Nurturing children's artistic creativity
This theory-based session by Training in Early Years Education will look at ways creativity can be both hindered and helped. It will also involve many ideas for practical activities for artistic experimentation and consider the influence of culture on artistic development.
The Bar Convent Conference Centre, York. Cost 34. Contact Maggie Tait on 01759 302 638.
8 December
Men in childcare
This conference, part-financed by the European Union, brings together a range of diverse European projects and the methods they have used to recruit men into childcare. It will focus on a campaign in Flanders, Belgium, that has been extremely successful in recruiting and supporting men. It is addressed by Professor Peter Moss, former chairman of the Childcare Network of the European Commission, and editor of Children in Europe.
City Chambers, Edinburgh. Cost 95. 10am to 4pm. Contact Kenny Spence on 0131 664 1202, e-mail kenny@meninchildcare.comor visit the website www.meninchildcare.com.
9 December
Working with young children and their families to reduce the risks of anti-social behaviour: What does the evidence suggest?
This day conference will focus on the latest evidence and research on young children's patterns of behaviour, and predicting anti-social behaviour leading to greater risk of offending in later life. It will also review risk factors developing before three years of age, including mother's diet, smoking in pregnancy and pre-natal care, and look at evidence-based strategies for developing holistic support services for families with children at risk.
The Bonnington in Bloomsbury, London. Cost from 125, plus VAT.
Contact Elaine Smith at the NCB on 020 7843 6042.
11 December
Forest schools - a classroom without walls
Organised by the University of Surrey, Roehampton, this seminar looks at targets, curriculum frameworks and real childhoods. It is led by John Blaney of the Forest School, Bridgewater Centre of Excellence, Somerset.
University of Surrey, Roehampton. Cost 20, but a 50 per cent reduction for student cardholders. 6.15 to 8pm. Contact by e-mail cpd@roehampton.ac.ukor fax 020 8392 3664.
13 January 2004
First time with autistic spectrum disorders
This event by the National Autistic Society will cover the range of autistic spectrum disorders and their impact on behaviour, teaching and learning. It is aimed at mainstream teachers, learning support assistants and ancillary staff who are coming into contact with autistic spectrum disorders for the first time. Carol Povey, NAS regional co-ordinator for Greater London and the south-east, and Jacqui Ashton Smith, principal of Helen Allison School in Kent, will present the seminar.
The Queen Hotel, Chester. Cost 116.33. Contact the NAS on 0115 911 3367 or e-mail conference@nas.org.uk.
15 January
Health and safety in schools and nurseries
Areas covered in this generic health and safety course includes risk assessment, fire safety, first aid regulations, display screen equipment, COSHH and manual handling. It is led by Mark Demeuth, who will cover the Level 1 nationally-recognised qualification in health and safety. There will be an exam and certificates will be presented.
Tithe Barn, Berkshire. Cost 90. Contact the Manor Tree Group on 01753 592200 or e-mail contact@manortreegroup.co.uk.
