FEEDBACK FROM TRAINING
Feedback is recorded in the feedback section but here is a small selection of the incredible things people are saying about Inspired Children.
August 2023
Ben was absolutely fantastic, he really put me at ease and all the ideas he had for using the existing toys to create new things was incredible. The vehicle that was made from Lego and the scooter boards was amazing!
Adopter – Adoption Activity Day Cardiff
July 2023
It was absolutely fantastic, by far the best and most worthwhile training I’ve ever been on in my 30 year career working with children. Ben was truly inspirational. It is also really lovely being a part of such a supportive team, days like this really make you feel valued as a member of staff, so thank you.
Delegate feedback form – Paint Pots Nursery Conference July 2023
June 2023
Hi Ben,
OMG, there are no words to say how much I loved your talk on Tuesday! Thank you so so much!
The feedback from the others is also brilliant, I am so happy!
Debby Lucken, Pocodogs & KAD
May 2023
Thank you very much, the feedback from the practitioners has been amazing – we are very much looking forward to your next visit.
Ceri Pryce, Learning & Development Coordinator, Daisy Chain Day Care
April 2023
Once again, thank you so much for your training today. It was so valuable for myself as a reception teacher, and for the children in my care! Your content was brilliant and so informative.
Laura Bradley, Teacher, EYFS, Swillington Primary School
March 2023
We absolutely loved your training and it has made a tangible difference to the practice within the team. We have been singing your praises to everyone!
Thanks again, it was a brilliant day.
Georgie Trevor – Little Angels Day Nursery
February 2023
There has been a genuine buzz about your session and lots of positive conversations linked to the impact of play and perceptions of young people’s “behaviours” that are potentially linked to their needs around interaction, fun and play. It has certainly hit a chord with many of the team. I know there have been quite a few staff purchasing your book for further reading too which I think highlights how powerful your session was.
Mark Wilson, Expert Practitioner & Leadership Team. Fusion Academy
January 2023
This is the training that I wish I’d have had when I was a trainee, I can’t change the past for myself but I can change the future for the next crop of teachers and children, which is why we ensure that Ben’s training is a Part of the training we supply for all our primary trainees.
Phil Page SCITT Hub Leader -
December 2022
I am not ‘child professional’, but I was invited to attend the training as I have an interest in children’s mental health, and it was the most informative and enlightening course I have ever been on. I have learnt so much about myself and why I react to situations in the way that I do, it certainly was a self-
Andrea Brew-
November 2022
Can I just thank you for your workshop on loose parts play -
Thanks again for your workshop. And also your book -
Becky Belsten
October 2022
You are absolutely amazing. I love listening to you talk as it totally inspires me to be the very best I can be for the children I work with. Thank you so much
Angela Allan (Kinderly Webinar)
September 2022
I cannot thank you enough for the most amazing training day – staff are still talking about it and inspired. We have all commented on it being the best way to start the new academic year & truly some of the best training we have had!
Many, many thanks
Lucy Thie -
Little waves Community Nursery and Ashcombe Children Centre Nursery.
July 2022
I am just emailing to say how interesting I am finding the play, nurturing and curiosity course!
I've never felt so engaged and compelled to keep watching a video training course!
I am about half way and I feel like I am already implementing some of the things into my daily working life.
Thanks,
Stephanie Curtis
June 2022
I had a brilliant day and the staff have been so full of how much they enjoyed the sessions and how at ease they felt so I am delighted that it was so well received by so many of them. I myself have seen staff already applying your practices with the children and it has just been lovely to watch them being so enthused!
Marcus Tempest-
May 2022
Dear Ben
I've be meaning to contact you all term but decided to finish reading your wonderful new book “A Very Unusual Journey into Play” first.
Firstly I wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful presentation at St Piran's School at the beginning of our summer term. It was totally inspiring and fun too!
Your book is incredibly interesting, helpful, witty ( you made me laugh a lot!) and definitely the way forward for a healthy society in every way possible
Thank you for being such an inspiration
Katherine Marks
April 2022
I attended your course talking about the importance of play last Wednesday. Most importantly I want to say thank you! I had very little intention of tuning in after a busy day with toddlers but I'm so glad I did. My perspective of why they do what they do has been completely transformed!
Kind Regards
Ali Hicks
I found this course enlightening, engaging and inspiring. I loved how enthusiastic you were about the course and about working with / playing with children of varying ages and children of varying behaviours and abilities. I'm sure that I shall be a better person when I play with the children at the after school club. It was truly a joy to listen to you.
Ann Venters
March 2022
Hi Ben,
Thank you so much again for your presentation this evening that has got to be the first time I've never wanted a course to end. You are amazing at what you do and an inspiration, I wish there was more genuine and caring people like you in this world.
Many thanks
Amanda Mitchell
February 2022
Hello Ben,
I have just attended your 'Power of Play' course and it was fantastic. I found it truly eye opening and I can honestly say it has been the most enlightening presentation I have watched in a long time. I really found that I got a lot from it.
I got so much from the course and I really can't wait to put it into practice when I go back into my setting tomorrow.
You really have inspired me!
Thank you so much.
Warm regards
P'trice Wood
January 2022
Thank you for another wonderful training event. I find them so inspiring, and they always make me feel as though there is hope if you know what I mean. I use all the things that you talk about with my children at school and fish fingers is a particular favourite at home as well as school. I have ordered your book and am looking forward to the next training event.
Many thanks.
Susan Watson, Teaching Assistant Lincoln Minster School
December 2021
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your session at the Virtual Summit, it went down really well with attendees on Saturday with lots of positive comments in the chat box.
Thanks again, look forward to seeing you soon in London next year
Andrea Howell
November 2021
Thank you Ben, it was great to be a part of such a wonderful training day. You are absolutely phenomenal at what you do! It was a real epiphany moment, several in fact and I feel as if I have brought so much away with me! Thank you again.
Kate Messiah
Ben that training was amazing and so inspirational thank you so much!
