan

Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)

Cost:  £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions.

Apply: Via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Course Overview

Seminar 1 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 1 – Policy, Culture & Play
Understanding the wider context that shapes how we value and approach play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 16 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 2 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 2 – Observing Play
Developing the skill of noticing, interpreting and understanding children’s play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 23 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 3 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 3 – Teachable Moments
Recognising opportunities to extend thinking, learning and development through play.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 30 Nov 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

December 2026

Course Overview

Seminar 4 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 4 – Balancing Learning Experiences
Exploring how to create a balance between child-led play, adult support and other learning experiences.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 7 Dec 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

Course Overview

Seminar 5 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 5 – Planning for Play
Using what we know about children to plan meaningful opportunities for play and learning.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 14 Dec 2026
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

January 2027

Course Overview

Seminar 6 of a series of 6 short online seminars to develop your knowledge and skill in play pedagogy

What do we really understand about children’s play?

And how often do we misjudge what we see?

Children can be underestimated when we don't fully understand the meaning, purpose and potential within their play.

The Play Feed is a series of 6 short, accessible online seminars designed for Early Years practitioners, teachers and anyone interested in developing their understanding of play pedagogy.

Six short seminars. One deeper understanding of play.

Seminar 6 – Discussion, Reflection & Support
Bringing it together through discussion, reflection and shared ideas for practice.

  • Presenter: Deidre Grogan
  • Date: 18 Jan 2027
  • Time: 1600-1700
  • Location: University of Strathclyde (via Teams)
  • Cost: £12.00 per session or £60.00 for all 6 sessions
  • Apply via the online shop or Application Form - The play feed

Whether you're new to play pedagogy or looking to refresh and develop your practice, The Play Feed will give you ideas, knowledge and practical approaches you can take straight into your setting.

February 2027

Course Overview

The Six Shoes of Interaction – Professor Deirdre Grogan

Small Moments, Big Impact

Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference

The smallest moments in an early years setting can have the biggest impact on children's learning, development and wellbeing. A shared conversation, a thoughtful response, a moment of listening or a simple exchange during play can create powerful opportunities for learning.

Join us for an engaging and practical professional learning session exploring the Six Shoes of Interaction and the different elements that contribute to high-quality interactions with young children.

Together, we will explore what effective interactions look, sound and feel like, considering how our presence, responses, language, listening and engagement can shape children's experiences and extend their learning.

During this session, you will:

  • Explore the six elements of interaction and their significance in early years practice.
  • Consider what makes an interaction meaningful, responsive and purposeful.
  • Reflect on the importance of listening, observing, noticing and responding to children's cues and interests.
  • Consider how to nurture children's curiosity, communication, confidence and thinking through intentional interactions.
  • Reflect on your own practice and identify how small changes can make a big difference to children's experiences.

Who is this for?

Early years practitioners, nursery staff, early years teachers and anyone passionate about improving the quality of interactions and experiences for young children.

Come along, share ideas, reflect on practice and discover how the little things we do every day can make a big difference.

Small Moments, Big Impact - because every interaction counts.