The HE dept. for Early Years at the University Centre Doncaster (UCD) recently hosted the 12th Early Years Conference, ‘Inspiring Children’s Imagination’ at our new location The Hub, Doncaster College.
The conference was well attended by 120 practitioners across the local borough, and was proudly presented Trisha Lee from Makebelievearts as the key note speaker. She demonstrated her approach to story telling and story acting inspired by Vivan Gussin Paley – ‘The Helicopter Technique’. Delegates also attended workshops led by inspirational creative early years specialists – Rebecca Bell, Beat Goes On and Richard O’Neill.
Early Years students from the degree programmes run by UCD (BA Early Childhood Studies and FDA Children’s Learning and Development) joined with practitioners, teachers and setting leaders from the region to participate in the conference, sharing and developing our Community of Practice. Delegates had the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the day which included: story acting with Trisha Lee; taking an active role in the super hero investigation with Rebecca Bell and making music with Beat Goes On.
The practical, hands on approach from the workshop facilitators allowed practitioners to develop their confidence in using creative strategies to support, engage and inspire children within their practice. The EY conferences aim to bring together those passionate about Early Years and encourage innovative practice across the borough and to a wider audience.
DMBC sponsored practitioners from the Outstanding Providers Network to attend.
“This has totally inspired me to use story telling in a different way with the children I work with, it was an amazing day.”, KB EY practitioner, school based.
“UCD always deliver a fabulous day, I have never been disappointed and always go away buzzing. I can’t wait for the next one!”, KK Current FDA Student and practitioner in school.
The next EY conference is in on Saturday 28th April, 2018 with yet another timely and exciting focus Developing Children’s Physical Skills. The keynote speaker is the internationally recognised and acclaimed Sally Goddard Blythe. Early bird tickets will be available through Eventbrite from February.
If you’re interested in a career in Early Years, check out our courses!
FDA Early Childhood Development and Learning Practise
