Latest Conferences from Policy Review TV

Kinship Care - the first choice for children

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 BST

Keynote address: Sir Martin Narey, Ministerial Adviser on Adoption

The Kinship Care - the first choice for children conference and awards will take place here on Policy Review TV on Thursday 6 June 2013.

With rising numbers of care applications and an increased scrutiny of their performance, children's services are undoubtedly feeling ever growing pressure.

Developed in association with Grandparents Plus, this event will bring together leading national and international experts on kinship care to address some of the fundamental challenges children's services will face. The speaker panel will:

examine the strengths and challenges of kinship care
discuss how the contribution of grandparents and the wider family can be better recognised
explore how wider family placements should be assessed
discover how local authorities can work in partnership with kinship carers to provide cost-effective solutions

12th National Sure Start Conference

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The vital role that Sure Start children’s centres play in improving the outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged families in the UK is well documented. But whilst public support has never been more strong; so too are the pressures of new legislation in tough financial times.

As ever, Sure Start Conference and exhibition continues to be the essential event for all children’s centre leaders and local authority officers, equipping attendees with the most up to the minute policy and best practice guidance.

Challenging times require new ways of working to ensure sustainability, quality and the best possible outcomes for families.

This year national and regional experts will share their knowledge through a series of forward thinking plenary sessions, panel debates and best practice workshops.

Early Years Funding and Regulation

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Childcare provision is moving into a new, more challenging, era. With new two year old progress checks, and parent and local authority budgets under pressure, this event will provide you with insights on how to finance and sustain early years’ services.

Recruiting foster carers: tackling delay #fost12

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In September the Government launched a consultation process (to report in spring 2013) setting out a package of changes, including “fostering to adopt”, to make the fostering process clearer, more proportionate and responsive to needs.

This one day event broadcast is timed to coincide with the conclusion of the Government’s consultation process: Adoption and fostering: tackling delay. It will address the key issues that face recruiters and foster carers in the current climate and will provide attendees with an opportunity to explore the best methods to successfully recruit, retain and achieve permanency.

The Future of Adoption: Meeting the increased demand on the system

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 BST

Through the publication of the Adoption Action Plan, the Government is introducing measures to reduce delays in the adoption process. These reforms include measures to check progress based on 15 key performance indicators (KPIs).

But how will councils and adoption agencies need to adapt their work processes? How will teams hit these KPIs while continuing to provide the best care provision?

By watching this one-day conference, you’ll learn from adoption teams highlighted as being 'outstanding' - based on the Government's 15 key performance indicators.

You’ll also be able to develop a winning strategy to ensure every child in your care has the best chance to find the right parents fast.

Inspection and Regulation in Early Years

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Early years’ provision is going through dramatic review and change, simplification and reform in the EYFS. Change in inspection and regulation is being designed to help drive the new focus on being ready for school. The government consultation following their response to the Tickell Review promises results in the autumn and implementation from September 2012.

Changes in the focus of learning and development are matched by changes in assessment whilst maintaining safeguarding and promoting welfare. Payments by results, greater parental involvement, different use of flexible hours all bring organisation change to early years providers. All this, combined with new health visitor and public health changes, mark a major period of reform.

This conference recording is for providers, local government, and educationalists who have to lead and implement these changes.

Sure Start 2011

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 BST

#surestart11
The Sure Start Annual Conference and Exhibition continues to be the essential event for all children’s centre leaders and local authority officers, equipping attendees with the most up to the minute policy and best practice guidance.

Challenging times require new ways of working to ensure sustainability, quality and the best possible outcomes for families.

Sure Start 2011 is timed to enable delegates to hear first hand the Department for Education and the Department of Health vision for reform.

This year over 20 speakers will share their expertise and knowledge through a series of forward thinking plenary sessions, panel debates and best practice workshops.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 BST

This national conference provided an opportunity for school and college leaders and heads of SEN and LLDD to come together with local authorities, third party providers and voluntary sector representatives to respond to the Green Paper.

Expert speakers shared the latest information on the steps already being taken in a new commissioning landscape; how to ensure the right type and level of support can be given to every vulnerable learner and how pre and post 16 education can be joined up.

Addressing Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 BST

Set in the context of the Justice Green Paper this conference provided an opportunity for all those working in youth offending teams, police, local authorities, secure establishments, courts, probation to take stock and look to a future where prevention and early intervention are given a higher profile in tacking youth crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Development of the Moral Compass

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 BST

When do young people know right from wrong and understand consequences?

