The Power of Connection: How Key Person Relationships Support Participation, Inclusion and Engagement in Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare

When

May 28, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Bookings

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Event Type

Webinar description

This webinar explores the central role of strong, nurturing relationships in supporting children’s participation, wellbeing, and inclusion in Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare. It examines the key person approach, the importance of natural attachments, and the impact of “one good adult” on a child’s sense of safety and belonging. Drawing on participation frameworks such as Lundy’s model and inclusive practices like the My Inclusion Plan, it highlights how children’s voices can be supported through reflective practice, slow relational pedagogy, and responsiveness to individual needs. Using practical examples, it shows how meaningful connections help every child feel loved, included, able to participate, and thrive.

Presenting on the night :

Claire Butterly National Coordinator, LINC Programme
With a strong academic background and practice experience in early childhood education and care, Claire is deeply committed to advancing inclusion and professional development with the sector. She holds a Master of Arts in Child, Youth and Family Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Care programme, both from IT Carlow and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mentoring, Management and Leadership from TU Dublin. Claire is in the final stages of her PhD through the Department of Reflective Pedagogy and Early Childhood Studies. Her research explores the recruitment, role, and function of educators funded under the Access and Inclusion Model.
Claire’s career spans a wide range of roles in early childhood settings, being an Early Years Quality Mentor and a tutor in early childhood education and care programmes. From 2016 to 2021, Claire contributed to the LINC programme as a tutor, and later took on the role of Lead Content Developer and LINC+ CPD programme tutor from 2021 to 2022. Claire’s further interests include the development and professionalisation of the early childhood sector, early childhood inclusion, and amplifying the voices of students and educators in shaping policy and practice. Her work is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and effective early childhood education and care system that meets the diverse needs of children, educators, and families across the country.
Valerie Gaynor – Early Years Practice Development Trainer, Barnardos

Valerie is an experienced Early Years and School Aged Service Manager involved in training and lecturing Early Years Professionals for many years. Valerie has completed a BA (hons in ECEC) and Masters in Child Family and Communities studies and LINC. She also has qualifications in business management as well as training and development. Her passion for Early years is focused on how every adult can make a difference in a child’s life and how we as educators can improve outcomes for children by listening to children and meeting them in this moment at the development stage they are currently in. Valerie is an advocate for children’s participatory rights as active citizens in all that affects them. She also believes that working closely with the child’s family is hugely beneficial to all.

Once you book your place, Barnardos Training team will send you a zoom link a few days prior to the webinar.

Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance for this webinar once the feedback survey is completed following the event.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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