#conference25foundationlearning
13 March 2025
10am – 3.30pm (Registrations start at 9:30am)
Canolfan Medrus, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3BY
Suitable for: Cylch Meithrin and day nursery practitioners, Mudiad Meithrin staff, foundation learning teachers and early years advisory teachers, CWLWM members and nursery education sector colleagues.
Join us at our special conference in Aberystwyth. Following the success of our previous conferences in north and south Wales, this year we are holding our conference in mid Wales. Join us for a day where leading experts, educators and practitioners come together to explore the latest in early childhood education.
The day will start with our guest speaker:
In his presentation, Connor will discuss the Belonging developmental pathway. He will explore what belonging looks like; how we can develop each child’s sense of belonging, and how important it is for young children to feel that they belong.
After the keynote speech there will be an opportunity to join two workshops. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in each workshop. The workshops available are:
‘The impact of belonging’ (English)
A personal, interactive workshop exploring the question ‘What does it mean to belong?’
Looking at the positive and negative effects of belonging, collectively we’ll build a conclusion to the question, ‘What does it mean to belong?’, and discuss why belonging is so important and crucial for both children and adults.
‘Belonging through connection, nature and self-regulation’ (Welsh with simultaneous translation) – in their workshops, Nia and Nia from the company ‘Y Pethau Bychain’ will :
- Look at what belonging means
- Learn how self-regulation and nature support young children’s mental health
- Explore how belonging promotes equity, equality, and cultural awareness for children with ALN and children from diverse backgrounds
- Provide participants with practical strategies to use in their settings.
‘Let’s Celebrate’ (Welsh with simultaneous translation) with Helen Roberts – following the success of the original publication by Helen Roberts and Mudiad Meithrin’s Foundation Learning Team, we have updated this popular resource to align with the curriculum for funded non-maintained nursery settings and the developmental pathways. In her workshop, Helen will explore how to introduce young children to different religions and cultures in an authentic, non-tokenistic way. The new resource will be launched during this workshop.
After lunch, there will be the opportunity to take part in one more workshop.
To close the day, Molly Necrews from Wibli Wobli Day Nursery will be sharing with us how she prioritises the well-being and mental health of her staff. The presentation will explore strategies on how to support and foster staff mental health and wellbeing, creating a positive, sustainable and nurturing work environment.
The whole day is free! We look forward to welcoming you at Aberystwyth.