Results of a UK study among children aged 7 to 16.

This was the launch broadcast for a study prepared by the influential Youth Research Forum for The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development.

This study of 750 7-16 years olds gives an insight into the age that young people are aware of right and wrong and have developed an understanding of the social, and potentially criminal, implications of their actions.

The free live broadcast seminar was designed to help policy makers gain a deeper understanding of the key factors that drive children’s moral development.

http://www.policyreview.tv/video/313/1To view a summary pdf of the report please click the 'documents' button within the programme details. To request a copy of the full report please email glen_smith@btconnect.com

The Youth Research Forum - External link

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) - External link

Services for Bereaved Children

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 BST

Bereavement services are moving up the political agenda, with the Palliative Care Review bringing funding changes for end-of-life and bereavement services in 2011. The Review’s interim report stresses the need for better integration of health and social care services, echoing the End of Life Care Strategy’s statement that care does not stop at the point of death.

This conference focused on how the needs of bereaved children can be met through joined-up thinking from hospices and hospitals, schools, local authorities and community and voluntary organisations.

Information, Advice and Guidance for Young People

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 BST

This conference brought together experts and leaders from schools, the further and higher education sectors, local authorities and all others involved in the provision of IAG to hear what the future holds for IAG.

Child Protection

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This conference brought together representatives from local and central government, Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards, police, health, education and child protection organisations to discuss latest police and guidance, share best practice and encourage effective multi-disciplinary working.

Supported by:

Inspection and Regulation in Early Years

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This annual conference brought together senior childcare and early years practitioners and managers from across the country to hear the latest policy direction from government.

Social Work Reform

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This National Conference enabled delegates to prepare for policy changes over the coming months. The initial findings of the Munro Review were discussed and experts shared their success stories for reducing costs whilst delivering excellence in children's social services.

Speakers included:

Allan Bowman, Chair, Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
Hilton Dawson, Chief Executive, British Association of Social Workers (BASW)
Ian Curryer, Corporate Director for Children and Families, Nottingham City Council
Prof. Corinne May Chahal, Interim Chair, The College of Social Work
Marion Brandon, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of East Anglia
Dr Mary Baginsky, Assistant Director, Social Work, CWDC

Sure Start

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 BST

This post-election conference gave delegates an update on the latest Government policy and guidance and provided practical advice to help centres to operate an effective and efficient service which meets the needs of the families and children in their area.

Supporting Young People Leaving Care

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 BST

This forum provided the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the field to understand and discuss current revisions, build on current achievements and share best practice with other senior representatives from the social care sector.

Educationally Supported Young People: Post-16 Transitions

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 BST

This conference presented requisite information on how local authorities, specialist schools and colleges, third party providers and voluntary sector representatives must ready themselves for the 2011/2012 cycle, whilst offering practical advice on responding to OFSTED commissioning reports.

Parental Engagement in Early Years

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 BST

This conference provided an opportunity to share best practice, network with colleagues and help improve your childcare and early years provision to meet the statutory targets from the Early Years Outcomes duty and also contribute to the PSA Delivery Agreements 10 and 11 and its associated indicators.

Safeguarding Children Forum

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 BST

This event brought together representatives from local and central government, LCSBs, police, education and child protection organisations to discuss the latest policy and guidance, share good practice and encourage effective multi-disciplinary working.

Developing the Childcare Workforce

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 BST

The Government expects organisations within children’s trusts to demonstrate that they are working together at the operational level and directors of children’s services to gain more experience of operations. This conference looked at examples of co-operative best practice on the ground, helping local authorities and their statutory partners to meet these obligations.

Information, Advice and Guidance for Young People

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This conference brought together policy and decision makers, education leaders, governors, head teachers and careers co-ordinators to examine the new funding arrangements and obligations, the challenges in local communities and to hear how information, advice and guidance has a central role in building skills, informing parents and tackling the effects of the economic downturn.

Taking action for children:

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Inspection and Regulation in Early Years

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This well established national conference brought together senior childcare and early years practitioners and managers from across the country to hear the latest policy direction from government.

Restorative Approaches

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This annual conference provided an opportunity to hear the latest policy developments and learn from good practice examples how restorative techniques can help reduce re-offending.

Transforming the Young People’s Workforce

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This conference brought together local authorities and partner agencies, youth justice professionals and third sector organisations to address key issues affecting the development of the youth workforce.

Positive Activities for Young People

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This conference brought together representatives from local authorities, education, connexions, youth offending teams and Police. The event offered delegates the opportunity to hear the latest policy developments and share best practice and positive activities delivery with fellow PAYP workers.