Aimee English, Jersey
October 2021
You so aced it today – loved the message and the clear hooks for how we teach all disadvantaged children. Staff loved it!
Gilly Patterson – Headteacher Kibworth C of E Primary School
I wanted to say thank you so much for the training last night. As always you have been so inspirational, opening our minds up even more, yet again, just brilliant!!
Tina Dewhurst – Club Co-
The Kids’ Club – Playwork in the Community
September 2021
I just wanted to thank you again for our training last week. Everyone is still raving about it -
Gemma and all at Leedon Lower School.
I just want to say a massive thank you, I found the Amazing Brains and Bodies course really interesting. I hope to join another of your courses a some point in the near future.
Tracey Morris, Leicestershire
August 2021
It’s safe to say the staff absolutely LOVED the day, and I’ve had lots of requests to ask you to come back (which has never happened before).
Catriona Campbell
Head of Education, East Park School, Glasgow
July 2021
You've set my neurons on fire Ben! What a great session! Thank you!
Delegate at Kinderley Webinars
Thank you for delivering the training, it was inspiring and insightful and certainly gave us all food for thought. Your passion and enthusiasm for children’s play is infectious and this came across in the training threefold and more. Thank you.
Sharon Gapper, Swyddog Cyflawnder Chwarae/Play Sufficiency Officer
June 2021
I was lucky enough to have participated in your recent webinar for Thurrock on loose parts play and was completely inspired by everything you said. You made all the information easy to understand and I could have listened to you for hours.
Sarah Hambleton-
I just wanted to send a quick email to say that I thought this session was fantastic! It has been one of the most engaging conferences I have been on and had some truly thought provoking ideas and messages. Really enjoyed it and just wanted to thank Ben for being such an engaging speaker.
Kristie Bradding, Assistant Head Teacher, Quarry Hill Academy
May 2021
I was truly inspired by your presentation at the Enfield Early Years Conference this morning, so much so that I would love to arrange for you to deliver some training at my school.
Gillian Hood, Headteacher, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
April 2021
Thank you so much for this morning, I honestly think it is the most ever positive comments we have had for a speaker.
Sue Lamkin -
Thank you for such a really brilliant session today!
I loved it!!!
…genuinely fun and playful and joyful…absolutely inspiring!
Andy Melbourne, Willow Garden Day Nursery
March 2021
I would like to say a huge thank you in regard to the valuable knowledge given today. Exceptionally poignant , you have an ability to open peoples hearts. I really hope you return for more training . Thank you.
Lynn Chapman -
February 2021
Listening to you talk has not only blown my mind but made me think I'm not the only one who thinks like this. Also, can I please say your sense of humour was not lost on me and had me in stitches (definitely don't squeeze your children and sell their joy on the black market!). It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to you..
Best wishes and lots of joy
Sarah Morphett
Thank you for the training you delivered to the two Nursery Schools I lead. It was a powerful and uplifting way to end what had been a difficult term. Staff feedback has been really excellent and many have taken it on board and are changing and enhancing practice as a result.
I have also found the word JOY written on several of our display areas!
Rachel Gillett, Headteacher -
January 2021
I sat in on your training this morning (Boisterous Play) and am so pleased I did, your knowledge is amazing and I’ve had such a lot of positive feedback from people across the sectors.
Alison Goguelin
Team Manager, Government of Jersey
I absolutely loved the training, your passion for play was infectious and I am going to look for more training on your website. I am on a mission to convince our school that outdoor play is just as important as indoor time!
Kezia Cunningham
Nursery Officer, Grands Vaux School, Jersey
December 2020
I have just finished watching your training course on the power of play and I thought it was amazing! I was hooked watching it and haven’t stopped telling people about what I have learnt! Thank you so much for providing the courses you do, it was the best course I have ever done.
Fiona Martin
Thank you so much for this inspirational talk! I have enjoyed every part of it and I am looking forward to attending more webinars/courses! Please continue to advocate children's right to play and to be positive role model to teachers, therapists and parents.
With kind regards from Croatia,
Barbara Vlase Roman
November 2020
Thank you so much, that was wonderful, you had us laughing and crying. I hope we can work together again:)
Megan McPhee -
The Early Childhood Development Association
Prince Edward Island Canada
October 2020
Wow Ben I've watched 3 modules and it’s superb! Thank you!
Sue Otter Lead Early Years Consultant
Lincolnshire County Council
September 2020
Your professional insight and knowledge has really been inspiring, insightful and has enabled me to be the best Inspiring adult I can be when working with my young people.
Ben Marshall Learning Support Assistant, Dorothy Goodman School
August 2020
Thank you so much for your fabulous training back in August. I can't remember ever having such positive feedback from staff on a course or when training has caused such an excited buzz.
Fiona Keast – Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, Loughborough
June 2020
Hi Ben,
I wanted to say thanks for providing the online behaviour training, it was very interesting not only from an educational point of view but also as a parent of a boisterous 3 year old boy. I have to say it's really helped me understand him better and approaching his behaviour has been so much easier!!! Really has made such a difference in our house 😊
Many Thanks
Clare Holmes
May 2020
The videos are very inspiring and explain a lot of areas that we as a group need to introduce into our practice, so thank you for that. During these times I think it is important to keep the staff motivated.
Janet Kerry, The Ark Nottingham
April 2020
Video Training Feedback
Ben’s ‘Positive Adults, Positive Children, Positive Behaviour’ video course is a fantastic eye-
Elysia Stears – Milton Keynes Initial Teacher Training
March 2020
I recently attended a fantastic workshop about effective communication in the Early Years at Margaret Wix School, St Albans. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the man who delivered it but he was fantastic! I was so inspired and engaged I would love to try to organise a session for our school.
