CPD Accredited (6 hours)

Providing a safe and trusting learning environment for a child can have a significant influence on their growth and development. By creating such environments, we can help children learn how to develop and maintain relationships that benefit them throughout their lives.

To create a safe environment, the relationship bonds between adult and young person are a fundamental starting point. Every child should have the same opportunities in early life and while this isn’t always possible, the development of positive relationships can give them the building blocks to achieve what may not otherwise have been possible. Without investing in those who need those connections the most, children can be at risk of being marginalised, labelled or excluded with significant lasting long-term effects on them as they develop.

At this engaging and thought-provoking event, we will hear from professionals in the fields of educational psychology, human rights and attachment, as well as sharing case studies of best practice in action. This event aims to fundamentally reshape the conversations we are having with children and how we engage with them.

Follow this link for agenda (subject to change)

Keynote speakers confirmed to date:

• Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland

• Robin Macpherson, Head of College, Robert Gordon’s College and Content Director, EduMod

• Douglas Hutchison, Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council

• Alison MacDonald, Chair, Scottish Attachment in Action Education Group

• Jennifer Knussen, Head Teacher, Pitteuchar East Primary School

• Maureen McAteer, Assistant Director, Barnardo's Scotland

• Eileen Prior, Executive Director, Connect (formerly SPTC)

• Charlene Tait, Deputy CEO, Scottish Autism

• John McDermott, Counselling Psychologist, Studio III

• Pattie Santelices, Lead Officer, Health and Wellbeing Team, City of Edinburgh Council

Chair:

• Elly Chapple, Founder of #flipthenarrative and CanDoELLA

Follow this link for speaker biographies

Discussions:

• What does a safe and nurturing school environment look like and how do we create it?

• How can we develop a truly multi-agency approach to children with complex needs?

• How can we adopt a whole school approach to improving attachment in the classroom?

• What role can positive relationships play in helping to address the attainment gap?

• Why the ACEs conversation needs to include looking at how we support children within settings as well, to have a whole view around their needs and development

• With the impact of Covid, how do we ensure we are re-connecting with families after the disruption children and families have had

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Red Harbour are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and the official advice from the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland with regards to the spread and containment of infection.

We will be following all relevant Scottish Government Covid guidelines at the time of the event, including ventilation in the venue, social distancing and the wearing of masks if appropriate. Hand sanitisers and/or antibacterial handwash will be available. For more information on the current official guidance, please refer to the Health Protection Scotland website - https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/#publications

In light of postponing this event from the original date of 5th May 2020, we held a free online live forum with Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland; Maureen McAteer, Assistant Director - Attainment, Barnardo's Scotland and Eileen Prior, Executive Director, Connect (formerly Scottish Parent Teacher Council) to ensure the return to school for children (and staff) is as positive, as possible. The discussion is available on our YouTube channel, Red Harbour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_vFGad6RuY