Venue:
The focus of this session will be on Supporting Children with Additional Needs, featuring:
Cindy Jenkins, Playgroup Manager at SNAP, for an inspiring talk on supporting preschool children with additional and complex needs. Since 1993, SNAP has been dedicated to providing practical and creative support to empower children to express their needs, discover their potential, and thrive through the power of play. In this session, Cindy will explore the transformative journey of both parents and children through a programme of safe, engaging, and stimulating play, while learning how to enable children to reach their full potential and empower families to understand their child’s behaviour and needs. Join Cindy to learn how SNAP is changing lives and discover how you can support children and families in your own community!
David Goodger, CEO of Early Years Wales, for an insightful session on Rethinking Early Childhood: Brains and Bonds, exploring the vital connections between early brain development and attachment. In this talk, Dave will delve into the fascinating world of how nurturing relationships and trauma-informed care significantly influence children's emotional and cognitive growth. Gain practical strategies to promote secure attachments within your settings, deepen your understanding of child behaviour, and enhance wellbeing and holistic development during these formative early years.
Doug Melia, CEO of Safer-handling, for an essential session on 'Kindergarten SOP' – Safe Operating Practices. Join Doug to explore the critical topic of holding and handling within early years settings, helping you identify potential risks and ensure staff act appropriately and proportionately. This session will define what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate responses in early childhood environments, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to create a safe, supportive atmosphere for both children and staff.
Meet Gina Bale, a passionate educator with a rich background in movement and creative dance. As the driving force behind the Littlemagictrain, she creates immersive, multi-sensory experiences that spark imagination, movement, and learning.
Gina believes that every child should have the opportunity to explore, play, and grow—no matter their abilities. Littlemagictrain resources are carefully crafted to support sensory integration, using rhythm and balance to help children regulate their responses to the world around them.
In this session, Gina will take you on an exciting time-travel adventure—back to the land of the dinosaurs! Get ready to stomp, roar, and discover prehistoric wonders as we bring learning to life through movement and play.
Hold onto your explorer hats—it's going to be roar-some!
Olive Hickmott, Forensic Health and Learning Coach, and founder of Empowering Learning, for an eye-opening session on supporting neurodivergent children. Olive will focus on looking beyond diagnoses to help children harness their creative strengths and transform limiting symptoms. She will explore how the visual sense – the fastest learning system – plays a key role in how young children learn and develop. Discover how you can support children in using their visual recall and imagination to unlock their full potential.
In addition to these insightful sessions, we will have a variety of marketplace stands offering valuable information and support, including the Carmarthenshire ALN team, Family Information Services, and Safer Handling.
Come and meet our West Wales Team and discover how Early Years Wales can support you in your role.
£20 per person.
If you would like to join, please click on Register to secure your place. Please complete the form with the name and contact details for the person attending.
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Language
This event will be delivered through the medium of English.