S Knight, High Beeches Primary School
February 2020
Your seminar blew me away. To sit and listen to someone as passionate about the benefits of play as I am was wonderful and I was truly inspired by the important work that you do with vulnerable children. I have bored everyone senseless about what I learnt in your session
Tracy Escreet -
We received 100% positive feedback from all attendees! Thank you for the montage video, a great reminder of the wonderful session we shared.
Karen Bland – Rutland County Council
January 2020
I attended your course today and it was the best training I’ve ever had! I’ve come away with so many ideas and techniques so would like to say thank you!
Kirsty Barrow (the Ark Oakham)
Just WOW -
Delegate at Lincolnshire SEN Conference
November 2019
Well what can I say but wow! I came to the An Inspector Calls Ofsted training on Wednesday in Lincoln and all I can say is thank you. My brain was frazzled when I came out but in a good way. It’s been a long time since I have been inspired this much from the training I've attended, and in over 20 years in childcare I have attended many training events!
Sally Milford – Manager, The Home Nursery
October 2019
Thank you so much for the training sessions last week -
Rachel Roberts -
September 2019
A great day and a brilliant start to the year. Such important content and inspiring delivery from someone who speaks from the heart and from years of hands-
Sarah Laundy -
August 2019
Thank you Ben, it was great to be a part of such a wonderful training day. You are absolutely phenomenal at what you do! It was a real epiphany moment, several in fact and I feel as if I have brought so much away with me! Thank you again,
Kate Messiah, Love 2 Learn Leicester.
July 2019
Thank you so much for today’s session for Family Action in Peterborough. Our pre-
Karen Woodcock, Early Years Manager -
June 2019
Many thanks for Friday -
Sara George, HeadTeacher -
May 2019
Your presentation was extremely well received and added so much to the day. The feedback we have had has been very positive and I think we can safely say that the conference was a success. I found your presentation inspirational!
Felicity Evans, Virtual School Head -
April 2019
The session completely exceeded my expectations, with the staff both highly engaged in the activities and deeply receptive to the rationales underpinning the importance of play. The very next day we had one class out den building and other having a superhero day! It was, without a doubt, one of the most popular and inspirational training session we have held for a long time
Leigh Aitken, Assistant Head – Springcommon School, Cambridge
March 2019
I came to one of your sessions at Cressex Day Nursery in High Wycombe recently and found your training utterly inspiring. It really opened my eyes and I found it really engaging and relevant.
Amy Louise Taylor – Cressex Day Nursery
February 2019
The training was fantastic, our staff thoroughly enjoyed it and were talking about it all lunchtime and telling others in school too.
I will certainly be recommending the training to other schools and will also be looking through your directory for other CPD opportunities for us.
Beck Preece-
January 2019
I think everyone should be trained by Inspired Children – The world would be a happier place. Thank you!
G Roberts – Little Chalfont Primary School
December 2018
The best training session I've been on in 15 years. I highly recommend this to anyone! The neuroscience is fascinating.
Loved it!
Melissa Pearson -
November 2018
I am just writing to thank you for your lecture today, I found it incredibly interesting. I agree with the points you made and could feel myself having those little light bulb moments.
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for being a breath of fresh air in a very stressful, and at times frustrating, career.
Kayte Denscomber -
October 2018
What a fabulous talk from Ben Kingston-
Emma Brough – Herts PSLA
September 2018
Thank you Ben, it was a privilege to have you here with us. SO much brilliant feedback for your session – I will be in touch to book some more.
Kristian Hewitt Headteacher -
June 2018
I just wanted to say how amazing I found your training the other day in Lincoln,
I came away feeling really inspired and I have had loads of ideas for my own work, so I guess I just wanted to say thank you and that you’re doing an amazing job
Sayde Lea – Lincolnshire Pre-
May 2018
THANKYOU for an absolutely "inspired adult" moment at the vulnerable children training session at the LCC Brite centre on Wednesday. I literally haven’t stopped chewing peoples ears off waffling on about the information and examples you gave...truly cemented everything i ever aspired to promote within my work with children...loved it!
Nikki Chippendale – Manager Playdays Academy
April 2018
Thank you for delivering such a fabulous training session on Saturday. The parents and staff thoroughly enjoyed it!
Bev Coltman -
February 2018
I cannot put into words how amazing the training that you delivered on Friday was, my team were most definitely inspired and I felt that we came together as a team! One member of staff who was apprehensive about the training told me that she loved the way that you demonstrated the way in which characteristics of effective learning can be embedded further! (I never thought I would see her dressed as a superhero!)
Natalie Smyth, EYFS Lead – West Grantham Academy – St Johns
January 2018
Thank you very much for running the sessions for us last week. Learners all said that your training was fantastic, very useful and very relevant. Our Child and Family Support Worker, said that it was brilliant and used some of your tips and strategies with the next child that she saw.
Rachel Roberts LC2 Administrator, Bedfordshire
December 2017
“I can honestly say that was one of the best training sessions I've ever had. Everyone in the team absolutely loved it and it was a perfect way to end the year for the staff.”
Pete Corkhill,Registered Manager,Crocus Fields, Nottingham
November 2017
“It was perfect. Everyone had such an amazing day. We have all enjoyed teaching so much more since this. It is like we've had therapy!!”
Katie Dickson -
October 2017
"Amazing Course. Thank you!"
Kelly Job -
“Lots of new ideas. Greater understanding of this area of play and how children display certain types of play. One of the best courses I have been on!”
Kirstie Scott – St Mary’s Preschool, Chesham.
September 2017
Excellent Session, easy to listen to. Lots of food for thought and good insight and motivation to encourage and support play
Matt & Sarah-
July 2017
So, so valuable. I adopted my sons a year ago and so much of this course was hugely valuable. I just want more!
Bethan Jordan -
June 2017
Well worth the time. Inspiring, educational and fun. Tutor was outstanding which made it all the more fun.
Katie Newton -
May 2017
Life changing information brilliantly presented. Thank you!
Hope Buzza -
April 2017
4th course with Inspired Children -
colleague with me today and she thoroughly enjoyed the
course and commented that she could see why I return
to school so motivated each time.
