Jenny Shaw

Lead Academic Research and Developer, Busy Bees Nurseries

Jenny joined Busy Bees in 2006 and has been an integral part of its quality team for over a decade. With significant experience as a frontline educator, Jenny brings a thorough understanding of child development and the importance of quality early years education to develop a lifelong love of learning. As Lead Academic Research and Developer for Busy Bees, Jenny has worked collaboratively with a range of early years professionals to develop 'Bee Curious'; Busy Bees' expertly developed, playfully taught curriculum. Alongside her commitment to Busy Bees, she gained a masters degree in early childhood education in 2021.

11:00

1 Main programme

Panel: The meaning of ‘reception readiness’

In this session, Felicity Gillespie of Kindred Squared will share key insights from the research behind the newly published 'Starting Reception' definition and guidance, along with findings from this year's School Readiness Survey. The discussion will then also bring in the valuable perspectives of Sian Wicks of ERIC and Jenny Shaw of Busy Bees. Sian will highlight the support available to schools for young children who are not yet physically ready, while Jenny will share the practices implemented across Busy Bees settings to prepare young children for school.

14:55

1 Main programme

Panel: 'Shaping us' - How should we prepare all children emotionally and educationally for their future?

In this session, Jennifer Holly of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood will set the scene by sharing the Shaping Us Framework. This framework sets out the social and emotional skills that are critical for learning from early childhood and throughout life, the role school leaders can play in the community to support these foundations. Rachel Vlachonikolis of River Learning Trust’s New Marston Primary School will share the inclusive model the trust has developed to widen the school's 'circle of provision'. The model includes a tailored bespoke curriculum for children (who are eligible for specialist school but unable to access places) in reception through to year two. Jenny Shaw will share Busy Bees’ approach to inclusive practice, placing the child and the key person at the heart of their bespoke curriculum and ensuring educators have a strong understanding of child development to support early intervention.