Montessori mathematics: Sequin boards and number operations
This seminar by Training in Early Years Education will present the Sequin Board exercises for counting from one to 99 and will explore a range of concrete activities for teaching simple addition, subtraction and division.
This is a hands-on session designed to build practical competence in using and understanding materials.
The Bar Convent Conference Centre, York. 10am to 4.30pm. Cost 52.
Contact Maggie Tait on 01759 302638.
22 January
Wee green fingers: Gardening for biodiversity with pre-school children.
The workshop by Scottish Natural Heritage will give participants experience of activities to use in their work with pre-school children, in relation to biodiversity and gardening. The workshop will also provide advice and information on where to go for ideas, help, materials and resources.
Carmont House, Dumfries. Cost 15. Contact Karen Smith on 01738 458560, e-mail karen.smith@snh.gov.uk.
24 January
Quality of care: the importance of early relationships
Speakers at this conference by WATCh? (What About the Children?) include Robin Balbernie, consultant child psychotherapist for the Gloucestershire Partnership Trust, and Judith Trowell, director of the West Midlands Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
London Voluntary Services Resource Centre, Holloway Road, London. Cost Pounds 25 to members, 30 to non-members. 10am to 4pm. Contact Cath on 01789 450952 or e-mail cath@newbold.fsbusiness.co.uk.
28 January
Cerebral palsy in the classroom
This course, run by the Craighalbert Centre, is designed mainly for those working within the field of education. It aims to give an understanding of cerebral palsy, the resulting difficulties and how these might be addressed. It also looks at the prerequisites for inclusion and the importance of collaboration between all agencies involved.
1 Craighalbert Way, Cumbernauld. Contact the centre on 01236 456100 or e-mail sccmi@craighalbert.org.uk.
30 January
Teaching French to young learners
This course by the National Centre for Language and Literacy is aimed at nursery or primary staff with little or no knowledge of French who wish to introduce it into their early years curriculum. The main focus of the course will be on language learning and practical methodology.
Reading. Cost 75. 9.30am to 3.30pm. Contact 0118 378 8820 or visit the website www.ncll.org.uk.
3 and 4 February
Children's nurseries conference and counting on quality seminar
Chaired by Stephen Burke, director of the Daycare Trust, this Laing and Buisson conference is followed by a half-day seminar on quality provision.
It focuses on the practical implications of Government childcare policy, regulatory developments for daycare services and an update on Ofsted's progress in early years. Speakers include Rosemary Murphy, National Day Nurseries Association chief executive, Nick Tooze, deputy director of the Sure Start Unit, and Ben Black, director of Tinies Childcare Agency.
The Cavendish Conference Centre, London. Cost for conference is 464.12, seminar 223.25, and both days 640.37. Contact Laing and Buisson on 020 7923 5348 or e-mail conferences@laingbuisson.co.uk.