Deborah Jervis – Hamilton Academy
March 2017
The tutor was truly amazing! He brought joy, laughter and so much confidence. Truly unique – Thank you!
Lucy Gillett -
February 2017
I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing course you led! It is genuinely the most inspiring training I have done and was definitely worth the Saturday sacrifice! Thank you so much!
Christina Hurdman – Early Years Professional -
January 2017
Wow! Can’t wait to go back into class and put this into practice. I’ve never been to a course I’ve enjoyed this much! It was practical and we were provided with so many brilliant ideas and games to use. Every teacher should go on this training!!
Alec Waldeck – Lent Rise School, Buckinghamshire
September 2016
Thank you for providing such a fantastic course! The course was very informative, motivating and awe inspiring. I am now in the process of writing up my notes I took, so along with your handouts I can relay the information back to my setting so we can put everything into practice. The course left me wanting to delve deeper into the topics you covered as I found it so fascinating so am currently researching the links you gave us.
Sonia Blackhurst (Caterpillar pre-
July 2016
I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of Sally and myself for the superb SEF training from yourself and Katy. The feedback from the session was extremely positive. I visited a setting today and the manager and her team were enthusiastically updating their SEF.
Thank you once again to both of you.
Karen Bland -
June 2016
I just want to thank you for the fantastic workshop, that you delivered on Saturday in Syston . I had lost my inspiration , and now I feel as though I have found it again .
Charlotte Booth, Early Years -
May 2016
The training you delivered for us was so very unusual and magical. From where I was sitting I could see the reaction of our practitioners and they loved every moment. You have made a great difference, added positivity and demonstrated so well the benefits of being a glass half full practitioner.
Shetha Haider -
April 2016
A pleasure to attend. Very interactive and very real. Great real life examples, can easily apply ideas at school rather than overly ambitious ideas. Excellent.
Rebecca Wheeler, Blisworth Primary School Northampton.
How children see us April 2016
February 2016
“Fantastic training. Really good that the trainer works with children and made the day more interesting by playing”
Megan Fovargue, Ashby Day Nursery
December 2015
I wanted to say thanks for making what should have a been a long and dull training day interesting, fun and informative. It's easy to make training about play and exploring exciting, but making Observations and Assessment training interesting takes real skill.
(Sally Price, Early Years Worker NWL)
November 2015
Thank you so much for the course on Saturday, so enthusiastic and inspiring, I went home bursting with ideas to implement into my setting. The whole day flew by, I was shocked when it finished. I can't wait to go on another of your courses.
(Heidi Kirkland, Outdoor Play Course, Lutterworth)
October 2015
Thank you for a fabulous training course at the William Cecil! It was great fun!
(Kelly Feetham, Risk and Challenge Training, Stamford)
September 2015
“Fab” Thank you. It was lovely for a trainer to be as silly as we are and obviously having a great time teaching.
(Rosalyn Hatherly, Magical Imaginative Play, Asfordby Preschool)
July 2015
The course made us celebrate words and how important they are, from baby sounds to silly words, rhyming and poetry. Loads of ideas to take back to the setting. Truly inspiring training that makes me feel like I have regained my joy of words!
(Jane Clay, Play on Words Training, Nottingham)
June 2015
I found the training one of the most interesting I have ever attended. It gave me ideas not just for the setting but for usewith my own children. Excellent.
(Sarah Southgate, Positive Behaviour, Melton)
May 2015
It was such a privilege to meet with you & attend your training today, I enjoyed every minute of it....thank you!
(Mel Rylatt, Manager/ Owner Play Days Nursery)
April 2015
Thank you for a fabulous and "inspiring" training day yesterday....I didn't expect to enjoy a day training for assessment and planning!
(Fiona Barber)
March 2015
I just wanted to thank you for running the course yesterday. Everyone said it was the best course they had been on and put what they had learnt into practice that very lunch time, marvelling at how it actually worked!
(Victoria Charlton, Office Manager St Joseph’s Primary)
November 2014
“A huge thank you for our training session last night!
Not only did everyone thoroughly enjoy the evening, but they are still buzzing this morning. Lots of ideas are being bounced around.”
(Kim Forbes, Hedgehog Hill, Northampton)
October 2014
“The training was excellent. A great mix of practical examples and theory which left the playworkers looking forward to work the next week and asking themselves important questions about children’s play. You’ll be pleased to hear that the staff continued the enthusiasm for play after your training, I saw adventures into outer space and on the pirate seas using only cardboard and their imaginations! Just what we wanted!”
(Kevin Stinton, Playschemes Coordinator, Cambridge University)
August 2014
“Great ideas for activities and excellent breakdown of why play is so important. Perfect balance of listening and being active.”
(Gemma Wilson, Luton -
July 2014
“Perfect training session, loved every minute of it.”
(Catherine Poynter – Childminder Wigston)
June 2014
“Very inspiring, active learning at its very best. Many Thanks”
(Viki Thomas, Marston, Lincolnshire)
May 2014
“This has been the best course I’ve ever done – Tutor is awesome!”
(Sandra Walker, Thomas’s Kindergarten, Battersea)
April 2014
“So inspiring and engaging, a good balance between knowledge/research and ideas to take back to school. Thank you.”
(Clare Dyer Broom Leys School)
March 2014
“Brilliant course. One of the best I’ve ever been on. The trainer was so enthusiastic.”
(Susan Veitch, Community Centre Playgroup.)
January 2014
Best motivational course I have been on!”
(Emma Hill, Poplars Group)
“Brilliant, realistic and informative.”
(Sharon Simmonds, Wymondham Preschool.)
September 2013
“Very enjoyable. I could see how passionate the trainer was. All interesting and brilliantly delivered by trainer.”
(Danni Turner – King Edward Day Nursery)
“It has made me look into my job role and has helped me realise that I can do such a lot more than what I already do.”
