The sixth evening in our expert Knowledge Makes Change seminar series featured Dr David Whitebread, University of Cambridge, and Barbara Isaacs from Montessori International, discussing the relationship between Pedagogy and Play in Early Years practice.
The Knowledge Makes Change seminar series aims to inspire and be informative on ‘what works’ for young children and their families to ensure the best possible outcomes. It forms part of NCB’s work in Jersey and is delivered in partnership with the Jersey Child Care Trust.
Dr. David Whitebread recently retired as Acting Director (External Relations) of the Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL) research centre at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, UK. He is a developmental psychologist who is widely recognized as a leading international expert in early childhood education. He has taught in early years and primary schools, and has published widely in academic journals, book chapters, and reports, including Developmental Psychology & Early Childhood Education (Sage, 2012) and "The importance of play: a report on the value of children’s play with a series of policy recommendations" (Toys Industries for Europe, 2012).
Barbara Isaacs has trained and supported training of Montessori Teachers for over 30 years as lecturer and academic director of Montessori Centre International. Her current role is Chief Education Officer at the Montessori St. Nicholas Charity where she is involved with course development and promotion of Montessori education with the UK and internationally. She is a regular contributor to Montessori International Magazine and Teach Early Years. For 15 years Barbara owned and managed a Montessori nursery in Oxfordshire. She is is committed to bringing Montessori education to children of the 21st Century whilst standing by the key principles of Montessori pedagogy.
Our session was also opened by the Jersey Association for Play, more familiarly known as JAP, which was first created in 2009 to provide a voice for the playwork sector in Jersey. Since its inception JAP has sought funding for several training opportunities for playworkers in Jersey including bringing Bristol Scrapstore to Jersey to increase our knowledge about Play Rangers and Dynamic Risk Assessments and also Meynell Games to provide inspiration to playworkers which supported children’s play opportunities. JAP is currently working with a local company to build a website and while this is being constructed interested practitioners can find information on play and research on a Facebook group called Jersey Child Care Practitioners Ideas Sharing Group, this group that has a growing following of nearly 700 professionals not just from Jersey but from around the world. For more information contact Tina Dewhurst at Kids Club, St Mary.
Slides from the evening can be found online along with our two briefing papers produced for the event: