Inverness College UHI childcare student is keynote speaker at first Glasgow-based conference

An Inverness College Childhood Practice student inspired and engaged delegates recently as she delivered a keynote speech at Glasgow’s first-ever National Childhood Practice Conference at the city centre’s Hilton Hotel.

Angela Cameron, from Drakies, Inverness, currently in her second year of the BA Childhood Practice course at Inverness College UHI, was one of just two students invited to speak at the event, aimed at examining the development journey of the childhood practice qualification and celebrating student learning in a range of workplaces. More specifically, the conference took an in-depth look at how the BA Childhood Practice has generated improved outcomes for children and families – which was incorporated into Angela’s presentation.

Speaking to almost 200 people at the event, Angela, 38, covered a variety of themes under the remit of how the BA Childhood Practice qualification has benefited children and families, as well as practitioners in their own performance within the workplace.

Using her knowledge of self-assessment methods and creating positive outcomes for children and families, as enhanced by the course delivered at Inverness College UHI, Angela spoke movingly on her subject, attracting immediate feedback from the audience, many of whom approached her after her presentation to ask further questions and congratulate her on a highly successful segment.

Speaking after the event, Angela, a married mother of two teenage girls, Chloe and Emma, said: “I had been writing a number of essays for the BA Childhood Practice on self assessment and when Inverness College UHI approached me to do the presentation I didn’t hesitate to agree.

“Although I was nervous beforehand, the adrenaline and my passion for the subject helped me through the presentation – and I actually ended up enjoying it!

“As a practising nursery assistant at Cauldeen, I was keen to enhance my skills, particularly after many aspects of the role changed over the past five years, so I enrolled in the course at Inverness College UHI. Since starting the course, I have been enchanted with the learning process and find myself increasingly well-motivated and loving my job even more. As much of the course was online, my husband, David, who is in IT, has helped me a great deal.”

Alice Mongiello, Programme Leader BA Childhood Practice Cultural and Social Studies, Inverness College UHI, commented: “The Childhood Practice Team at Inverness College UHI is extremely proud of Angela’s achievement. Her presentation at the first Childhood Practice Conference was inspirational and moved many of the audience. 

“She clearly demonstrated the positive impact studying a Childhood Practice Degree is having on her and her colleagues’ professional and personal development and as a result the outcomes for children and families in her care are improving. 

“In Scotland we should feel proud of the excellent work and commitment shown within the Childhood Practice Profession.  Angela's presentation encapsulated all the reasons why we should be working towards a degree levelled profession.”

The event also featured workshops covering a range of issues, including mentoring guidance for childhood practice, exploring the impact of childhood practice, pre-birth – three guidance, early years framework, investing in children and SSC workforce solutions portal.

Meanwhile, key figures in the world of childcare also made presentations to the delegates, including Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years; Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SSSC; Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer and Liam Cairns, Director of Investing in Children.

The SQA also used the event as a platform from which to launch its Level 9 PDA in Childhood Practice.