Unlocking the talent of children and young people

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

This conference looked at the successes and lessons learned from initiatives such as ‘Find Your Talent’, and introduced new programmes from government and community organisations designed to unlock the talent of children and young people.

Sure Start

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

This major annual conference gave all those leading the way in providing high-quality, diversified children's centres the opportunity to come together and share how they are improving outcomes for the Sure Start generation.

Youth Research Forum

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

Many of the major challenges facing society and government require the active and voluntary participation of the people concerned, whether in their health, their education or their environment. The behaviour changes now required do not lend themselves to established levers of government. Speaker: Matt Tee, Permanent Secretary for Government Communications

Transforming Young Lives

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

This event brought together experts in children’s services, the education sector and local authorities to identify the key interventions that work for at risk young people and their families.

Meeting the NEET Challenge

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 BST

This national conference gave delegates the opportunity to hear the latest policy developments and discuss what the implications will be for local authorities, schools and colleges, social services, connexions and all those working to help young people find meaningful direction.

Child Protection

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 BST

Children in the UK have been the focus of many reports in the media. Concerns for their physical and emotional wellbeing, in their homes, in care , on the internet and at schools have been discussed as well as fears of an increase in child poverty in light of the current financial climate. Fears that children might be at risk of overprotection have also been raised. This conference brought together representatives from local and central government, LCSBs, police, education and child protection organisations to offer an opportunity to hear from experts in the field and discuss how to protect and safeguard children while providing a safe and normal childhood.

Conference booking details (external link)

Developing the Childcare Workforce 2009

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 BST

This conference brought together senior practitioners, politicians and commentators to discuss the future of the Early Years and Childcare workforce. Delegates learned the latest government policy and gained knowledge from best practice case studies from across the country. In December 2008 the Government published the 2020 Children and Young People's Workforce Strategy. This sets out the Government's vision that everyone who works with children and young people should be: • Ambitious for every child and young person • Excellent in their practice • Committed to partnership and integrated working • Respected and valued as professionals

Transforming the Youth Workforce 09

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This second annual conference brought together senior politicians, managers and practitioners working within youth services. In ‘Aiming High’ the Ten Year Youth Strategy, Government promised to ‘transform facilities and support services for young people in England’. This event provided the forum to hear the latest current government thinking and explore the most up to date ideas on developing a workforce that can help young people achieve their fullest potential.

Positive Activities for Young People

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For five years the Positive Activities for Young People conference has been bringing together delegates from local authorities, education, social services, the police, youth offending teams, drug action teams, Children's Trusts and other key stakeholders with a remit to help and support young people at risk of offending. This conference demonstrates what can be done in new policy contexts. It links back to the Ten Year Strategy, Every Child Matters and Youth Matters, looking at looked-after children, BME groups, early prevention and intervention and the latest techniques to divert at-risk young people from anti-social behaviour. The event examined what has inspired young people and what has inspired those who work with young people, building on the lessons of earlier events to present a new, supported picture of how to make a difference in your area.

Inspection and Regulation of Early Years and Childcare

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Childcare Act 2006 introduced two new registers, which will be operated by Ofsted: the Early Years Register (EYR) and the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR). From September 2008 three yearly inspections from Ofsted became compulsory across all early years and childcare providers. According to Ofsted the iinspection will “provide an impartial, external evaluation of provision – designed to help improve quality”. This conference brought together senior managers from local authorities, schools and childcare providers, providing childcare and early years education for the under eights, to learn how they can work together to ensure excellent provision in their area and contribute to reaching the targets set out in 2004’s the ten year strategy for child care. As well as updates and guidance from DCSF and Ofsted, best practice case studies from around the country were showcased.

Sports Provision for Children and Young People

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the success of the PESSCL strategy - which helped 86% of young people to participate in at least two hours PE and sport each week – the Government has set a new target as part of the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People. With additional funding of £755m the ambition is for young people to access five hours of physical education a week, both in and outside of school. This national conference brought together a large senior-level audience involved in planning and delivering sport for children and young people to look at how to meet the new five hour ambition. Delegates explored how to respond to the increased emphasis on a world class community sport system and how to involve and engage young people in shaping their services. They also heard how Local Area Agreement targets on well-being can be met through delivering the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People. The event looked at innovative approaches to empower young people to get involved in sport and physical activity in their community through sports villages, coaching, volunteering, and multi-skill clubs for young people with disabilities.

