Getting the Foundation Right: Early Childhood Education in Scotland

Wednesday 21st January 2009, Edinburgh, venue to be confirmed 

Conference in partnership with University of Stirling

International Speaker: Dr John Bennett, co-author of OECD Studies 'Starting Strong I' and 'Starting Strong II'

There is international recognition that the early years, 3 to 6 years, is a distinct phase of education rather than simply a preparation for school.  The potential of children to become successful learners and confident individuals can be directly linked to early education experiences. Research suggests that quality pre-school experiences improve intellectual, social/behavioural development - significantly so for disadvantaged children - and that pre-school provides an effective means of early intervention in SEN. 

The most successful European societies and economies are those that invest heavily in early childhood education - countries where professionals working in the sector are highly qualified and highly valued and where formal learning begins later. 

As part of the development of a Curriculum for Excellence, the pre-school and early years of primary is now presented together as one educational level.  This represents a radical step for Scotland's education system and a major challenge for policy makers and practitioners.

This one-day policy conference will look at how the new "early level" stage in Scotland is developing - from both a practical and pedagogical perspective. It will ask whether investment in early childhood education will match the ambition and look at what Scotland can learn from comparable countries.

An essential conference for policy makers, policy advisers, teachers, Head teachers, early year's professionals and politicians and local and national level.

  In Partnership with

Standard Rate - £250.00 + VAT
local authorities, public and private sector organisations
Reduced Rate - £210.00 + VAT
trade unions, professional associations & registered charities with income more than one million pounds
Supported Rate - £115.00 + VAT
academics, parliamentary researchers, voluntary sector and registered charities with income less than one million pounds and community organisations
Conference Papers Only - £75.00 + VAT

Teachers and Schools Rate - £170.00 + VAT