Saturday 8 November 2025
"Gifts for our Future 14: Being and Belonging"
Edinburgh Froebel Network & The Froebel Trust
A one-day conference for everyone who works with young children.
Join the Edinburgh Froebel Network, with the Froebel Trust, for the 14th annual conference exploring Being and Belonging through a Froebelian lens. This full-day event brings together early years professionals, researchers, and advocates committed to inclusive, child-centred education rooted in Froebel’s enduring principles.
The programme includes inspiring keynote speeches from Catriona Gill and Rachna Joshi and a choice of workshops to deepen your understanding of a Froebelian approach to being and belonging in early childhood.
Programme Highlights
Keynote 1 – Seeing, Unfolding and Flourishing: A Froebelian Approach to Inclusion and Belonging
A powerful exploration of inclusion and belonging through a Froebelian lens, focusing on seeing each child for who they truly are. With Catriona Gill, Education Scotland and University of Edinburgh
An Author’s Perspective
Insights from the Froebel Trust pamphlet: Supporting children with additional needs. With Eve Mawby Whistler, Nursery Teacher, Cambridge
Two Seminar Sessions
Five options of interactive workshops led by expert educators and researchers, including:
a. Slow Pedagogy. What is the offer for every child? Donna Green and Shirley Couser
b. Playing with Power: How a Froebelian Approach can Support Anti-Racism and Decolonisations. Simon Bateson and Dr Shaddai Tembo
c. Reflection with Guidance to Get it Right for Every Child. Sally Cave, Tess Dean, Chantal Talary and Angharad Gilmore
d. A Sense of Belonging in New and Established Communities. Janaki Wood & Sharon Imray
e. Using Froebelian principles to support children and young people with complex additional support needs beyond ELC. Catriona Campbell and Caitlin Thomlinson.
Keynote 2 – Becoming Who We Are: Ripple Effects Through Relationships and Time
A reflective talk on identity, relationships and the wider world through a Froebelian frame. With Rachna Joshi, Early Years Educator and Writer.
Lunch and Refreshments Included
Ticket sales open on Tuesday 24 June on Eventbrite.
A subsidy from the Froebel Trust means that tickets are just £45 per person including refreshments, lunch, delegate pack and a certificate of attendance.
Visit the conference page on Eventbrite to see the full programme and details of the speakers and workshop presenters.
Questions about the conference can be emailed to: office@froebeltrust.org.uk
