• Look beyond the traditional parameters of child development and milestones.
• Understand the integrated body and brain, taking a holistic approach.
• Identify factors that impact on the developing child.
• Explore the seven invisible principles of child development, what they are and why they are important.
• Recognise the developmental stage of the child and discover ways to support their progress.

When our children are small, we focus on their developmental milestones - when will they be able to crawl, walk or talk? As they grow, these milestones become more focused on achievements at school and in the community, for example, are they progressing with their reading or maths, will they be selected for the football or gymnastics team? All these things are important, but a set of capabilities, that are less visible and harder to measure, are just as crucial in equipping our children with the skills they need to navigate life and reach their potential.

The seven invisible principles of child development are:

• Emotional regulation
• Stress regulation
• Sensory integration
• Attachment
• Self-belief
• Executive functioning
• Flexibility

In this informative half-day session led by Nicola McAllister, we will break down and explore these seven key principles of child development that are frequently overlooked but essential for a child to thrive in the home, early years, and school settings. Using current research from world-renowned experts, we will explore the sequence of development for each principle to gain a clear understanding of where the child’s starting point is and what we can do, in practical terms, to support their progress and to help them grow.