Professionals Working with Young Children: Or Just Anybody?

A Joint Event – ECSDN & TACTYC

Catering will be provided and we will be in touch to confirm any dietary requirements or additional needs

Travel

Full venue address: 
Building L22 Room 110.
University of Reading
London Road Campus
4 Redlands Road
Reading
RG1 5AQ

Public Transport:
It is best to travel by train to Reading station, which is then a 15 minute walk from the station. Unfortunately it is not possible to travel by bus , but taxis are available if required.

Driving:
Parking is at a premium but if you do need to drive, then you will need to apply for a permit in advance of arriving, although even with this will not guarantee a parking space.
If you would like to apply for a permit, please email: Admin@ecsdn.org with you registration number and we will pass your details on to the Symposium Office.

Agenda / Schedule
10.30:Registration

11.00: Introduction to the Symposium and Housekeeping
Helen Bilton – Symposium Convenor, Professor of Outdoor Learning, University of Reading
Nancy Stewart – Chair, TACTYC
Carolyn Silberfeld – Chair/Director, ECSDN

11.20: Introduction to the Current Situation: Setting the Scene
Helen Moylett Delphi Discussion Questions: What is happening? Why does it matter?

11:30: First group discussion in pairs – 2/3 main points to take forward

11:45: Second group discussion – 4/6 main points to take forward

12:10: Third group discussion – with the aim of compiling/refining main points

13:00: Lunch

13.45: Fourth group discussion, in two groups, of the main points
What issues should be taken forward?
How should they be taken forward?

14.30: Plenary – Chaired by Professor Cathy Nutbrown
What are the key messages to be taken forward?
How do we take it forward?
Who will take it forward?
Timetable of actions
Briefing paper

16.00: Close

Modified Delphi Technique for the Symposium
The Delphi Technique has been described as a ‘method for structuring a group communication process so that the process is effective in allowing a group of individuals, as a whole, to deal with a complex problem’. (Linstone and Turoff, 1975: 3)

The technique is an iterative process and aims to get a broad range of opinions, allowing everyone to contribute many ideas for others to discuss and reflect upon.
This usually involves gathering feedback from knowledgeable experts over multiple rounds in order to clarify and expand on an issue/issues, with the aim of arriving at a consensus. The technique is used differently depending on the context and situation.

For this symposium we will use multiple rounds of group discussions, with the size of the group increasing with each round.

• We will explore the causes and implications of the current situation in the early years and how these impact on children.
• Key themes emerging from focused discussions will form the basis for a briefing paper aimed at clear recommendations for policy makers and leaders in early childhood.

The first rounds of discussion in the morning will address the following questions:

• What is happening?
• Why does it matter?

The first discussion will be in groups of 2/3 who will identify 2/3 main points.

These will be taken forward to the second group discussions of 4/6 participants, who will decide on 4/6 main points.

The third group discussions of 12/18 participants will aim to compile and refine the main points, in preparation for the afternoon discussions.

Throughout the process, notes of the discussion will be taken by each group to inform the following rounds of discussions, the plenary session and the resulting briefing/position paper.
Reference: Linstone, H. A. and Turoff, M. (1975). Delphi Method: Techniques and Applications. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers.

Delegate Fees & Booking
£20 – Booking is Via Eventbrite