Work Matters: On course

This course for early years practitioners, teachers in children'scentres, heads of children's centres, managers in settings and localauthority advisers will look at what is meant by child-initiatedlearning and why it is important. Delegates will also consider how todevelop contexts which promote high-quality learning and the role of theadult in supporting and extending child-initiated learning. Those takingpart in the course should bring photos showing their existing provisionand an observation of a child initiating their own learning. - London.Cost: members 150; non-members 180. Visitwww.early-education.org.uk.

30 November - Policies for Families - Challenges and Choices

Introduced by Dr Katherine Rake, the Family and Parenting Institute'snew chief executive, and headlined by children's secretary Ed Balls,this conference will look at family policy now and in the future,focusing on interventions and services that have been proven to helpfamilies flourish. Other speakers include Cambridge university professorof sociology Jackie Scott, RSA chief executive Matthew Taylor, andshadow secretary for universities and skills David Willetts. - London.Cost: from 225. Visit www.familyandparenting.org/event.