Stimulating debate, creative workshops and a huge number of enthusiastic delegates helped SCMA deliver our biggest conference to date! We've already started the planning for our 2019 event which is taking place at the at the Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling on Saturday 28 September 2019. So if you're interested in attending please SAVE THE DATE.
CLICK HERE to view photographs from the event and
CLICK HERE to view our short film.
Reach for the Stars began in style on Friday evening with a Welcome Reception in Glasgow City Chambers hosted by Glasgow City Council. Baillie Anne McTaggart opened the reception and, with a toast, welcomed conference delegates to the city, especially those from PACEY and PACEY Cymru. Our Convener, Barbara Dennistoun thanked the Baillie on behalf of SCMA and guests then mingled with a celebratory drink in one of the city’s most beautiful and prestigious buildings.
The next day delegates gathered at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow for the SCMA Annual Conference and AGM: Reach for the Stars. The conference was our biggest to date and was designed to support the talented professionals working in the Early Learning and Childcare Sector and from the feedback that we have received from delegates, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended.
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Children and Young People delivered the Opening Address during which she highlighted the important work that childminders deliver within the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The Minister shared that she had placed her own children with a childminder because she wanted them to be loved and cuddled - so she understood the quality of service provided by childminders. The Minister then went on to talk about the Funding Follows the Child approach being implemented by the Scottish Government that should enable more meaningful partnerships between childminders and local authorities.
The Keynote Speech, on the theme of Fostering the Confidence, Wellbeing and Resilience of young people, was delivered by Carol Craig, Chief Executive of the Centre of Confidence and Well-being. Carol talked about the need for our young people to be optimistic, enthusiastic and able to achieve and the fact that childminders have a major role to play in creating these confident and resilient young people. The inspiring speech covered the need to create conditions to enable success and for confidence to rise, with guidance on 'what not to do' and how to encourage 'The Growth Mindset'.
CLICK HERE to view the slides from Carol’s presentation.
Commenting on the conference our Chief Executive Maggie Simpson said: “We have just delivered our biggest conference to date and I would like to thank all those who took the time to attend including guest speakers, exhibitors and the Kerr Brown Partnership for their sponsorship. The event encouraged stimulating debate with a range of creative workshops developed on our theme of Reach for the Stars. The afternoon presentation to celebrate the Year of Young People 2018 was, of course, a key highlight of the weekend and once again thank you to Jemma, Lily, Ava and Millie for making it such a memorable occasion.”
A range of half-day workshops were developed for the conference, to support the theme of Reach for the Stars. All the workshops supported practical ideas of how to embrace change and step outside of that comfort zone. They were creative, hands-on and innovative to ensure they were meaningful and memorable for our delegates. We know that it is in these moments of fun and interaction that learning is achieved, and friendships are formed. All our workshops were certificated and the conference itself was Open Badged.