Chester to host international conference for early years education
The University of Chester has collaborated with International Early Years (IEY), to bring the organisation’s international conference to the North West for the first time.
‘The Business of Early Childhood’ conference, to be hosted by the University at its Warrington Campus on July 3, will explore international perspectives on early childhood issues, bringing together leading thinkers, practitioners and academics from around the world.
The conference theme is based on a quote by Maria Kiwnuka, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, who said: “Investing directly in families and in children’s wellbeing is both a social and moral imperative, as well as an economically sound investment strategy for the future.”
Vicki Silver, Senior Lecturer Academic and Professional Programmes at the University’s Faculty of Education and Children’s Services, explains: “This quote perfectly embodies what this conference is all about. If we don’t invest in our young children, we put the future of the planet in jeopardy.
“This conference is about what matters most to young children now, and how we unleash their potential by establishing successful behavioural patterns that last for life.
“Our aim is to explore the creative approaches taken by other countries, to link effective early childhood practices with the economics of business, to improve outcomes for all. The conference will also give us the opportunity to establish dynamic networks and strong connections with colleagues around the world.”
IEY offers professional support to early childhood learning, education and care leaders and practitioners working across early childhood services, both nationally and internationally. IEY Director Pam Mundy, who is chairing the event, said: “The conference is inspired by the work of our keynote speaker, Dr Sara Watson, who is the National Director of the US-based organisation ReadyNation, which aims to improve the economy and business through effective investments in children and youth. It enables us to share research and best practice to help us solve problems and forge ahead with new ideas on early childhood learning and care.”
Other speakers include Sue Egersdorff, Founding Director of International Early Years; Sam Piper – Dale Carnegie Training; June O’Sullivan MBE – CEO, London Early Years Foundation; Dr Eunice Lumsden, Head of Early Years at the University of Northampton.
Business and education leaders, academic scholars and early childhood practitioners from the public and private sectors are invited to attend the conference. For more information and to book a place, visit www.chester.ac.uk/businessofchildhood
