Annual Conference
This year's conference proved an an
exciting opportunity to hear motivating speakers, including keynote
speaker Professor Tanya Byron. Professor Byron is a
clinical psychologist, journalist, author and broadcaster and
government advisor on child internet safety.
Technology was the central theme of her
entertaining and inspirational speech. "There is a digital and
generational divide," she said. "We are amazed; confused;
anxious at what children can do digitally. Unless we prepare
children for the risks in the online world as well as offline, we
are probably not doing as good a job as we should."
NCMA's Joint Chief Executives addressed
delegates, speaking about the Association's achievements over the
last year as well as plans for the future. Along with NCMA's new
Chair, Sue Davis, they thanked outgoing Chair Susanna Dawson for
her commitment to the organisation and presented her with a gift
and a bright bouquet of flowers. You can read a transcript of the
Joint Chief
Executives' speech from conference here.
Workshops
Following the morning sessions, delegates were
able to attend two workshops. In line with NCMA’s new strategy,
this
year’s workshops were particularly focused on continuing
professional development, with a fantastic range of subjects
including supporting children’s play; multi-sensory learning;
encouraging confidence in numbers; gender differences; and the
proposed changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Policy debate
Members gathered to debate the resolutions
proposed by their peers. The results of the policy debate are
available in MyNCMA.
Bargains galore
The ever-popular exhibitions boasted a
fantastic selection of children’s toys, books and resources, as
well as some favourite NCMA products at the NCMA membership stand.
Advice and information was also on hand from the NCMA Professionals
Standards team and HMRC.
Dancing the night away
The dinner dance was a real chance for celebration and the
opportunity for delegates to let their hair down after a busy day
of networking and debate. A delicious three-course meal preceded a
disco which saw everyone up and dancing.
You can see a selection of photos from the conference
here.