Participants will consider the importance of imaginative play and drama as a learning medium, examine socio-dramatic play and thematic-fantasy play, be introduced to the method of developing stories through interactive story-making, and learn practical strategies to support children's imaginative and dramatic play. London. Cost: from £120. For more information e-mail cpd@ioe.ac.uk or phone 020 7612 6589.
19-20 June: Your invitation to inspiration: The NDNA Annual Conference and Awards
The National Day Nurseries Association conference features an array of speakers and workshops designed to help delegates strengthen their nursery businesses and find solutions to forthcoming challenges including the EYFS, flexible working and becoming a 'green' business. Among the speakers are children's minister Beverley Hughes, Professor Mary Rudolf and CEO of Working Families, Sarah Jackson. Manchester. Cost: from £180 plus VAT. Visit www.ndna.org.uk or call 01484 407070.
20 June: Creating a rich environment for learning
Delegates will consider elements of a rich environment for reading, ways of including all children in the process of becoming a reader, the issue of boys and reading, and reading outdoors, with many practical suggestions for early years settings. London. Cost: from £141. Visit www.early-education.org.uk or call 020 7539 5400.
20 June@ Child's Play?: The Pre-school Learning Alliance national conference
The theme of this year's conference is ensuring that early years practitioners and families have the right kind of training, information and support to make the EYFS a success. Speakers include Sheila Scales, director for Early Years, Extended Schools and Special Needs at the DCSF; Sue Palmer, author of Toxic Childhood; and Peter Dixon, educationalist and author. London. Cost: from £80 plusVAT. Visit www.pre-school.org.uk or phone 020 7697 2576.
