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“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential.” (DfE, EYFS Framework, 2021)
Manchester City Council and One Education are passionate about building foundations for success in the Early Years and are coming together to facilitate a conference which will explore how we can do this. The aim for the day is to collaborate, share and discover what works best for our young children in their early years. We want to support colleagues in putting children first, aiming for success in outcomes for our children across the city. This Conference is for Manchester City Council schools, academies and setting only.
The Conference has been created for EYFS colleagues to collaborate, share your knowledge and learn from others: providing a wealth of opportunities for you to feel inspired, refreshed and energised whilst hearing from other colleagues, SSQAs, LA advisers, One Education Consultants and experts in Early Years education. Throughout the day you will be hearing from hand-picked, motivating speakers and will be able to attend an incredible amount of masterclasses or workshops such as: Emotional Regulation, SEND, Physical Development, Curriculum Pedagogy, Assessment and more.
We hope that you will leave the day feeling empowered, with ideas and plans formulating to support our youngest children in their journey of lifelong learning, whilst also remembering the incredible role you play in the lives of our children and their futures.
Information on workshops will be coming soon.
About our Keynotes:
Keynote 1: Understanding Neurodiversity in the Early Years – Kerry Murphy @EYFS4ME
In recent years, there has been a raised awareness of neurodiversity and how understanding developmental differences (neurodivergence) can help us move away from traditional deficit narratives that view children as problems to be fixed or cured. Educators are increasingly interested in developing strengths-based approaches that are empowering for children identified with special educational needs (SEN) in the early years.
This keynote will be broken down into three components to support your understanding of neurodiversity affirming practice:
- Understanding the language and practice of neurodiversity. Key terms and concepts will be defined, and attendees will understand the power of reframing our language to be more inclusive and empowering.
- Developing a strengths-based approach in child development. We will explore the different strengths, differences and needs of neurodivergent children, including communication, thinking skills, social and emotional development and sensory needs.
- Play over Pathology – Educators will understand the importance of play for neurodivergent children including the diverse ways in which play can transpire.
Kerry’s Biography – I am an early childhood specialist with a background in neurodiversity and disability. I am a lecturer in early years & SEND at Goldsmiths University, an author & student completing my EdD at Sheffield University. My aim in working in the early years is to challenge the deficit narrative around development differences and to improve the quality of play-based intervention so that there is a move away from teaching neurodivergent children to mimic neurotypical skills, also referred to as masking.
Keynote 2: Tackling Racism and Injustice in EYFS – Rachna Joshi @RJOSHIEYFS
The presentation will explore how children develop identities and how we might begin to address inequalities within our classroom settings. Drawing from classroom experiences, we will look at different scenarios and discuss how practitioners can enable themselves and young learners with ideas, language and strategies to work together to tackle racism and injustice.
Rachna’s Biography – Rachna is a teacher and consultant. She works with under-threes, Nursery and Reception children, and holds an MA in Early Childhood Studies. Rachna writes for organisations and speaks at events sharing experience and knowledge, empowering practitioners by causing thought to disrupt routine practice. She supports schools by guiding educators to implement inspiring practice that reflects their classes. She works as a freelance consultant and with the Froebel Trust as a travelling tutor. A passionate advocate for rough and tumble play, children’s identity and self-awareness and metacognition in young children, Rachna combines theory and practice to promote the holistic development of the children she works with and their communities.
Agenda:
8.45 -Arrival and registration
9.15am – Welcome (MCC)
9.30am – Keynote 1 – Kerry Murphy
10.30am Break and Network
11am Workshop 1
12 pm Lunch and network
12.50pm Workshop 2
1.50pm – 2.10pm Break and network
2.10pm Keynote 2 – Rachna Joshi
3.10pm -3.15pm Close (One Ed)
3.15 pm Depart
Who’s it for?
Practioners from PVis, EYFS settings and schools, EYFS leaders, SLT from MCC schools and settings
Age Phase:
EYFS, Early Years Foundation Stage