(Sadie Reynolds, Limetree Day Nursery)
“Amazingly enthusiastic, chose course because of the trainer and always feel inspired when finished.”
(Amy Harding Lime Tree Day Nursery)
July 2013
“Excellent! Tutor is so passionate about what he does and this comes across so well.”
(Rebecca Harrison, Clubs Complete, Coalville)
“The course was brilliant! Best Course. The tutor is brilliant. If there were more trainers like him courses would be full.”
(Amina Ibrahim, Manager, Kiddy Kapers Day care)
June 2013
“Fantastic enthusiasm, really drives me to keep introducing new ideas into my setting.”
(Michelle Spencer, Oak Treehouse Nursery)
May 2013
“Great training. Enthusiastic and well delivered. Hands on, first hand experience of what children feel whilst playing.” (Rachel Dashi, Deputy, Thorpe Acre Playgroup.)
April 2013
“Ben is an absolutely brilliant tutor. On the two courses I have been on of his I have learnt so much.”
(Christie Pickering-
March 2013
“Absolutely the most inspiring course I have ever been on. Fabulous.”
(Kerry Forbes – Caterpillar Pre-
“Fantastic enthusiastic trainer . A lot more dynamic than the usual trainers which is really refreshing.”
(Claire Oliver – Best Start Nursery)
February 2013
“Really well presented, good fun. Best course I’ve been on”
(Nick Allen, Little Stars Preschool, Hinckley)
“This was great Training. The tutor was lovely and made it so much fun”
(Jasleen Boyal, Lilliput Montessori Nursery,Anstey)
January 2013
“Loved it -
(Jenna Neal, Shepshed High School)
December 2012
“Brilliant Training, best I’ve ever been on. Tutor was great!”
(Leanne Kuzmicz, Playworker, Melton Mowbray)
November 2012
“Great Course, great tutor, very enjoyable.”
(Danielle Goodacre, Nursery Worker Leicestershire)
“Great Course, best yet in 9years ”
(Kirsty Wigby – Nursery Worker, Leicestershire)
“Absolutely fab course, made fun, exciting and hands on. Tutor was fab and motivated all.”
(Jo Mugglestone – Nanny, Leicestershire)
October 2012
“Be inspired. Be very inspired. Smiles and laughter from children and staff. Proof positive that Ben’s training works. (David Godfrey -
“One of the best courses I’ve been on. Very inspiring. Fun and relaxed. Can’t wait to try in own setting.”
(Nicola McInnes -
“Best Course Ever!”
(Anita Hassal -
September 2012
“Great session. Very informative, lots of great ideas. “hands on” providing an opportunity to be children again and view life and play from their perspective.”
(Pat Sills -
“Brilliant course – very honest and fun. Loved working together to make massive creations. Learnt lots about how to actually build the structures. Thank you very much ”
(Jade Parkes -
August 2012
We loved the way the activities brought all seven families together, everyone was joining in and having such fun. Trips out together to parks and theme parks just don't do that!
(Lorraine Wallis Research & Development Worker
Coram Adoption East Midlands)
July 2012
I can’t wait to get back to work and try this stuff, and that’s the first time I’ve ever said that after a training course!
(Learner -
The whole course has been an enlightenment. I now understand how important my job is within the school and what great changes can be made to enhance a child’s life.
(Carolyn Altuntas -
June 2012
This course was very enjoyable and the teacher was very inspiring and enthusiastic.
(Marie Evans – Playworker Leicestershire)
Wonderful tutor-
(Samantha Hayes -
May 2012
Fantastic course – one of the best! Thank you!
(Jo Mugglestone – Nanny, Charnwood)
Trainer was excellent. Has really inspired me to help all children I look after as well as my own. Thank you.
(Alison Lancaster – Child Minder, Hinckley)
What an amazing course, enjoyed every part of it.
Enjoyed playing as a “child” again!
(Nicola Gullet -
April 2012
Did what it said on the box, “Inspired” me!
(Jayne Pearce -
Perfect balance of practical and theory for play settings -
(Helen Lowe -
March 2012
Brilliant Morning, inspiring, can’t wait to put it into practice. (Karen Hebb – Kettleby Primary School)
One of the best courses I have done
(Annabelle Lucas – Playgroup Leader)
February 2012
Excellent again. Inspiring as always. Thanks
Reuben Francis -
Fantastic Trainer – very inspiring
J Theobald Rushby -
Great Tutor made it worth every second.
Simon Grant -
January 2012
Brilliant morning, informative, enjoyable. Great tutor
Sharon Simmons -
Absolutely Inspirational!
Manager Out of School Club, Leicestershire
December 2011
Really interesting. Great ideas to take away and use immediately.
Hannah Bailey -
Just wish it could go on longer
Jules O’Donnell -
November 2011
What an inspiration! I can only hope that more people are able to access this training and remember the joy, thrill and holistic importance of play. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to remember and indulge the child within so that I may better serve those I work with.
Beth Hemus -
Best training I’ve done for years -
Reuben Williams -
October 2011
Tutor was lively, entertaining and informative -
Teacher -
A fantastic day with lots of fun. I really enjoyed it and learnt so much
Playworker -
September 2011
Fantastic -
Juliet O’Donnel -
Extremely Useful training. Also saw Ben work with children this summer, felt very inspired.
Claire Thacker -
A great session! Inspiring ways to involve all children in outdoor play
Sonal Chauhan -
August 2011
Great fun day again – coming away with lots of ideas and inspiration for how I can encourage commissioned providers to improve /develop the quality of their sessions.
Bronwen Barradell -
I think this has been an amazing course that everyone who works with or has children should be made to attend
Emma Statham -
July 2011
Thank you so much for all your hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and genius. Your work has totally changed playtimes at our school. Injuries and squabbles have decreased dramatically and children return to school in the afternoon, refreshed, inspired and enthusiastic. So Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Gillly Patterson -
Definitely the most informative and enjoyable training course I have ever attended. Ben’s enthusiasm is infectious.
