Ten years after the launch of Children in Europe magazine this anniversary conference explores some of the key issues raised over the decade and their implications for the workforce. Leading international and UK experts will consider how services contribute to children's sense of belonging and connectedness with families and community. It will consider the skills and competences required by professionals, parents and communities to best develop the potential of the child during the formative years.
Key elements covered will include:
* Keynote contribution - Te Kopae Piripono, a Maori early childhood centre using whanau (extended family) to highlight family, place and belonging
* What research tells us about competences - Professor Claire Cameron, Department of Family and Community Studies, Anglia Ruskin University
* How the arts connect people, families and places - Joan Parr, Portfolio Manager for Education, Learning and Young People at Creative Scotland
* Closing keynote - Mira Kunstek, principal of a cluster kindergarten in Croatia, which will become the 28th member of the EU in 2013
* The best start for new professionals - panel discussion
* Breakout sessions: Reaching out to fathers, mothers and families, Whanau in practice, Core skills, developing workforce effectiveness and Using arts to connect people and communities.
Chaired by Linda Kinney, Assistant Chief Executive Stirling Council.
All delegates will receive a copy of the new issue of Children in Europe to be published September 201: Empowering children, parents and the workforce? The competency debate.
