This Scaffolding in Early Years online course explores how practitioners can effectively support and extend young children’s learning and development through the use of scaffolding techniques. Drawing on the principles of Lev Vygotsky’s theory of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), this course helps practitioners understand how to provide the right level of guidance, encouragement, and challenge to help every child achieve their potential.
Through practical examples, video demonstrations, and reflective activities, learners will gain the skills to observe, interact, and respond in ways that promote independence, critical thinking, and confident communication.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Understand what scaffolding means in the context of early childhood education.
Recognise the importance of adult–child interactions in supporting learning.
Identify strategies to extend children’s thinking and problem-solving through questioning and modelling.
Apply scaffolding techniques across different areas of learning in the EYFS framework.
Reflect on practice to ensure interactions are intentional, sensitive, and developmentally appropriate.
Who Should Take This Course
This training is suitable for:
Early years practitioners and educators
Nursery and preschool staff
Childminders and early years managers
Students and apprentices in early childhood education
Course Format
100% online and self-paced
Includes case studies, interactive activities, and reflective tasks
