Newsletter
Issue 2 - January 2024
Dear all
We hope you are enjoying the start to the semester. We are delighted to share a message of welcome for this week’s newsletter, particularly on the day of the ECSDN research conference, with so many wonderful projects and papers shared throughout the day.
The Policy, Lobbying and Advocacy Strategy Group have been busy developing our advocacy project, which has some exciting announcements to make soon. We are just awaiting one final seal of approval and then we will be sharing more details about how you can be involved in the implementation and evaluation stages of our advocacy resources. If you attended the workshops last year, we will be contacting you directly about this, but if you didn’t and would like more information, please do get in touch.
Finally, please do explore the newsletter, which has some important links to current opportunities. We would particularly like to highlight the information shared from the Association of Infant Mental Health (AiMH), where they are offering student membership and access to some fantastic resources.
Best wishes
Helen and Emma
Co-Vice Chairs for the Policy, Lobbying and Advocacy Strategy Group
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Nourishing Our Future Conference – 15th March 2025
We are delighted to invite the members of ECSDN to join us at the Nourishing Our Future (NOF) Conference taking place on Saturday, 15th March 2025, at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Chelmsford Campus.
The NOF project, led by ARU and funded by Essex County Council Public Health, has explored the current food environment within early years settings across Essex, as well as the opportunities and barriers to providing healthy food and nutrition education. This conference marks the culmination of our research, an initiative that is the first of its kind in Essex to address these vital issues, and one of the first in the country.
Across the day there will be opportunities to hear from leading experts, advocates and policy makers in the field of food and nutrition as well as early childhood. In the afternoon you can get involved in discussions and collaborate at a variety of workshops, network with a range of organisations and individuals who support and advise on healthy eating, as well as enjoy a free lunch courtesy of Nursery Kitchen.
At the conference we are excited to give you the opportunity to visit the incredible NOF gallery, displaying over 650 photos of food and food education activities that have been shared by 50 of the settings who took part in stage two of the project. This is the first time that visual representations of what children are eating in their early years have ever been collected at this scale. We’d love to hear your thoughts about a ‘Typical Day on Our Plate’.
Ahead of the conference we are delighted to share with you some of the project headlines through the attached NOF Interim Report. If you’re able to attend on the day, we’ll be pleased to provide you with the full published and printed NOF Project Report, alternatively these will be available electronically for you afterwards.
We sincerely hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring day. Thank you for your interest in supporting this important research into healthy eating in early years education, and we look forward to seeing you at this exciting event.
Please could we ask you to confirm your place by reply no later than Monday 3rd February, there is a QR booking code on the invite that can be used.
Details:
Date: Saturday 15th March
Location: Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ
Time: 10 am – 3pm
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions and follow us at #NOFEssexEY as we countdown to project completion in March! We hope to see you soon.
🥕 The Nourishing Our Future project team,
🥕 Researched by Anglia Ruskin University
🥕 Funded by Essex County Council Public Health.
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Vacancy with Pearson for BTEC - Higher Nationals - Early Childhood Education and Care (2019) - RQF - Senior External Examiner
In the role of Senior External Examiner, you will provide specialised expertise in interpreting specifications and ensuring standardisation within a Principal Subject Area (PSA). Your responsibilities will include monitoring assessment practices and internal verification across various programs within your PSA, with the goal of reporting on national standards across centres and relevant frameworks.
Please follow the link below for further information
Closing date is 31st January 2025 at midnight
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Introduction to AiMH UK & Student Membership
AiMH UK offers a discounted membership for students in psychology, social work, education, early childhood studies, or related fields. AiMH UK is committed to supporting academic and professional growth for those passionate about early childhood development and infant mental health.
Key membership points:
• Affordable Membership: Annual fee of £30.
• Access to Resources: Expert insights, articles, books, factsheets, and CPD soundbites on infant mental health.
• Networking Opportunities: Connections with professionals and peers.
• Learning Events: Workshops and webinars to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Professional Development: Participation in the AiMH UK IMH CPD program, helping build a portfolio and access the UK Infant Mental Health Recognition Register.
A student flyer is attached to this email
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Please could Early Childhood Studies tutors share this survey with their students:
Exploring Early Childhood Studies students’ beliefs about mathematics
Call for participants
A £15 Amazon voucher will be given to any student who participates in the survey
and a follow-up interview.
Principal Investigator: Dr Leanne Gray
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There is a new publication out this week which has been written by Tanya Richardson, co-chair of ECSDN, alongside Julie Kent from Nottingham Trent University with chapter contributions from some of our members.
“The development of spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development in the EYFS. This book supports those studying the Early Years and Early Childhood to explore the wide range of issues and factors that impact on children’s communication and language development. In all chapters, students are supported to consider real life issues. A diverse range of case studies for learning highlight good practice and key challenges. Throughout, a practice-based focus supports EY students to link key theory with practice in settings.”
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