My Words, My Book presents!
It Takes a Village ~
How we can all support children’s reading in their Early Years and beyond!
A free webinar for educators, teachers, parents, childminders, librarians, authors, publishers and anyone who is interested in supporting children with their reading.
At least a few times a year there is either research and/or a report that states that children’s reading is in decline, or that children are just not reading for pleasure. In this webinar, we are indeed bringing together the village to discuss how we can all find ways to support children’s reading in their Early Years and beyond.
Chair: Laura Henry-Allain – Storyteller and educationalist
Presentations
Frank Cottrell-Boyce – Author and Children’s Laureate
Frank is an award-winning children’s author and screenwriter. His debut novel, Millions, won the CILIP Carnegie Medal. Other books include Cosmic, Runaway Robot and The Wonder Brothers. Frank co-devised the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony with Danny Boyle.
Kiran Satti – Deputy principal; national lead practitioner for reading (Oasis Community Learning)
Kiran is an experienced primary teacher and leader, specialising in early reading, phonics, reading and literacy. Kiran has written several chapters for different edu-books. She is the 2023 UKLA Farshore double award winner – reading champion and author’s choice for her DEI pupil leadership work around reader volition and agency.
Sarah Smith BME- Stock and Reader Development Manager, Brent Libraries
Sarah’s work champions diversity in children’s literature and includes the production of Diverse Voices. She is a book review judge for Empathy Lab and Inclusive Books for Children.
Sarah has received numerous awards for her work with libraries. She is chair of the London branch of the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians.
Annette Kingsley-Scott – Childminder and teacher
Annette is a qualified teacher and has been a childminder for more than 20 years. She is passionate about providing first-hand learning experiences to children as it provides meaningful and memorable education. Her achievements include: Ofsted Outstanding, Childminder SENCO of the Year (2024), the Royal Horticultural Society 5 Star Gardening School and Lambeth Natural Thinkers setting.
Panel
Jamel C Campbell – Author and Early Years educator
Jamel is an Early Years educator, consultant, keynote speaker, renowned storyteller and bestselling author. He has worked in education for more than 20 years.
Jamel has written articles for the local and national press, including Early Years sector journals. Jamel’s first picture book is Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Nursery, illustrated by Lydia Mba.
Jane Evans – Grandmother, author and parenting coach
Jane is a parenting coach, author, trainer, childhood trauma and media expert. Jane credits the babies, children, young people, parents, and carers she’s worked with and cared for as being her greatest teachers. They have consistently shown and taught her the realities of how lives are profoundly shaped by our early childhood experiences. Jane is also a grandmother.
Sarah Seaton – parent
Sarah is a mother of young children, one of whom has a disability. She loves reading a range of books with her children as well as visiting libraries so that they can borrow books to read at home. Sarah believes that forming a positive connection with a book has a valuable impact for a parent in reflecting what the child sees.
Thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for the donation of books for the free live raffle, which will take place during the webinar.
Special treat! A recording of children from The Grove Nursery School, Peckham sharing their love books and reading!
Date: Thursday 12th June 2025
Time: 7:30 – 9:00pm BST
Venue: Wherever you want to watch from!
To secure your place, please email: Admin@LauraHenryAllain.Com
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