Sean Bothwell -
Kibworth Primary School
June 2011
Tutor spoke to us as if we had a brain and treated us as adults that mattered in the scheme of things.
G Hebborn Lunchtime Supervisor, Kibworth Primary School
Course was fantastic, very interesting and put together in fantastic ways. The activities have given me ideas for my setting that I would not have thought about.
Michelle Spencer -
(Playing out and Playing Wild Training)
Training was really informative and relevant, ideas given were brilliant. Knowledgeable and experienced trainer. Invaluable course.
Anonymous (Children first -
Effective Consultation)
May 2011
“(Tutor) was truly inspirational . The course made me think of other’s thoughts and feelings. Good strategy tactics.”
Kim Hall -
“Excellent mixture of fun and theory -
Sally Grieff -
April 2011
“Enjoyable from Start to Finish!”
Angela Bexton -
“It was an outstanding experience.”
Nigam Mallhi -
“The session was brilliant and a real laugh.”
Sam Freakley -
For more feedback click here
NEWS
2023
This year is already shaping up to be a big year for Inspired Children. Ben is appearing at the Nursery World Show in February and the Childcare Expo in March. His second book is nearly finished and due to be published at the end of the year. He is presenting at numerous other regional conferences and even a couple of international ones in the pipeline. In addition, our senior trainer Diana is going from strength to strength, delivering master classes on Attachment and Self Regulation across the UK and designing frameworks for level 5 and 6 qualifications for the industry. Our Playteam are delivering the most amazing sessions for children and our work with Adoption Activity days is now in its 11th year! We also have a very unique badminton project in the pipeline so watch this space! All in all 2023 is looking busy, boisterous and bright!
Jazz Hands Dinosaur
Ben has written a children’s song in partnership with Boogie Mites. The song is free to download and is about a dinosaur who dances through the jungle without a care in the world. The song came about by accident during a collaborative training session on the power of music for children. Click the picuture to hear the song!
September 2022
After our annual August break September is unbelievably busy and I have also been spending time writing the new book all about Joy. (More on this soon) I have been working with lots of familiar faces some of whom have been having training with me for years and also some new settings experiencing our training for the first time. Skipping into the new term!
July 2022
Its Playwork time. I do a lot of work with early years settings and schools but I am also passionate about Playwork and love teaching this unique discipline. The best thing about Playwork is that Play is the primary focus, one job, one purpose and one chance at an amazing childhood. Over the summer I have been delivering training for Playworkers in Cambridge, Kent and Oxfordshire and also got to join our play team delivering good old fashioned Play for children on Holiday Playschemes. Giant Robot anyone?
June 2022
Conferences galore! Ben is speaking at multiple conferences across the UK including a panel discussion with the gregarious Greg Bottrill, the tremendous Tamsin Grimmer and the splendid Shaddai Tembo.
April 2022
It’s finally here! 30 years in making Ben’s book about Play is out now! Drawing upon his experiences of working with vulnerable children and unpicking the neuroscience of Play in an accessible and entertaining style this book is the go to book for anyone wanting to gain a deeper insight into the wonderful world of play.
March 2022
We currently experiencing our busiest time ever with Ben and the team all over the UK getting back to face-
December 2021
November 2021
Childcare and Education Virtual Summit
I will be delivering a seminar for the Childcare and Education virtual summit on 27th November. To book tickets click here
October 2021
Face-
On the advice of GP’s and regardless of national guidelines we will still be maintaining social distancing on our face-
September 2021
Inset Days Galore!
Every September is incredibly busy as we try to cram as many inset days as possible into our timetable. This year with a combination of online and face-
August 2021
The Book is Finished!
Final draft of Ben’s new book on Play has been sent to the publishers and they are over the moon with it! It won’t be published until 2022 but what an amazing journey it was to write. In fact that is reflected in the new title, “A Very Unusual Journey into Play.” Look out for the draft cover design coming soon!
April 2021
Brand New Video Courses
Our pre-
Mathtastic Maths in the Early Years
Exhilarating Play Essential Risk and Challenge
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF PRE-
March 2021
Online Keynote Speeches a huge success!
We have been really privileged to be able to speak at a number of online conferences both in the UK and internationally and the distance and technology have not been a barrier to some amazing conferences. In fact several delegates have said they were the best conferences they had ever attended even though they were still at home!
February 2021
Brand new parent sessions in Nottingham!
Project Play is starting up in Nottingham this month. This is a fantastic project supporting parents and children to play more. Ben will be delivering free online sessions for parents over the next few months. The project is delivered in partnership with the amazing SSBC.
December 2020
OMG another award! At the end of a challenging year we are so fortunate to be recognised with not one but two national awards. This time it is the Play Team’s turn as we are finalists for a Children and Young People Now award for our work with vulnerable children
November 2020
Nursery World Award Finalist!
Ben Kingston-
OCTOBER 2020
Online Training Live from the Shed!
We are now delivering training live from the Inspired Children Shed! Live interactive Zoom sessions are proving really popular and we have already delivered……
Neuroscience of Play
Positive Behaviour
Risk and challenge
Awe and Wonder
Communication and Language
Play, Nurturing and Curiosity
Imagination and Creativity
Superhero Play
Essential Physical Development
Parent Play session
All of these sessions are currently discounted and only £325 per course
I have also developed a brand new online only course based around some exciting new neuroscience I have been researching over lockdown.
Compassion and Joy – The Neuroscience of Recovery
This thought-
SEPTEMBER 2020
BACK TO LIVE!
We are now back to delivering live, social distanced training. It has been so good to work with real people again and the training has been a real success. See our training page for our social distancing procedures. ALL training is currently discounted so this is an ideal time to raise your team’s morale and get some high quality CPD. If you are not quite ready for live training remember our highly successful video training courses are still on offer.
