Conference presented by: Bath and North East Somerset and Bristol City Councils
Located at Bristol Templemeads Passenger Shed on February 5th 2015.

'Powerful Environments for Early Learning'
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Ferre Laevers, Julia Moon and Judith Twani

A report by Jayne Leaver, an EYITT trainee in Exeter:
“I was delighted when I received an email from Joanna Poole at Best Practice Network with details of the Enabling Environments conference in Bristol. I have been interested in hearing Dr. Laevers speak for a while and was pleased that I did not have to travel too far. I joined over 300 other delegates and we were inspired, amused and informed.

Dr. Laevers gave a very thought provoking talk on the required provision for deep level learning. He explored the role of wellbeing, developing a powerful learning environment and the use of Leuven scales in assessment. He spoke about the connection between childhood wellbeing and involvement and adult emotional health and the need to provide a rich environment that stimulates and stretches children and promotes exploration and independence.

Julia Moon spoke of her experience in using the Leuvens scales in her classroom and how she colour coded the wellbeing and involvement of each of her pupils. She spoke of one little boy who was difficult to engage in class activities and who always seemed devoid of expression. The child’s adoptive parents were at a loss as to the reason for this. Julia sensitively drew out that the boy held a fear that his father was going to sell him. Once his parents were informed and he had been reassured, he began to exhibit signs of involvement and wellbeing. We were shown a video of the little boy and sure enough the difference before and after was remarkable.

Judith Twani expanded on the elements required to provide an environment that supports wellbeing and involvement. She showed us photographs of her influence in settings where she had been asked to assist teachers struggling with their working environments. Some teachers needed help with classroom layout or organising classroom resources to be more conducive to learning. Others required advice on how to make the most of the environment in particular learning areas. She also spoke about the need for practitioners to be flexible in their planning and follow children’s interests.

Within the venue there was also an area that held a virtual Early Years setting and this supplied practitioners with lots of ideas and inspiration.

Altogether it was an excellent day that has given me much food for thought and ideas that I can put into practice in my own setting.”