World Expert Speaks at Early Years Conference

One of the world’s leading experts in baby development has visited Canterbury College to speak to staff, students and invited guests at an Early Years Conference.

Professor Annette Karmiloff-Smith, CBE, was previously Head of the Neurocognitive Development Unit at the Institute of Child Health in London where she ran a research team studying typical and atypical infant and child development.

She has also written several books on the subject and acted as a consultant to various organisations specialising in merchandising books and toys for infants and children.

This is the second Early Years Conference to take place at the College on New Dover Road and was attended by 140 students, staff, stakeholders and representatives from local childcare providers.

Professor Karmiloff-Smith gave two talks during the Conference, the first on “How do we know what pre-linguistic infants know”, and the second about “The importance of sleep in cognitive development”

Students, who are studying for qualifications in Childhood Education, also took part in workshops while visiting employers had a session on CACHE¹ curriculum updates.

Emma Marden, Course Tutor Level 3, who helped organise the Conference said: “Professor Karmiloff-Smith was a fascinating lady with a wealth of experience that the students were able to draw upon. Her talks were very insightful and the students also thorough enjoyed taking part in the various workshops.”

The event was designed for students on a CACHE Level 3 two year course. They gain their qualifications through a combination of lessons at College and industry work placements. Working in industry is vital as they progress to becoming a nursery nurse or apply for a University place on Early Years or teaching degree courses.