NATIONALLY and internationally recognised figures in the world of early years education will share their wisdom at a virtual summit this month to help ensure children in St Helens get off to the best possible start in life.

Organised by St Helens Borough Council, the five-day long interactive conference has been arranged to help anyone working in early years education, including teachers, nursery practitioners and childminders.

It aims to broaden their knowledge in key areas including phonics and mathematics, as well as looking at communication and language, play, and the principle of the unique child.

Taking place between January 18-22 , the conference, titled ‘Bright Futures’ to reflect St Helens Borough Council’s priority of ensuring all children have a positive start in life, will feature some of the country’s most influential early years professionals, including Jan Dubiel, Professor Julie Fisher and Dr Mine Conkbayir.

It follows on from a successful event last year which focused on ‘closing the gap’ in outcomes for children.

Also speaking at the conference is primary school teacher Lee Parkinson - better known as ‘ICT with Mr P’ - who has more than 62,000 followers on social media photo and video sharing service, Instagram.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, said: “Here in St Helens Borough we’re lucky to have so many dedicated early years teachers, nursery staff and childminders who are dedicated to helping our children and young people get the best start in life. Through events like this and our ongoing support for settings we want to help them explore new ideas, broaden their knowledge and improve practice for the benefit of children and families.

"Although lockdown prevents us from bringing people together face-to-face, we hope the online format will help those who register to attend more sessions, fitting around their busy schedules and the additional demands that we know COVID-19 is placing on them. I would encourage anyone who works with young children to check out the agenda and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and thought-provoking event."

Concessions for this event are available to registered childminders, nursery settings, schools and local authority employees.

For more information, go to sthelens.gov.uk/EYHUBSummit

To book your place, visit trybooking.com/uk/book/sessions?eid=15438&embed=true