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Early Years Networking Groups

Photo: Credit Amit Lennon

Meet other practitioners and develop your expertise to better support deaf children

We are establishing UK-wide groups of practitioners who work with children in the early years. The groups meet four times a year to share knowledge, experience and good practice.

The benefits of taking part

By joining one of our Early Years Networking Groups you will:

  • receive training, expert advice, practical tips and resources
  • meet and exchange ideas with practitioners working in similar roles
  • develop your practice to plan and provide for deaf children who attend your setting, or may do so in future.

Who these groups are for

These groups are most helpful for practitioners working with children under the age of five, such as teachers, nursery workers, nannies, childminders and librarians.

You do not need to be a member to attend, however, signing up is free, easy, and allows access to resources and information. Find out more about becoming a member.

Upcoming meetings

We meet on Zoom, four times per year.  Our October meetings will focus on phonics for deaf children. You can sign up to either event. 

Phonics for deaf children 

  • Tuesday 4 October 2022
  • 4pm to 5.15pm
Sign up today

Or

  • Thursday 6 October 2022
  • 6.30pm to 7.45pm
Sign up today

Your host

Our Early Years Networking Groups are hosted by Mark Lowes, our Bright Start Programme Officer.

Our expert, Mark Lowes, Bright Start Programme Officer

Mark has worked at the National Deaf Children’s Society since 2018. He specialises in education and learning for deaf children in settings suitable for children under five.

Mark primarily works with professionals working in the early years, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and inclusion for deaf young children. 

Prior to this, he worked in nurseries, as a primary school teacher, and as a Higher Education lecturer teaching early childhood development and primary education.

Previous meetings

Our first meeting on 25 January focussed on practical activities and strategies for improving the social and emotional development of deaf children. We were joined by several fantastic guest speakers who specialise in the social and emotional development of deaf children.

Our second meeting on 17 May focussed on educational transitions for deaf children. With each transition comes difficulty and confusion. We looked at how to plan and support that transitional period in its very early stages, minimise disruption, and encourage independence and emotional control during these times.

We will continue to work together to share ideas and knowledge of these areas, and come up with practical activities for our members to implement in their settings.