NCMA support childminding conference
The Midlands Region of the NCMA is holding a conference for support childminding co-ordinators, childminding development officers and anyone working within the field of support childminding. Participants will share good practice and discuss issues in the recruitment of support childminders, their training needs and managing paperwork.
Britannia Hotel, Birmingham. Cost 76. Contact NCMA Midlands Regional Office on 01926 512753.
29 September
Improving standards in writing through paper technology
This course from the National Centre for Language and Literacy will explore ways of improving standards of writing, in line with the objectives of the national curriculum and the national literacy strategy. Exciting paper technology projects will be used for both narrative and non-narrative tasks. This is suitable for anyone working with children from nursery to school year six.
University of Reading. Cost 85 for members, 95 for non-members. Contact the NCLL on 0118 378 8820 or e-mail ncll@reading.ac.uk.
Using empathy dolls - an introductory workshop
This introductory workshop from ASCO Educational Supplies looks at how empathy dolls can be used to promote anti-discriminatory practices and build positive home-nursery links. All attendees will receive a free empathy doll worth Pounds 30.
South Leeds Stadium. Cost 30. Contact Kirstine on 0113 2707070 or e-mail empathydolls@ascoeducational.co.uk.
30 September
Writing through play - the excitement of authorship
This evening seminar will explore the relationship between writing and play, and how early years practitioners can use this to help all young children to see themselves as authors. The seminar is run by Helen Bromley, an early years consultant and author.
Cavell Street, London. Cost 30 for members, 40 for non-members. Contact Early Education on 020 7539 5400 or book online at www.early-education.org.uk.
1 October
Letterland workshop
In this workshop Lesley White introduces the Letterland technique for teaching children reading, spelling and handwriting skills. The inclusive, well-structured system uses visual mnemonics called pictograms to help children learn. Join Clever Cat and Eddy Elephant and learn how to encourage a love of language in young children.
Langley, Berkshire. Cost 95. Contact the Manor Tree Group on 01753 592200 or book online at www.manortreegroup.co.uk.
A man for all reasons
The Men in Childcare annual conference celebrates the success across Europe in recruiting men to work in childcare. As well as celebrating the roll-out of Men in Childcare across Scotland, the conference will also focus on work with fathers and the many reasons to have men involved in the life of children.
City Chambers, Edinburgh. Cost 110. Contact Men in Childcare on 0131 475 2333 or e-mail kenny@meninchildcare.co.uk.
1 October
Promoting positive behaviour in the early years
This workshop looks at how promoting positive behaviour in children during their early years creates an opportunity for childcare workers to provide sound techniques that can lead to children developing strategies for managing their own anger, and to understanding how to resolve conflict without violence. The programme will discuss the provision of positive role models, circle time and storytelling.
Glasgow. Cost 70 for member, 90 for non-members. Contact Children in Scotland on 0131 222 2405 or e-mail arowan@childreninscotland.org.uk.
4 October
Learning together, working together - teachers and speech and language therapists working together in the early years
This course will provide participants with a training package they can deliver to other professionals working with children in the Foundation Stage who experience difficulties with speech and language. The package is highly practical and flexible and aims to foster collaborative practice between education, support staff and speech and language therapists. Prior knowledge and experience of speech and language difficulties in the Foundation Stage are essential for participants.
Northern Ireland. Cost 170. Contact I CAN on 0845 225 4073 or e-mail training@ican.org.uk.
7 October
Tuning into the learning environment
This course from Early Education will examine what we mean by the learning environment (both indoors and outdoors) for young children and why it is so important to plan it carefully. It will discuss the role of the adult in planning, creating and developing the environment, and participants will evaluate their own environment and make plans for development.
Cavell Street, London. Cost 80 for members, 100 for non-members. Contact Early Education on 020 7539 5400 or book online at www.early-education.org.uk.
8 October
Teaching French to children in the nursery through to Key Stage 1 How to help children to speak another language confidently is the focus of this course from the Manor Tree Group. Jocelyne Buchler-Thornton has 25 years of teaching experience and here she will share her teaching techniques and ideas, and demonstrate how to make the most of your resources.
Langley, Berkshire. Cost 95. Contact the Manor Tree Group on 01753 592200 or book online at www.manortreegroup.co.uk.
