0-3 Being Me in PKC

Target Audience - All ELCC

Provide an overview of the local and national policy and practice guidance which underpins working with children 0-3.  Explore how Realising the Ambition underpins high-quality practice (E.g. Attachments, Transitions, UNCRC, Schematic Play),  Share with you some practical examples of high-quality environments and experiences

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Date and Time: 15, 22 and 29 September 2022 - 6.00pm - 7.30pm 

                           19, 26 Jan and 2 February 2023 - 6.00pm - 7.30pm 

                            4, 11 and 18 May 2023 - 6.00pm - 7.30pm 

Course Presenters: Catriona Roberts and Sophie Lowe - Perth and Kinross Council 

Outcomes: Explore examples of planning for children.  Provide practitioners with a chance to network, discuss and share examples of good practice

Educating Boys

Target Audience: All early years staff

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Date and Time: 31 August 2022 - 3.30pm - 5.00pm 

Presenter: Margaret MacDuff - Perth and Kinross Council 

Aims and Outcomes: Raise awareness of differences in male and female brains.  Raise awareness of the impact brain differences can have on learning and development. Raise awareness of strategies that take account of gender differences to support learning and development. 

Introduction to Outdoor Learning

Target Audience - All ELC Staff, Support Workers, Practitioners, Lead Practitioners, Childminders

An introduction to play and learning in the outdoors, this course provides opportunities for recently qualified practitioners and those wishing to develop their confidence in delivering outdoor experiences through a Froebelian lens. We will provide a taste of some ‘take away’ experiences that can used in settings and relate these to current national practice guidance. This course has an inclusion focus and will offer advice and practical examples that will benefit children with additional support needs. 

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Date and Time:  30 August 2022 - 9.30am - 12.00pm 

                          13 September 2022 - 9.30am - 12.00pm 

                          16 May 2023 - 9.30am - 12.00pm 

                          30 May 2023 - 9.30am - 12.00pm 

Presenter: Sophie Lowe - Perth and Kinross Council 

Links to: Health and Social Care Standards 

1.10 I am supported to participate fully as a citizen in my local community in the way I want.

1.25 I can choose to have an active life and participate in a range of recreational, social, creative, physical and learning activities every day both indoor and out.

1.31 As a child, my social and physical skills, confidence , self-esteem and creativity are developed through a balance of organised and freely chosen extended play, including using open ended and natural materials.

2.24 I make informed choices and decisions about risks I take in my daily life and am encouraged to take positive risks which enhance the quality of my life.

Outcomes: An increased confidence in delivering outdoor play experiences for all learner.  Greater understanding of outdoor Froebelian practice.  An understanding of how policy and guidance relates to practice.

***Face to Face - Outdoors on the North Inch, Perth. Meet outside AK Bell's Sports Centre. Come dressed for the weather and bring a snack and a flask/cold drink.***

Loose Parts Play

Target Audience - All ELCC 

Raise awareness of the value of loose parts in children’s play.  Provide practical examples about loose parts play to those who work with children.  Advocate the use of loose parts as an approach to developing high quality play opportunities.  

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Date and Time:  20 September 2022 - 4.00pm - 5.30pm 

                            20 September 2022 - 6.30pm - 8.00pm 

                            26 January 2023 - 4.00pm - 5.30pm 

                            26 January 2023 - 6.30pm - 8.00pm 

                            2 May 2023 - 4.00pm - 5.30pm 

                            2 May 2023 - 6.30pm - 8.00pm 

Presenter: Pauline Linn, Shona O'Connor, Linda Reid and Leigh Fairlie - Perth and Kinross Council 

90minutes with a presentation to be viewed prior to attending

Outcomes: Understand the benefits of embedding the use of loose parts to enrich children’s play learning and development.  Ability to make connections with loose parts play and getting it right for every child.   

Risk in Play

Target Audience - All ELCC Staff Support Workers Practitioners Lead Practitioners Childminders

This is a virtual session that explores, our own play experiences while growing up. The session allows participants to be involved in discussions around a risk benefit approach and the importance of managing risk. There is the opportunity for discussion and the sharing of top tips around developing risk assessments with children. The course also looks at local and national guidance that support risk in play.

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Date and Time: 

Presenter: Shona O'Connor 

Outcomes: By the end of the course participants will have more knowledge and understanding about the risk benefit approach to play.  Participants will have opportunities to explore their values and thresholds to risk and reflect on this in their current practice.  Participants will have a greater understanding of the Risk-Benefit Approach and how this can be used to support practitioners to balance the benefits of an activity with any inherent risk, taking, into account the risks while recognising the benefits to children and young people. 

Introduction to Realising the Ambition

Target Audience: All ELC Staff Support Workers Practitioners Lead Practitioners Childminders

Increase practitioner knowledge and understanding of Realising the Ambition: Being Me National Practice Guidance. Provide an introduction to how the document can support practitioners in delivering what babies and young children need most to give children the best start in life.  Encourage own reading and reflection around the document and attend a virtual session to engage in professional dialogue. 

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Date and Time: 2 November 2022 - 4.00pm - 5.30pm 

                           2 November 2022 - 6.30pm - 8.00pm 

                           9 February 2023 - 4.00pm - 5.30pm 

                           9 February 2023 - 6.30pm - 8.00pm 

Presenter: Pauline Linn, Shona O'Connor and Linda Reid and Lee Fairlie - Perth and Kinross Council 

Outcomes: Increased ability to make links between practice, theory and policy guidance to reinforce aspects of high-quality provision and the critical role practitioners play.  Increased knowledge and understanding of how to use the practice guidance to self-reflect and improve quality

Learning through Play Phase 5 Action Research

Target Audience: Primary Staff

Supporting High Quality Play Experiences in Primary 1

Target Audience: Early childhood practitioners and support workers new to working in primary 1 classes.

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Date and Time: 23 August 2022 - 9.00am - 10.30am 

Presenter: Margaret MacDuff - Perth and Kinross Council