Loud and Proud -
We have been meaning to do this for a while now but we have finally created our awesome new Play Champions T-
New Online Video Training
Feeling Safe in an Unsafe World – (Supporting Children back to School or Nursery after Lockdown)
We have had several requests for this training so we have created a new course to help settings rethink and re-
The course looks at children’s different experiences of the Covid19 crisis and how those experiences will have shaped the fundamental structure of their brains to directly affect their development and behaviour. We also examine why more traditional behaviour methods simply don’t work when it comes to supporting positive behaviour especially during and after a time of crisis. The course highlights what is truly important for children’s well-
The course is suitable for agencies working with all ages of children.
Online Course –
Group License (Up to 50 learners) £350
Individual License (per person) £45
Online Video training packages
We are now offering 7 video training packages which can be remotely accessed from the setting, home or even in isolation. These cost only £200 each and can be used to train an entire setting just as if our trainer was visiting the setting in person.
1) The Power of Play to Transform Children’s Lives -
2) Positive Behaviour, Positive Adults, Positive Children -
3) Awe, Wonder and Cultural Capital -
4) Communication and Language -
5) Loose Parts Play, Creativity and Critical Thinking -
6) Taster Package -
7) Feeling Safe in an Unsafe World -
The training package includes certificates for your CPD folder and after course support by phone.
Click here for more information
Free phone support -
This is a difficult time but we are all in this together. Sometimes having someone to talk to can help enormously. Please consider this an open invitation to call us for a chat about anything. Sometimes having an outside perspective can help or even just a friendly person willing to listen.
Article published in Nursery World Magazine
Ben Kingston-
Countdown to Nursery World Conference 2020
SEMINAR IS NOW SOLD OUT (new dates to be announced soon)
Ben Kingston-
Neuroscience of Play Master Classes
We have recently been very fortunate to be able to deliver 2 intensive courses on the Neuroscience of Play. One in Cambridge and a two day course in Bristol. Both had group of fantastic enthusiastic learners who were blown away by the new research and links to existing theory. We are putting this course on again in Bristol in the new year for anyone who missed it! Contact us if you would like this course in your area.
Busiest Time Ever!
September and October 2019 are officially our busiest months ever. The whole team were out and about working all over the UK delivering a wide range of children’s sessions and inspirational training days. In changeable economic climate we could not be more grateful for the continued support of so many different agencies and settings.
New Articles
We have just published a new article about the dangers of homework in primary school. Click on the link above and if you agree with the article please share…..
July
Ben Kingston-
May 2019
New training courses
We recently won a Leicestershire County Council tender to develop and deliver two new training courses on working with ADHD and working with ASD. We are very excited about this training and it has already proved to be extremely popular. I think learners appreciate the real life examples and common sense (rather than clinical) approach to working with some of the most amazing children. It also helps that two of our trainers actually have diagnoses of ADHD and so have been in a unique position to develop and deliver this ground breaking new training.
March 2019
UPDATE
Ben Kingston-
Officially Amazing!
We are really pleased to announce that we have been short-
January 2019
What a great start to the new year with our first Play Champion Setting of 2019. Cressex Day Nursery are very deserving recipients of the Inspired Children Play Champion Award having hosted staff and parent training sessions over the last few months and demonstrating their ongoing commitment to play!
December 2018
Once again our most successful year yet!
What an incredible year and what a fantastic bunch of people we have met. Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for making us feel so welcome where ever we have travelled!
September 2018
Inset days galore as we tried to cram as many schools and nurseries as possible into those precious few days at the end of the summer break. I taught in a yurt for the first time at an after school club inset day and then did a two in one day driving between Mary Bassett Primary School in the morning and then straight to Dovery Downs in the afternoon. Luckily they are very close to each other and were both amazing.
July 2018
Welcome back to the 5 Pits Cluster Training Event
We were really pleased to be asked back to the Training Event this year. Working with Foundation up to secondary teachers we looked at the neuroscience of creativity and how to inspire it in our children. I’m not sure about the children but the teaching staff were brimming with creativity and imagination. What an amazing group of teachers….
April 2018
4 settings have recently credited our training as a key component in their Ofsted success. This is fantastic news for the settings but also really makes what we are doing feel worthwhile. We never set out to help settings prepare for Ofsted but to be the best they can be for their children. It is really encouraging that Ofsted are recognising that ethos in the settings we work with.
February 2018
This February we delivered a full day conference in Derby on the Neuroscience of the characteristics of effective learning. From keynote speech to practical experiences we delivered a whole day of neuroscience and fun to a group of enthusiastic delegates.
Check out our conferences page to see how we can help make your conference a success.
January 2018
Happy New Year!
New year means Inset days, conferences and loads of new training. We have appointed a new trainer and written no less than 3 new training courses. We also kick start the new year with some fantastic sessions working with vulnerable children. Already this early in the year we have met some amazing learners with just the right amount of silliness, enthusiasm and dedication to imporving outcomes for children. 
December 2017
Inspired Children on Channel 4
This December we appeared in a two part documentary called “Finding Me a Family”. The Inspired Playteam regularly works on Adoption Activity Days and it was fantastic to see us on TV working with these amazing children. Well done to the whole team for their invaluable work.
October 2017
Month of Maths
We have delivered a huge range of courses this month with several of them being Maths courses. First we delivered an imaginative maths workshop at a conference for Forest Way Teaching School Alliance. We then developed a brand new full day Maths in Early Years course for Leicestershire County Council which proved really successful. We also presented a maths afternoon at Harrington training nursery in Derby where we trialled some new maths video resources that we have developed (they will be available to download soon!) And finally we delivered our first course in Warwickshire which was our highly popular Active Maths half day course. Contact us if you want any of these courses delivered in-
Maths in Early Years -
June 2017
Ofsted Success!
The Hollies Day Nursery in Nottingham have just received Outstanding in their latest Ofsted Inspection. The Nursery has had several in-
Heroes and Monsters Training with staff and parents mentioned in Outstanding Ofsted Report
May 2017
Play Champions receive their medals!
