What does a high-quality early years environment look, feel and sound like through the eyes of a baby or toddler or young child?
This webinar will explore the key features of quality provision for children from birth to three. Participants will consider the importance of creating low stress environments that support children to feel safe and secure. They will also examine how thoughtful pedagogical organisation can create the optimal conditions where children are ready to explore and learn.
The session will encourage educators to look at everyday environments from the perspective of the child. Alongside research and theory, participants will explore simple, practical examples that can be introduced into everyday practice without requiring major changes, additional space or expensive resources. The webinar will support educators to reflect on their own environments and recognise how small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference to babies’, toddlers’ and young childrens’ experiences, wellbeing, learning and development.
Presenting on the night :
Dr Geraldine French is recently retired from the position of Associate Professor, Head of School of Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education, Programme Chair of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. Geraldine is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA). In the context of early childhood education and care Geraldine has published on quality professional practice, supporting early language, literacy and numeracy and nurturing babies’ learning and development. Her most recent research includes coining the concept of ‘slow relational pedagogy’, leading the literature review to update Aistear and from an early childhood perspective leading the literature review for the revised national Literary, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy. She is a member of the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Steering Group.
Jolene Níg Uidhir – Early Years Specialist, National Childhood Network
Jolene is an Early Years Specialist with National Childhood Network (NCN), where her diverse role includes supporting Quality Mentors within the cross-border PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project. With a background in early years leadership and creative development across crèche and preschool settings, she has a particular passion for creating equitable, thoughtfully planned environments that support babies’ development, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Inspired by Malaguzzi’s concept of the environment as the “third teacher,” Jolene believes quality is shaped not only by the physical space, but by the relationships and atmosphere surrounding babies, families and educators. She recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Quality Pedagogy and Outdoor Learning and brings practical, everyday insights to supporting quality early years practice.
Kathleen Nugent – National Childhood Network
Kathleen has been part of the National Childhood Network team for eight years, holding a shared role as Family Home Visitor and Team Lead with Lifestart The Growing Child Programme, alongside her work as an Early Years Quality Support Specialist for Birth to Three.
A former teacher with a specialism in early years she has extensive knowledge and understanding of child development in the early years; Kathleen is passionate about supporting young children and their families. As a Therapeutic Play Practitioner, she has a particular interest in promoting the emotional expression, wellbeing and healthy development of babies, toddlers and young children.
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!