Whilst our understanding of the Curriculum in the EYFS strengthens with all the focus on what children learn, it is increasingly clear that there is a need for a more considered understanding of how young children learn, and the adult’s role in encouraging that process.  Our role in recognising and supporting a child’s learning behaviours is now more than ever of key importance, as we see young children’s needs and capabilities changing. The highly acclaimed Early Years specialist Jan Dubiel, will be helping us investigate these themes through his keynote speech on the ways in which young children are responsive to learning, and what the adult may need to focus upon, and plan for, to encourage that further.  A menu of workshops will explore these concepts in greater detail and give delegates some practical ideas and strategies to take back into practice.  The Times Educational Supplement has cited Jan as  ‘one of the most influential people in British Education’ and we are really fortunate to be able to welcome him in-person to Coventry & Warwickshire, to support our critical work with children and families.

Keynote Speech:  

Exploring Learning Behaviours in the Early Years - Jan Dubiel

As our understanding of the Curriculum in the EYFS grows and evolves, it is becoming increasingly clear that within the necessity for progression and depth is a need for understanding and supporting how learning is enabled and utilised.  The Statutory Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) provide a broad framework for shaping the ‘how’ as well as ‘what’ children learn and the way in which this nurtures their development as effective learners. Additionally the OFSTED document (‘Best Start in life part1: Setting the scene’) identifies how key elements of Cognitive development such as  Executive Function, Meta cognition, cognitive flexibility and working memory are vital in establishing effective conditions in which learners will flourish. Equally, the importance of Emotional Literacy and Wellbeing are critical prerequisites in ensuring that children are both able to understand and manage their emotions as well as develop a sense of empathy and responsibility.   In his keynote, Jan Dubiel will explore the importance that Learning Behaviours play in children’s learning, knowledge acquisition and intellectual development, and how they effect a vital role in providing both a context and purpose for the ‘what’ children learn.  Drawing on current research findings he will provide practical advice and guidance on how Learning Behaviours can be identified and supported in EYFS Provision. Critically, this is not about adding extra workload to the dimensions of EYFS practice but rather foregrounding the importance of Learning Behaviours and ‘switching the lens’ by which we observe children’s activity.

Workshops:

All delegates will attend Jan Dubiel’s workshop (1 - Identifying and Deepening Learning Behaviours in EYFS provision) and can choose an additional workshop from the menu below (numbers 2-4)

1) Identifying and Deepening Learning Behaviours in EYFS provision – Jan Dubiel 

Following on from the themes in Jan’s keynote speech, this workshop will provide an opportunity for EY practitioners to reflect on their own practice and approaches, using exemplification and discussion to further explore how Learning Behaviours can be identified, facilitated and deepened in EYFS Provision.

2) Learning Behaviours Principle into Practice – Rachel Gillett (Kenilworth & Whitnash Maintained Nursery School Federation)

A workshop to share examples of the ways in which two schools have ‘shifted the lens.’ Using and applying learning behaviour research,  sharing the research with staff and parents and  integrating this new focus into practice via planning and observation.

3) Empowering Spaces – Matt Shaw (Whitnash Nursery School)

A workshop looking at how you can set up a model environment to allow children to engage in deep level exploration and practice all learning behaviours. Learn how to create truly inclusive spaces that give children more creative choices and meet every child at every level. 

4) Language for Learning– Liz Bale (Coventry LA) & Nicci Burton (Atherstone & Bedworth Heath Maintained Nursery School Federation)

A workshop that will focus on the role of the educator in supporting language for learning. We will delve into sharing the research of why language is vital, offer strategies educators can use in their settings and link those to the keynote focus of learning behaviours.

This event is open to all Early Years Practitioners and Childminders.

Numbers for the event will be capped due to venue capacity, so please do bear this in mind when booking tickets and we would strongly advise booking early.

We have special rates for multiple bookings – ticket prices are as follows:

£75 for a single ticket

£120 for 2 tickets

£150 for a team ticket – up to 5 people.

The ticket price for all of the above includes lunch and refreshments

  Full Conference Timings:

09.15-09.45       Sign-in & tea/coffee on arrival

09.45-09.50      Seating

09.50-09.55      Welcome

09.55-10.55      Keynote

10.55-11.10       Questions

11.10-11.30       Break (tea/coffee)

11.30-12.30       Workshop 1

12.30-13.15     LUNCH

13.15-14.15       Workshop 2

14.15-14.25       Movement back to tiered hall

14.25-14.30      Evaluation

14.30-14.50      Reflection session

14.50-15.00      Conference close 

The WEYH team are available to answer any questions should you require any further information

E: admin.wey@welearn365.com T: 07795 367337.

More about Jan Dubiel:

Jan Dubiel is a nationally and internationally recognised specialist in Early Childhood Education. He was recently identified by the Times Educational Supplement as one of the ten most influential people in British education.

Having trained as an Early Years specialist, Jan worked as a Nursery, Reception and Year 1 teacher and Senior Leader. Following roles as an Early Years Consultant and Senior Adviser, he was appointed by the then Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to lead on the management of the (Early Years) Foundation Stage Profile, and had national responsibility for its implementation and moderation, developing guidance and support materials and working at a strategic level with policy makers. Recently he was the Head of National and International Development at Early Excellence where he was responsible for developing EExBA, used by 12,000 schools as a Baseline Assessment, EExAT, a Birth to 7 tracking system and EExAQ, an international qualification for Kindergarten teachers. 

He has also been Director of Early Years for AISL Harrow International schools and Bilingual Kindergartens and works as  project director for hey! at Coram Hempsall’s

Jan has developed a national and international reputation as a conference speaker, consultant and trainer and he has written widely on different aspects of Early Years policy, pedagogy and practice. His first book “Effective Assessment in the EYFS” was published by SAGE in 2014.