Join us for a workshop, led by Prof Iram Siraj OBE, focused on preparing children for excellence in learning literacy in the Early Years.

Prof Siraj will clarify how emergent literacy - what children learn before they have been taught through direct instruction - how to read and write, and the role of reading and books in developing firm foundations for early reading and writing. Critically, the workshop will address how writing is not just about teaching the skills of writing but is about building on the foundations of oracy, play and understanding of narrative, books, and the creative urge to write. Prof Siraj will highlight the key stages of both reading and writing and how teachers can understand and develop young children's enthusiasm and skills for wanting to write, and create environments that support this. Download the draft programme.

Oxford Education Deanery Scholarships available to join this event. Click here for more information and to apply.

Ticket prices include refreshments (pastries, sliced fruit, coffee, tea, juice) and lunch.

Workshop Lead: Prof Iram Siraj OBE

For: Early Years practitioners and senior leaders

Date/Time: 20 March 2026, 9am-1:30pm (half-day workshop)

Location: Department of Education, University of Oxford (15 Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6PY) - In person attendance only

Ticket Types: 

• Standard (standard in-person attendee ticket) - £45
• ECT (in-person attendee ticket for teachers that have received QTS within the last 2 years) - £35
• Student (in-person attendee ticket for university students of any institution, student educators, and trainees including SCITT and Teach First) - £25
• Group (discount in-person ticket for groups of up to 4 attendees from the same school, trust, or organisation) - £70
• Sch App (colleagues who have made a successful application for a scholarship will receive a password to complete their purchase of a reduced price in-person ticket via this option) - £9