Beacon to host first Early Years conference

Sunderland AFC charity Foundation of Light are hosting their first Early Years Conference for nurseries, primary schools and academies next month to help support the development of the region’s youngest. Taking place on Friday 18th May, 9am-12pm, and free to attendees the event is the perfect opportunity for teachers and nursery nurses to find out how the Foundation can support their curriculum in areas such as PE, English and Maths. The morning will include a showcase of the programmes to be delivered by the Foundation's Early learning specialists including Little Dribblers and Footy Phonics giving teachers a glimpse of the delivery style and techniques which can be used to engage youngsters. The conference will be held at the brand new Beacon of Light (next to the Sunderland Aquatic Centre), the first of its type to be held at the venue which is set to become an asset for all schools across the region when it becomes fully operational in September. Foundation of Light, one of the largest and most developed football foundations in the country, run a broad portfolio of programmes led by Early Years specialists designed specifically for youngsters from 18 months to five years old, all mapped to the national curriculum and suitable for audit by OFSTED. David Dowson, Foundation of Light's Sport and Play Coordinator, said: "We are very excited to be hosting the first Early Years Conference at the Beacon of Light and showcasing how we can help enhance and support children's classroom learning.

We have a team of Early Years specialists who specifically work with participants aged 18 months to 5-years-old through our portfolio of programmes designed around the EYFS Curriculum.

"Not only is the event ideal for nurseries, schools and academies to discover more about our Early Years Provision, but also a chance to see our coaches in action and hear from our partner schools."