Bespoke – Turning Two: Supporting Two-Year-Olds in Early Years

Helping practitioners understand and respond to the unique needs of two-year-olds

Understanding their world, nurturing their growth

This Turning Two training course is suitable for all practitioners working with children. Two-year-olds are at a critical point in their development—experiencing rapid changes, big emotions, and growing independence. This course introduces the key developmental needs of two-year-olds and shows how these needs link to behaviour, learning, and wellbeing.

Practitioners will explore practical, responsive strategies to support two-year-olds in their setting and reflect on their current practice. With a strong focus on emotional development and co-regulation, this course offers theory-informed tools to enhance practice and support all children at this crucial stage.

Supporting Development at Two

We will look at everyday strategies to support communication and language, toileting, personal and emotional development, and physical skills. The course also covers enabling environments, schematic play, and the key person role in promoting emotional security.

We’ll also explore the two-year progress check—understanding its purpose, and how it supports early identification and strong parent partnerships.

This course goes beyond simply understanding two-year-olds—it helps practitioners tune in, connect, and respond in ways that build trust, confidence, and resilience in every child.

This course is suitable for all practitioners working with children.

It is particularly valuable for staff working in toddler or two-year-old rooms, but the learning can benefit teams across all age groups. A consistent and informed approach across the setting supports smoother transitions and stronger communication with families.

Turning Two course objectives

Practitioners will have an opportunity to:

• Explain the key developmental needs of two-year-olds
• Link theory to everyday behaviour and interactions
• Explore practical strategies to support learning and emotional development
• Reflect on current practice and identify ways to strengthen it