Eager and Able to Learn
Providers & membersDeveloped by Early Years, Eager and Able to Learn is a play-based programme for children aged two to three. It combines movement and play activities in early years settings with opportunities for parents and carers to explore play with their children at home.
About the programme
Eager and Able to Learn places particular emphasis on physical movement, with developmental movement and play activities for practitioners to use.
Its home-based element encourages parents to take part in their child’s learning through shared play.
Areas of focus
The programme’s stated aims cover communication and language, social and emotional wellbeing, thinking and problem-solving, and physical movement and activity.
Is it relevant to your setting?
The programme is designed for children aged two to three. Contact our team to discuss the children you work with, your setting’s priorities and the support you are looking for.
Support for practitioners and families
Training and support
The published programme offer brings together training, practical resources and support for delivery.
Practitioner training
Training to introduce the programme and guide its use in your setting.
Support visits and shared learning
Support visits and group sessions with other practitioners to support programme delivery.
A guide for practitioners
A service design manual to guide practitioners through the programme.
Parent workshops and home learning
Workshops for parents of participating children, together with a home learning pack to support play at home.
Planning your next steps
Ask about current training dates, delivery arrangements, the support included and the cost for your setting.
For parents and carers
Ask your child’s setting whether it uses Eager and Able to Learn and how you can take part in its parent workshops and home-learning activities.
Eager and Able to Learn in practice
Newtownbutler Playgroup
Early Years’ Pathway Fund story describes how Newtownbutler Playgroup uses Eager and Able to Learn within its provision for children aged two to three.
Fermanagh Early Years Children and Family Centre
Located at the South West Acute Hospital site, our Fermanagh centre provides full daycare and after-school care for children aged six weeks to 12 years. Led by Early Years, the centre provides care and early learning in an environment designed to support children’s individual development.
Research
The published research examines the programme and settings studied in Northern Ireland between 2008 and 2010.
The evaluation reported mixed findings: positive social and emotional outcomes, negative cognitive and emergent-literacy outcomes, and no effect on gross motor development. These findings relate to the version studied and should be read alongside the research methods and limitations.
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Programme evaluation
Published November 2012 · 2.00 MB
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Programme evaluation - executive summary
Published November 2012 · 629.93 KB
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Children’s development on entering settings
Published April 2012. A baseline survey of children, parents and practitioners - not evidence of the programme’s effects · 2.16 MB
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How the programme was delivered
Published October 2012. National Children’s Bureau study of delivery in 28 settings, September 2009 to June 2010 · 1.45 MB
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How the programme was delivered - appendices
Published October 2012 · 1.03 MB
Contact
Ask about Eager and Able to Learn
Have a question about training, programme resources or costs? Tell us about your setting and what you would like to explore. If you already use the programme, mention that in your enquiry.
You can also explore our Specialist Support Services.
- Telephone
- 028 9066 2825
- training@early-years.org