Healthy Eating in Schools

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New minimum nutritional standards for school food came into force for primary schools in September 2008 and will be applied to secondary schools in September 2009. Government has announced £650m ring-fenced funding for school lunches by 2011 to subsidise healthy ingredients and invest in training and in improving kitchens. The recent School Food Trust/ LACA survey showed the first rise in the number of primary school children eating school meals since healthier meals were introduced. In the face of challenges of rising food costs, this conference provided practical insights into achieving the new standards and increasing take-up of school meals by effectively engaging parents, reaching BME children and families and developing a whole school approach to provision and learning.

Investing in youth in the UK: a NEET solution

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST

Whilst 20,000 more young people are in education, employment or training in 2008 than in the previous year, statistics suggest that nearly one in ten 16 & 17 year olds is a NEET – Not in Employment, Education or Training. To help young people make a successful transition to adulthood it is vital that they are provided with high-quality services and guidance. Many need access to help, advice and positive activities in order for them to fulfil their educational and economic potential, and business has a major stake in ensuring that young people are able to leave education ready, willing and able to work. This conference drew on the experiences of the best providers from all sectors to discuss the importance of reducing the numbers of young people ‘NEET’ in local communities across the country.

Unlocking the Talent of Children and Young People

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 BST

This national conference focused on the Government’s “Find Your Talent” scheme and other policy initiatives which seek to unlock children’s talent through culture, creativity and the arts. In bringing together schools, children’s services, cultural services and the creative and cultural sector, the event looked at how to deliver the Government’s ambitions to provide children and young people with five hours high quality culture and creativity per week, in and out of school. Delegates explored how to commission and coordinate networks which ensure schools and young people have access to creative resources and cultural institutions and considered the implications for the curriculum and for teaching. The conference also presented innovative approaches to increase cultural entitlement outside the classroom and looked at the role of extended schools.

Sure Start 08: Securing the Future

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 BST

A further £7m funding was announced in March for extra children's centre outreach workers in the most disadvantaged areas as well as more training and guidance on working with black and minority ethnic families. This followed the “modest” but positive results of the National Sure Start Evaluation that children with access to Sure Start were better behaved and more independent, their parents providing better home learning and they had more access to support services locally. Moving towards the goal of 3,500 children's centres by 2010 and universal coverage, Sure Start Children's Centres are a key plank in delivering the government's Every Child Matters agenda and the ten-year strategy for childcare with access to affordable, flexible, high quality child care. This annual conference provided those leading the way in providing high quality children's services through Sure Start Children's Centres with the opportunity to come together and share how they are improving outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Youth in the Community

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 BST

Never before have youth services and youth work been given such a pivotal role in meeting local outcomes. The Government’s 10 Year Youth Strategy committed public services to ensure that young people are empowered to shape, and have access to, positive activities and high quality youth support services. With potential for new funding, local authorities in partnership with health, youth justice and the third sector have new PSA targets to meet which will ensure young people have every opportunity to aim high. This conference brought together Government Ministers, local decision makers, senior managers and young people to look at how to work together to provide young people with the services they need and want for a bright future – everyone’s future. Andrew McCully OBE, Director, Supporting Children and Young People Group, Department for Children, Schools, and Families, told delegates that the levels of young people currently in employment, training and education are at their highest ever and that there has been the most significamt drop in young people not engaged in these positive activities since 1999. He said that, unlike more headline grabbing statistics on abortion and crime levels, these figures had hardly made a mention in the media.

6th Annual Child Protection Conference

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 BST

With the introduction of several new safeguarding schemes in 2008 and the key commitments outlined in the Staying Safe Action Plan, the Government continues its work to ensure that children everywhere are safeguarded by supporting the joining up of services to realise the Every Child Matters Agenda. This conference gave delegates an opportunity to learn about the new Vetting and Barring Scheme and discuss what the implications of its implementation will be for those in the child work force. The conference also considered the best ways of joining up services to improve access and quality. Talking about the challenge of safeguarding every child and young person, Jeanette Pugh, Director, Safeguarding Group, Department for Children, Schools and Families, said it was about “…striking the right balance between keeping children safe but allowing them the freedom…to develop their own resilience and to enjoy their childhood so it’s not about wrapping children in cotton wool or about battery farmed children”.

Developing the Childcare Workforce

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the government’s childcare workforce strategy moves from principle to practice, how are local authorities responding to the latest policy direction? Attended by senior managers in early years and workforce development, this interactive event provided delegates with an opportunity to hear key government policy, share best practice examples with colleagues and question leading experts and practitioners on challenges. Offering updates and examining progress, discussion at the conference focused on the latest information on the Integrated Qualifications framework, progress on integrated working, with best practice features around innovative training and engaging the voluntary sector. Conference Chair: Jane Haywood, Chief Executive of the Children’s Workforce Development Council.

