Equity in the Early Years; Celebrating Inclusive Practice.

We are thrilled to bring together a veritable feast of some of early years most exciting voices delivering their contributions to our over arching theme of EQUITY IN THE EARLY YEARS.

This one-day conference gives you an unrivalled opportunity to explore themes pertaining to developing and improving our practices with SEND and working towards equity in the early years.

We are excited to announce our keynote speakers and special guest workshop leader:

Dr Sharon Colilles / Catherine McLeod / Kerry Murphy

We are so pleased to be able to deliver our conference at University of East London - Stratford Campus in London once again.

Full details of the workshop programme will be released closer to the date.

This year we are only offering one day of conference so this will sell out fast!

Please note: In the unexpected event that public health authorities advise that the conference cannot be held in-person, this high quality event will be moved online. Ticket-holders will be able to join the conference using Zoom. The decision of the organisers on whether to hold the conference in-person or online will be final. If the conference goes ahead online, the ticket price will not be refunded, and the organisers will accept no liability for any costs incurred by the ticket-holders in anticipation of attending an in-person event.

Newham Communication Project

Melissa Prendergast, Deputy Head teacher, Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre

How can we help all children aged 2-4 to develop their communication

Using movement to nurture and reconnect - wellbeing session for practitioners.

Louise Klarnett (Kay Rowe) (AM WORKSHOP ONLY)

Louise Klarnett has worked as a dance artist for 26 years with young babies through to older adults of all abilities. Early years staff frequently request a well-being session for themselves. This one-off workshop invites early years practitioners to nurture their nervous system and reconnect to their body through simple, safe and inclusive movement content. We will draw upon creativity, imagination, playfulness and curiosity. No experience required.

Practising Attuned Teaching: how you can 'tune in' to meet the needs of all children

Cathy Gunning

Attuned Teaching enables us to understand and empathise with a child's story and context through building stronger relationship, connection and safety which supports teaching, learning and care in our education settings. Cathy is co-author of A Manifesto for Attuned Teaching (Gunning and Lofthouse 2022), and in this workshop she will guide you through a simple ABCD of Attunement (Attuning, Belonging, Connecting, Deepening) and provide you with food for thought to deepen and develop your practice.

Deafness Awareness

Michelle Ayrton and Deena Vadher - Newham Hearing Support Service

An introduction to recognising when children may have a deafness, supporting children with an identified deafness and managing their listening environment to improve access to speech and language.

Parent Solidarity and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

Kerry Murphy

This workshop shifts the focus from traditional parent-educator partnerships to being in solidarity with parents of neurodivergent and disabled children. Educators will explore the importance of being allies alongside parents in supporting their children to thrive and experience developmentally meaningful opportunities.

Music and Neurodiversity in EYFS

Dan Wood

Daniel is a neurodivergent specialist music teacher with Newham Music Services. This session will cover different aspects of his sessions including:

• Using silence in a musical way
• Setting up a rich musical environment
• Making up songs for general activities
• Pitch colours and how to use
• Animal Rhythms

Special Needs Access Project

Jane Williams - Magpie Project

Prioritising play to protect against the harms of homelessness in under 5’s and reflecting on their special needs access project.

Special Yoga

Gemma Carey - The Snug Norwich

Special Yoga is an opportunity to utilise gentle yoga skills and mindful breathing techniques to help children self-regulate and build skills to find calm independently and recognise how stress and tension feels in their body. Gemma runs The Snug, an inclusive and therapeutic space in Norwich, where the team use a fun, natural, non-judgemental therapeutic approach which helps children self-regulate, manage big emotions and feel more connected and content.

“All behaviour is Communication”

Becky Evans - Behaviour Support Service

Thinking about how to meet the needs of children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH) and behaviours of concern. We will consider a range of approaches to support children with their play, social skills, managing strong emotions and building their confidence.

Tales Toolkit storytelling and SEND

Kate Shelley

In this session, Kate (an ex Newham teacher) the founder of award winning Tales Toolkit will be chatting about how settings use Tales Toolkit with children with SEND. Storytelling is a powerful learning tool for all children. We’ll be looking at some of the things along the way that have made a difference and hear stories from settings about what they find works.

Different pathways to professional development

UEL

The goal of this workshop is to engage alumni in a reflective dialogue about their course experiences during their time at the institution. This feedback will be invaluable for current students, faculty, and external partners who will get an insight into a range of academic courses that we run at UEL.

Values that support equity and inclusion in EY education

Dr Jenny Robson (Senior lecturer in Early Childhood) - UEL

The workshop will adopt a playful approach. We will work as a group to identify values that support equity and inclusion and produce a values map. Values are often hidden in professional practice.The workshop provides an opportunity to share and celebrate our values.

Empowering educators through coaching and mentoring strategies and approaches.

Hannah Fox (Senior Lecturer on MA Leadership in Education)- UEL

This workshop explores the fundamental principles and practices of coaching and mentoring. We will delve into critical reflection models, trust-building strategies, and various mentoring styles to enhance teaching and leadership skills. Participants will engage in self-reflection and explore how to foster a culture of trust and collaboration in their educational environments.

Exploring neurodiversity

Debbie Kilbride (Senior Lecturer and Course Leader NASENCo Award) - UEL (PM WORKSHOP ONLY)

This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the meaning of neurodiversity as well as share the ways in which they experience and understand it from a personal or professional viewpoint. We will share useful strategies and consider how we could make best use of them in context.

Team Teach - introduction

Led by team teach trainers: Adam -Sheringham Nursery School and Anita - Kay rowe Nursery School

Team Teach is a framework that provides strategies for managing challenging behaviors in children and adults. It's used in a variety of settings, including education, child services, and adult services. This introduction will give some insight into specific Early Years focused practice.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of East London - Stratford Campus, Water Lane, London, United Kingdom