Events

The Art of Engagement: 16 Powerful Ways to Transform Children’s Play. A practical, hands-on day of playful pedagogy Some children leap into play. Others hover on the edges. They watch. They wait. They wander. They struggle to imagine, communicate or connect. As educators, our role isn’t to take over children’s play, it’s to know exactly when and how to step in, enrich it and gently step back again. It is also about us knowing when to offer structure, adult initiated ideas and teaching moments. During the day we will explore, practice and develop techniques including:-

• Teacher in Role; Hot Seating; Mantle of the Expert; Conscience Alley; Pole Bridging; The Power of Possibility; Sustained Shared Thinking; Circle View; Wonder Wall; Fishbowl

Leave with 16 practical techniques, greater confidence in your interactions and a fresh understanding of how small changes in adult practice can transform the quality of children’s play, thinking and learning. Bring your own lunch  – Teas and coffees will be provided. Venue – Church hall, Immaculate Conception, 2049 Maryhill Rd, Glasgow G20 0AA

Saturday 3rd October – 9.30am – 1pm Coventry Building Society Arena This gathering brings together a small number or nurseries form across the UK who ar reimaging what early childhood can be for children, families, and educators. Through keynote talks, shared practice, visual provocations, and honest conversation, the event offers a glimpse into approaches rooted in creativity, community, play, nature, relationships and lived values. Rather than presenting a single “right way” , the day invites reflection, curiosity and inspiration, encouraging educators to take away ideas that genuinely resonate with their own settings and practice. A thoughtful and hopeful coming together for those who believe early years can be both richly human and transformational. Hosted by Alice Sharp and Marie Richardson Speakers

• Jackie Warren – CEO of the charity Growing Places
• Carlie Powell – Head of Nurseries at Growing Places
• Mandy and Tom Richardson – Naturally Learning, Cornwall
• Liz Ludden – co founder Ready Generations and The Nursery in Belong, Liverpool
• Charlotte Worthington – Ready Generation and The Nursery In belong, Liverpool
• Diane Koplewsky – CEO Sleepy Hallow , Northern Ireland
• Libby Leyshon – North Cornelly Playgroup, Wales
• Hayley Peacock – Educator
• Sophie Pallash  – Pedagogy Coach LEYF and London Institute
• Saudaa Nadat – Area Operations Manager LEYF and London Institute
• Sarah Sharpe – Poppins Daycare, Wales
• Ally Hobbs – Kids Planet, England, Wales and Ireland
• Karen Flynn – Kirktonholme Childcare, Scotland

Full details here –ChildcareExpo-Speakerspdf In partnership with Childcare Expo Sponsored by Hope Education

Scotland’s Summit for the Transformation of Childhood

Friday 19th & Saturday 20th February 2027 | Òran Mór, Glasgow

Future North is not just another conference, it’s a movement. Bringing together the brightest minds from education, neuroscience, creativity, business, sustainability and beyond, this two-day summit is designed to challenge thinking, inspire action and shape the future of childhood in Scotland.

Inspired by the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment, Future North creates a space where educators, leaders, innovators, artists and changemakers come together to ask bold questions, explore new possibilities and reimagine what childhood can become.

Whether you’re an early years practitioner, teacher, school leader, policymaker, entrepreneur or simply passionate about improving outcomes for children, Future North will leave you energised, informed and inspired.

Why attend?

Over two immersive days you’ll experience:

• Inspirational keynote speakers from Scotland and around the world
• Ground-breaking ideas from education, neuroscience and child development
• Practical strategies you can implement immediately
• Powerful discussions about the future of learning and play
• Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and sector leaders
• Fresh thinking that challenges assumptions and inspires meaningful change

This isn’t simply about improving practice today, it’s about designing the childhood Scotland wants for tomorrow.

Featuring internationally recognised speakers

Hear from an outstanding line-up of speakers including:

• Alice Sharp
• Dr June O’Sullivan OBE
• Bob Keiller CBE
• Pete Moorhouse
• Ben Kingston-Hughes
• Paul Rissman
• Lukas Ritson (Australia)
• Jennifer Kesseling (USA)

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

Early Bird Offer

Book now and save with our Early Bird rates:

£150 + VAT per day
£270 + VAT for both days

Join the conversation. Shape the future.

Future North is where ideas become action. Together we’ll inspire, imagine, ignite, innovate and influence the future of childhood for generations to come.

Secure your place today and be part of Scotland’s boldest conversation about children, learning and the future