Thousands of early years practitioners descended on Manchester's G-Mex centre on 6 and 7 May for this year's Early Years and Primary Teaching Exhibition, sponsored by Nursery World and the TES.
There was a record-breaking array of more than 150 exhibitors, including all the well-known names and some interesting newcomers, and those attending had their pick of the latest resources, often at discount prices.
RM and TTS joined forces to promote the Bee-Bot, a programmable floor robot. Marketing director Peter Ellse said, 'Children are drawn to it, and there will be a number of extension materials so that the Bee-Bot can be used all over the nursery. It's good for all areas except the sandpit!'
Handmade Furniture introduced 'Still Roamin' - a series of miniature and playhouse-sized caravans, made to order to offer an intriguing alternative to a dolls' house or fortress.
Newcomer Play & Learn displayed a set of eye-catching wall mountable wooden toys, and a large range of all-weather buggies and outdoor toys, as well as handy stackable cots.
East-West Education, a charity that sends money to disadvantaged young people in India, showed a variety of ethnic costumes for dolls and for children, as well as story packs and classroom display cloths.
Both Hays Early Years and Hand Made Places were making debut appearances at the Manchester show. Hays showcased its specialist recruitment services and also held a free prize draw. Hand Made Places had a busy time, taking many orders on its handcrafted outdoor structures, with a special 10 per cent show discount.
The seminars were as popular as ever, and Dr Mark Biddiss delivered a number of lively and engaging presentations on how to teach maths and science to young children. Stephen King of Community Playthings was on hand to talk about the art of creating appropriate learning spaces, as well as to support the ever-popular Community Playthings stand, even jumping on the tables to prove their strength!
On top of all this there were free workshops in the Workshop Zone on both days, with lively interactive sessions from exhibitors Berol, Artis and Puppets by Post.
For more information on forthcoming Early Years and Primary Teaching Exhibitions in your area, visit www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk.