Cohort 2 of the NWL Play Champions Course have just received their awards at a celebration event at Forest Way School. I couldn’t be prouder of them for all their hard work on the course. The course is a 5 session intensive play course that covers the latest theories and research on play and how we can promote play in our local community. Well done Play Champions!
April 2017
Conferences Taking Off
We are being asked to deliver more and more keynote speeches and workshops at conferences across the UK. To reflect this we have updated the website to include some of the amazing conferences we have supported. Check out the new conference section.
March 2017
Taking Buckinghamshire by Storm!
We had the best month of training ever in Buckinghamshire in March. We delivered Risk and Challenge, Transient Art, Magical Outdoor Play, Six Impossible Things, Working with Boys and Imaginative Play all for the awesome Bucks Learning Trust. The feedback was incredible and I genuinely believe we achieved something truly unique in the county. We also did 3 full days of in-
February 2017
A late Happy new year to you all! We really hit the ground running in January with officially our busiest month ever. There were inset days and conferences and a whole range of training events as well as the start of the latest round in the fantastic Parents Play Project in Leicestershire. One high point was the Forest Way Teaching Assistant conference which many delegates said was the best conference they had ever attended.
November 2016
Playful Brains -
September 2016
New term the Inspired Children way!
New school term can mean only one thing. Inset Days! We have been delivering training days at some fantastic schools getting staff teams enthused and inspired ready for the new term. Standen’s Barn Primary in Northampton has got to be one of the best schools I have ever visited with a truly enthusiastic staff team.
June 2016
New courses
Brand new courses for this year have been incredibly successful in June. We have just piloted our new Advanced Child Development Course in Leicestershire. The course is an intensive day detailing some of the latest research and some fab new activities. We also had a great time delivering our new SEF training in Rutland and Lincolnshire and have been busy delivering my favourite new course “Joy, Wonder and Curiosity” across the UK.
May 2016
Inspiring Conferences
The last couple of months have seen some amazing conferences. Inspired children have been very fortunate to be delivering keynote speeches and workshops at some really great conferences. There is something about delivering a keynote to 200 enthusiastic and passionate childcare workers that makes it a truly rewarding experience. We have delivered keynotes and workshops in Wembley x2, Doncaster, Leicestershire x2, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, South Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
February 2016
Brand New Training Courses!
It’s been a while since we released a new service directory as things have been so busy but we have finally uploaded all the new courses for 2016. All the old favourites are still there but many have been updated with new activities and research. In addition there are some really exciting new courses on offer . We are now offering procedural based courses such as Observation Assessment and Planning and SEF training which we still manage to make fun and practical and now have even more of the inspirational courses for which we have become well known. I am particularly proud of my new course about Joy, Wonder and Curiosity which is a fantastic look at how these often overlooked ideas are so important to children.
October 2015
Play Champions are go!
Inspired Children are leading an exciting new project for Forest Way Teaching Alliance. The aim is to train up early years workers to be regional Play Champions to support children’s rights to play and help spread the word about the benefits of play. We kicked off with a conference to introduce the project and had a whole day of messing about whilst learning the genuine benefits of play and the risks of play deprivation. Inspired Children’s Ben provided both keynote speech and workshops for the conference and then closed the event with a section on Play Champions and an opportunity for people to sign up. There was a huge response and the first Play Champion Training sessions begin in February.
May 2015
After 3 years of successfully building Inspired we have entered a new phase in the organisation. The two sides of the business, the training and the play team have now been combined to form a new organisation simply called Inspired Children. I have always thought that “Inspired Children’s Services Solutions” was a little long winded and most people have always referred to us as “Inspired Children” anyway so now it is official! We have a new logo to reflect the change………
April 2015
Parent Project Goes from Strength to Strength!
The Parent Project in Leicestershire is now in its latest phase targeting settings that have received a “Requires Improvement” grade. The sessions have been incredible with feedback from parents even more amazing than ever.
January 2015
Successful new tenders for Inspired!
As we move into 2015 we are celebrating several new strands of work for Inspired. Both our early years training and playwork sessions have met with phenomenal feedback and we are rapidly making a name for ourselves nationally. We now deliver over 60 courses! We have several new commissions for work across the UK in 2015 including new work in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northampton, Central Bedforshire, Nottingham, Cheshire and even Scotland in addition to being re-
December 2014
As the year draws to a close we look back at an amazing 2014. We have worked all across the UK and taken part in some genuinely unique projects. Yet again we have been recognised by Nursery World for our work with Parents and have continued to improve and expand our training sessions.
October 2014
The Playteam have been in action almost every week this year making them a fantastic addition to Inspired and were once again caught on camera during a section by Lisa Faulkner on “This Morning”.
August 2014
Parent Project short-
Fantastic news! The Parent Project in Leicestershire has been shortlisted for a Nursery World Award. This is the second year running that Inspired has been recognised. Thanks for all the support!
June 2014
June has seen a revised website and new service directory with a host of exciting brand new courses. (Click on the cover to go to training page) I delivered the first of the new adopters and fosterers training sessions which was really successful. We have also started the third round of the parent play project in Leicestershire and am taking bookings for September. I am also gearing up for speaking at two conferences -
May 2014
What a busy time. I have made repeat visits to London, teaching in both Balham and Wandsworth and have delivered a whole host of interesting sessions. The play team has continued to work all over the country almost every weekend and have now been filmed by both Channel 4 and ITV.
February 2014
Play Team rock!
The Play team has been working almost every week on the Adoption Activity Events for the British Association of Adopters and Fosterers. These events were the subject of a heartbreaking documentary by Channel 4 and although sometimes controversial have been genuinely successful in helping children find families.
NEW ARTICLES ON OUR BRAND NEW BLOG PORTAL
How do we Inspire Creativity?
Inspired Children provides unique CPD training, specialising in Play, Emotional Well-
We also provide vibrant and magical sessions for vulnerable Children.