Most of the seminars at the Exhibition on 14 and 15 September were fully booked. Highlights included Kevin Kelman, the acting depute headteacher of a primary school in south Lanark-shire, and Scottish Independent Nurseries' Association (SINA) early years executive Alice Sharp, discussing play and learning for the under-threes. Their seminar offered resource ideas, including 'smelly socks' - children's socks with sweetly-perfumed contents - and boxes of goodies to go with various songs, rhymes or pictures.
The exhibitors presented plenty of ideas for nursery activities, including the Deep Sea World stand at which passers-by gathered to watch a hermit crab scuttling round a slowly somersaulting starfish. Organisations were well represented, with Unison Scotland collecting signatures for its petition calling for improved pay and conditions for nursery nurses. Meanwhile, stalls selling toys, books and equipment carried on a brisk trade.
There were large sums of money changing hands behind the scenes, too. SINA members have been fundraising for a charity for children with a disfiguring genetic skin condition, the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (Debra), since 1999. At the Exhibition they handed over a cheque for 15,345 to the charity. Charlotte Kelly, the owner of the individual nursery which raised the most cash - Kirktonholme Nursery in East Kilbride, which raked in more than 2,000 - was presented with a 100 prize by Nursery World editor Liz Roberts.
There was also a dash of celebrity with an appearance by Gary Lineker. Schools who submit artwork to an internet gallery run by Walkers Crisps, WalkersShowcase, by 31 October will have a chance to win a visit from the famous footballer.
* The London Under 12s Exhibition takes place at the Business Design Centre in Islington from 5 to 7 October. Entrance is free. For details see the website www.under12s.co.uk.
