Explore how creativity, play and relationships can support babies and young children from Armed Forces families to thrive.
Join Forces Children Scotland for an online conversation with Starcatchers exploring how creativity, play and relationships can support babies and young children from Armed Forces families.
About this event
What can help babies and young children feel safe, secure and understood when they are experiencing change?
In this In Conversation with Starcatchers session, we will explore the experiences of young children from Armed Forces families and the role that early years practitioners can play in supporting their emotional wellbeing.
We are delighted to be joined by Starcatchers, who will share learning from their Wee People, Big Feelings programme.
Wee People, Big Feelings is an emotional literacy programme for early years practitioners, using creativity, movement and play to help babies and young children explore and communicate their feelings.
The session will explore:
- What helps young children feel safe and secure during times of change and uncertainty.
- The importance of relationships and emotional connection in the early years.
- How experiences such as separation, deployment, reunion and moving home may affect young children, recognising that every child and family is different.
- Learning from Wee People, Big Feelings and Starcatchers’ work with children, families and practitioners across Scotland.
- Practical creative and play-based approaches that can be adapted within early years settings.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and explore how the learning can be applied in practice.
Who is this for?
This session is particularly relevant for:
- Early Years Practitioners
- Nursery and early learning staff
- Family support and early intervention practitioners
- Professionals working with Armed Forces families
- Anyone with an interest in the wellbeing and development of babies and young children
What will I take away?
Participants will have an opportunity to:
- Develop their understanding of the emotional experiences of young children from Armed Forces families.
- Reflect on how transitions, change and relationships can affect young children.
- Learn from Starcatchers’ experience and practice.
- Take away practical ideas to support children’s emotional expression, connection and sense of security.
The session forms part of the wider Forces Children Scotland First Steps work to strengthen understanding and support for babies and young children from Armed Forces families. First Steps includes an Early Years Practitioner learning module developed through research and lived experience.
Event format
This is an online event lasting approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, including presentation, conversation, questions and time for evaluation.
We look forward to welcoming you.
