In conversation with Dr Lynn McNair and Professor Sally Peters

In this conversation we reflect on transitions journeys and on why transitions for young children, their families and the practitioners who work with them continue to matter, especially now. In discussing ‘which path to take’ we plan to draw on what we have learned about transitions practice, research and policy over the years. We consider what this might mean in our current contexts in terms of agency, wellbeing and learning through the three lenses of relationships, curriculum and pedagogy. The session will also invite participants to join the discussion and create opportunities for delegates to talk together.

Being Me, the refreshed national practice guidance for early years in Scotland

In this presentation, I will talk about the genesis of the refreshed national guidance and how it has been embraced with great enthusiasm by educators across Scotland. The strength of the guidance document lies in its innovative design and content; the imagery, the language used and the permission it gives to educators to embrace a holistic curriculum and play as pedagogy. I will argue that the transition to Realising the Ambition: Being Me strengthens the voice of the child; it sets out clearly their developmental journey and articulates what they need from us in terms of quality to grow and develop. The presentation will cite data from a small scale study to demonstrate that Realising the Ambition: Being Me has provided the catalyst for positive change in early childhood policy and practice within and across the ELC sector and beyond.