Baby Room and Early Years Professionals Update

We are thrilled to announce that the the places for the Work Discussion group for Baby Room and Early Years workers have now been taken up.

This will be a unique opportunity for them to work with Peter Elfer, Early Years Team, University of Roehampton, and Ruth Seglow, Consultant Child Psychotherapist.

The group will be attend nine one weekly sessions to include:

• A clearer understanding of the underlying needs of babies and toddlers
• A growing understanding of how to respond to challenging situations
• A safe space to reflect on the strong feelings your work can trigger
• Feeling supported in your role
• Developing and valuing the work you do

The longer- term aim of this project is to prepare a small group of senior early years professionals to be able to facilitate Work Discussion Groups.

Thank you to those of you who shared this opportunity and we look forward to hearing about the progress of the group.

INITIAL POST BELOW

A unique opportunity to join a Work Discussion Group led by Peter Elfer, Early Years Team, University of Roehampton, and Ruth Seglow. Consultant Child Psychotherapist.

What is a Work Discussion Group?

A Work Discussion Group offers a space to reflect on the challenges everyone can face working with very young children. It can help strengthen your practice, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.

You’ll gain a greater understanding of the babies and young children in your care and feel better equipped to respond to behaviours and situations that are challenging.

Who can Join?

Early Years professionals in senior or leadership roles and currently working with babies and young children in an early years setting.

Why Join?

• Reflect on and deepen your practice
• Support your well-being and reduce burnout.
• Support you meet the EYFS requirements.

How it Works:

• Nine weekly sessions in Spring 2025 (Jan-Mar), Mondays 6:15–7:30pm (Zoom): 6^th Jan; 13^th Jan; 20^th Jan; 27^th Jan; 3^rd Feb; 10^th Feb; 17^th Feb; 24^th Feb; 3^rd March NB HALF TERM-NO SESSION; 10^th March).
• Cost: No cost, except your time
• Size: There are places for a maximum of 8 people.
• Commitment: We ask you to make a commitment to attend all 9 sessions (barring illness of course).

Longer Term:

• The longer- term aim of this project is to prepare a small group of senior early years professionals to be able to facilitate Work Discussion Groups.
• For those who find the 9 Spring term sessions helpful, they would be invited to continue in the Summer and Autumn terms of 2025 as Work Discussion participants.
• For those who do not find the Spring term sessions helpful, they would be completely free to stop the Project there.
• We would like to discuss with those completing all three 2025 terms of Work Discussion the possibility of them continuing in 2026 with a preparation programme to prepare them to lead Work Discussion groups.

What’s in it for you?

• A clearer understanding of the underlying needs of babies and toddlers
• A growing understanding of how to respond to challenging situations
• A safe space to reflect on the strong feelings your work can trigger
• Feeling supported in your role
• Developing and valuing the work you do

Are you interested to experience a Work Discussion Group, with the learning, growth, and  support that can come from this experience?

Want more information before deciding? 

If you would like more information, please contact Peter Elfer for the Project Full Information Document: p.elfer@roehampton.ac.uk

Download the Leaflet