International ECE expert and political parties to speak

International ECE expert and political parties to speak at Rotorua conference

Preparations are now complete for hosting international early childhood expert Iram Siraj-Blatchford at the 48th Annual NZCA Conference & AGM , says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) Chief Executive Nancy Bell . The conference takes place at the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua, this weekend 22 - 24th July. Journalists are welcome to attend.

“We will be hosting around 480 early childhood sector delegates at this year’s conference which is themed ‘Teachers and learners – Exploring the spaces in-between ‘Ma te hono a hinengaro e rite ai nga whainga.’ We are especially excited about hosting Iram. She is a leading international expert in ECE and has advised policy makers and academics from across the globe. This is her first trip to New Zealand and she will be meeting with policy makers during her visit.”

“University of London Professor Iram Siraj-Blatchford is principal investigator on the UK ’s major 15 year longitudinal study, Effective Pre-School , Primary and Secondary Education. Iram’s work on combating disadvantage in the early years and characteristics of effective early childhood settings will be of particular interest in the current policy environment. Iram is an advisor to UK governments and ministers on early childhood. Iram’s keynote address will contain a range of recommendations for improving early childhood education practices.”

“2011 is an important year for ECE, with the recent release of the ECE taskforce’s report and an election later this year, ECE is attracting a lot of political debate. The conference will include a keynote address from the Minister of Education Anne Tolley, and a political panel with Louise Upston MP , Sue Moroney Mp and Te Uroroa Flavell MP – we expect lively debate about their party’s ECE policies.”

ENDS

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