Speakers
Keynote Speakers:
Penny Tassoni is an education consultant, author and trainer who specialises in the whole spectrum of learning and play. Penny began her career as an early years teacher, before training nursery nurses. She has also worked for a large daycare chain as their education and training manager.
Penny has written forty books many of which are core textbooks in the UK for training nursery nurses and early years teachers. In February 2013, she was asked to take on the role of President of the Professional Association of Early Years and Childcare - an organisation with over 35,000 members in the UK. Penny is a well known speaker and trainer. She regularly visits and supports nurseries and pre-schools which allows her to maintain regular contact with babies and young children. She also works regularly in Turkey but has supported nurseries in China, Dubai and Hong Kong. |
Penny Tassoni |
Kay Mathieson |
Dr Kay Mathieson has worked in early years and primary settings since 1981. This has included supporting children with additional needs, especially behaviour, and their families. She led the Early Years Inclusion Team in Croydon for 6 years. This particularly involved supporting private, voluntary and independent sector settings to develop more inclusive practice.
Kay also worked part time with the National Strategies as an Early Years Regional Advisor which complemented her work as an independent consultant. Kay's main areas of interest are, improving the quality of adult/child interactions, developing adult problem solving approaches to SEN and, especially behaviour issues. Her specific interest in children's social, emotional and behavioural learning has also led to focussing on the development of social competence in young children as part of her PhD research at University of Sussex; her doctorate was awarded in 2011 |
Workshop Hosts:
Penny Tassoni
Kay Matheison
Lisa Matthew: Play Mosaic
Joyanne Williamson: Independent speech and language therapist
Lesley Berrington: Hattie and Friends
Catherine Best: Best at Support Solutions
Katie Crompton: WSCC Early Childhood Service
Kay Matheison
Lisa Matthew: Play Mosaic
Joyanne Williamson: Independent speech and language therapist
Lesley Berrington: Hattie and Friends
Catherine Best: Best at Support Solutions
Katie Crompton: WSCC Early Childhood Service
Workshops
Penny Tassoni
Keynote: Supporting Children at risk of disadvantage I believe that childminders have a unique role in supporting children at risk of disadvantage. This keynote explores what 'lucky' children have and considers how using a strategic approach childminders can support children who are less fortunate.Be prepared for a thought provoking and challenging look at how we might work so that all children acquire the experiences, language and opportunities for stimulation that is necessary for later success. NB this will be relevant to all childcarers, not just childminders Workshop: Understanding how to support bilingual children Over the past few years, a growing number of children have arrived in early years settings and need to learn 'English from scratch'. In this workshop we look at the importance of children retaining their home language whilst developing English. We consider practical ways of supporting bilingual children and as well as some of the myths that surround bilingualism. Lisa Matthew PlayMosaic Lisa has worked in a variety of settings, managing a day nurseries and out of school clubs, as well as working abroad. She has worked as a Play Development Officer and development worker supporting voluntary sector groups with their policies and procedures. She also enjoys training and assessing early years staff and playworkers. Lisa studied for her Postgraduate Certificate in Play and Playwork and is passionate about learning and development. She is chair of Re:Play Play Association of the South East and is a director of PlayMosaic Ltd Workshop Details: Beach School The beach is a fantastic resource that changes through the seasons and provides unique learning opportunities. Even if your setting is not near the beach, during the workshop we will be looking at ways to bring the beach environment to your children. This introductory session will explore ideas,activities and resources to use as well as planning for future provision Catherine Best Certified Grief Recovery Specialist ® Best at Solutions (CIC) Workshop Details: Supporting children (and their families) through loss I believe children are very often the ‘forgotten’ factor, needing support to help them deal with separation, divorce, death of a person or pet and many other issues and losses that they encounter. Come and find out how to provide support with some very simple and sensible communication tools, that will make sure you never feel ‘lost for words’ again when a child tells you about a loss they have encountered.
Kim Pott Funky Feet Funky Feet Music have created award winning, early years music and movement resources. We offer the training and the know-how to inspire children to move meaningfully linking to all key learning area:- language and communication, physical development and personal social and emotional development linking to both physical and cognitive and development Workshop Details Learning through musical play Using a variety of music styles from around the world, this workshop will inspire a dough squeezing, toe tapping, foot stomping, thigh slapping, instrument playing, lycra pulling, parachute waving, bottom wriggling fun filled experience for both caregivers and children alike |
Kay Mathieson
Keynote: Do we need Superheroes to embed ‘British values’ in our practice? Our children often spend time playing games related to ‘superheroes’ this has been a feature of children’s play for generations. This keynote raises some possible explanations of why that might be and the role adults can play to make this a positive experience and embed ‘British Values’ in our practice. Workshop: Staying positive about children’s behaviour Why do children do the things they do? It seems that no matter what approach we use, conflicts and unwanted behaviour are still a feature of our days with children. This workshop explores our thinking about behaviour and offers practical suggestions. Workshop activities also support identifying child development issues that impact on young children’s learning about behaviour. Joyanne Williamson Bsc hons, HPC, RCSLT
Speech and Language Therapist Joyanne worked within Brighton and Hove NHS Speech and Language Therapy Services for 13 years, gaining experience in a wide range of areas. After having her second child she wanted to focus on providing therapy and support wherever the child needed it and with a more holistic approach, with the child at the centre. Joyanne is very grateful for the opportunities that working privately allows her and the inspiring children, parents and educators she has had the privilege to meet. Mandy Ruff Speech and Language Therapist Mandy qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1994 from City University. After spending a year working in rehabilitation with adults with acquired brain injury, she followed her interest in working with children, and has been a paediatric therapist for 22 years. Mandy has focused on working with children with complex acquired and developmental needs, spending 15 years working at The Children’s Trust at Tadworth, Surrey providing rehabilitation for children with brain injury. She currently works independently across Sussex, Surrey and Kent and is also the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill. She specialises in supporting early communication skills, developing augmentative and alternative communication systems and establishing safe eating and drinking. Workshop Details: Supporting children who have delayed speech and language development In this workshop we will be focusing on; * identification of children with delayed speech and language development. * strategies to use within and to develop your setting to help children with speech and language delay. * core resources that will build your skills in working with children with speech and language delay. Lesley Berrington
Hattie and Friends Lesley owned a group of Day Nurseries in Lincoln for 9 years. Following an Ofsted inspection at one of her Nurseries she was asked to reflect diversity more in nursery resources. After trying to find suitable books featuring disability she realised there was a definite gap in the market and Hattie was born! Workshop Details: An opportunity to explore ideas about inclusion for young children. This workshop explores our attitudes to inclusion and ideas on improvements we can all make |