SLF extra – Developing the Young Workforce in early years and primaries

SLF ExtraAnother event in the SLF Extra series took place on Tuesday 24th March 2015. This was a partnership event between Education Scotland, AHDS and SCEL. The event attracted over 160 delegates from all over Scotland, mainly those in leadership positions within Early Years and Primary settings.

Everyone gathered together to unpick the implications of Developing the Young Workforce for these sectors and to help school leaders think about their next steps.

The event was opened by Joan Mackay, Assistant Director, Education Scotland and Project Lead on DYW who set out the national and policy context for the work. She was followed by Gillian Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer, SCEL who discussed Leadership at all Levels.

Delegates were then given an opportunity to self-evaluate their own current position in regards to what they had heard.

Following the keynote speakers, presentations were given by:

Ann McIntosh (Head Teacher), Catriona Smith (Depute Head Teacher) and Jonathan Cunningham (Depute Head Teacher) from Knightswood Primary School on their ‘Developing Picture’ with regards to employment, partnerships, equalities and curriculum linking to DYW.

Kirsty Harker (Education Support Officer, Perth and Kinross) and Kim Ramsay (Head Teacher of Royal School of Dunkeld) spoke on Profiling and Progression of Skills. Kim explained the whole school approach to planning for skills development and showed practical examples of how the learners profile their skills.

Lorna Jackson (Head Teacher, Hermitage Primary School) presented on her school’s approach to developing skills through STEM. She explained the contexts that have been used to develop learners’ skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Sharon Hunter (Head Teacher, Busby Primary School) discussed Business and Community Partnerships. She outlined the school’s successful Masterclasses, in particular detailing the progression of skills and partnership working through the Food and Health masterclasses.

Using Building the Curriculum 4 key messages as a focus, after each presentation delegates were provided the opportunity to reflect on what they had heard, their own practice and discuss how they might take things forward in their own settings.

The event was very successful and delegates have heard national, regional and local perspectives with time for sharing ideas and thoughts. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we are looking forward to seeing the impact. Comments from delegates included:

  • the event opened my eyes to the wealth of opportunities available e.g. utilising businesses, local colleges, etc.

  • I was looking for ideas to support my school in the development of skills in preparation for life beyond school. The conference was excellent at showing best practice and giving ideas to take the key messages forward.

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed this event and it has inspired me greatly It was great to learn about all the progression taking place from nursery through to P7 and building on prior skills and knowledge.

  • I was looking for inspiration on how to build on the current good work happening in my school. I am leaving inspired – so much to think about.

For more information about Developing the Young Workforce visit the Education Scotland website

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