Transforming the Youth Workforce

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A key event for those with an interest in building the skills and capacity of the workforce to deliver the Aiming High for Young People Ten Year Strategy for positive activities. Government has promised to ‘transform facilities and support services for young people in England’. This event provides senior managers in services for young people with a chance to hear current government thinking and explores the most up to date ideas on developing a workforce that can help young people to achieve their fullest potential. Speakers include: Cllr Les Lawrence, Chair, Children and Young People Board, Local Government Association; Fiona Blacke, Chief Executive, The National Youth Agency; David Hunter, Chief Executive, Lifelong Learning UK; Jane Haywood, Chief Executive, Children’s Workforce Development Council; Kevin Ford, Chief Executive, FPM Training; and Leora Cruddas, Head of Education for Communities, London Borough of Waltham Forest.

5th Annual Positive Activities Conference

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Includes delegates from the police, local authorities, youth offending teams, drug action teams, Children's Trusts, the Connexions Service and other key stakeholders with a remit to help and support young people at risk of offending. This conference shows how the ‘Aiming high for young people: a ten year strategy for positive activities' will be rolled out, and what support is available. Local public services, voluntary groups, community groups, and the professionals working directly with young people and their families will see a new landscape of funding, assets, support and empowerment for the young people in their constituency in these ambitious plans. Keynote speaker: Andrew McCully, Director, Supporting Children and Young People Group, DCSF. Online access to this conference costs £150 + VAT. For details of our subscriptions, which gives unlimited access to every event, click on the pricing tab at the top of the page.

The Future of Inspection and Regulation of Early Years

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) becomes statutory in September 2008. Merging the Birth to Three Matters Framework and the original foundation stage, to cover care, learning and development in all early years settings from birth to 5. In addition Education and Inspections Act came into force in November 2006, increasing the duties on local authorities and giving Ofsted new inspection duties for children's social services, having significant implications for early years inspection and regulation. This event looked at key questions including: How will childcare providers navigate this new system? Will inequalities be reduced? How will Ofted's new registers operate in practice?

Healthy Eating in Schools

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 BST

Britain's children have an eating disorder – and it's getting worse; 1 in 4 children in England are obese – double the figure 10 years ago. If future trends continue 1/5 boys and 1/3 girls will be obese by 2020. To tackle this, the government set a PSA to halt the year-on-year increase in obesity among children under 11 by 2010. Public sector watchdogs have warned however that the government will miss this target if it fails to show more leadership. These stark figures - and Jamie Oliver's School Dinners campaign – has lead the government to increase spending on school meals from 37p per child to 50p in primary schools and 60p in secondary schools. Yet this still falls short of the 70p per child recommended by the Soil Association. More regulation is now in place however: school food must now reach minimum standards set by the DfES and from September 2007 there will be stricter rules in place about what food schools can offer to children. In addition primary schools from 2008 and secondary from 2009 will be required to stipulate the vitamin content of school meals. Further, it is the government's aim that all schools should be working towards healthy school status by 2009. As a result of this change, however, some local authorities have reported a drop in school meal take up – how can schools engage children and their parents in working towards a truly healthy lifestyle? And is the available funding sufficient to provide children with truly healthy food to help halt the increase in childhood obesity. Bring together key stakeholders this one day national conference will examine how schools can meet these targets and help fight the childhood obesity pandemic.

5th Annual Sure Start Conference

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 BST

THIS IS A PODCAST AND DOCUMENT ONLY EVENT The 5th Annual Sure Start Conference, Rolling Out Children’s Centres, brought together over 150 stakeholders, including senior managers from children’s centres, local authorities, central government, and voluntary organisations. Sure Start has been the cornerstone of Labour’s drive to tackle child poverty and social exclusion. Its successes have been clear – it has helped to lift 1 million children out of poverty since its launch in 1998. Yet the government’s deadline to half child poverty is less than three years away and much still needs to be done to reach this goal. What is more, recent research suggested that Sure Start has made no impact to children’s development, despite the government investing £21 billion in early years education since 1997. The conference investigated whether this research was a true reflection of children’s abilities today and how the roll out of children’s centres can help to meet the government’s child poverty targets. The event was chaired by Alison Garnham, Joint Chief Executive, Daycare Trust.