This session will involve practical tips based on Conor Bathgate’s PhD research.

Conor is a PhD researcher at ISEY. His work explores how noise affects young children’s development. Conor is also part of a Nuffield-funded research project looking at noise in early years settings, how it shapes language and communication for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and what can be done to minimise the negative impact of noise.

Before his PhD, Conor had 16 years of experience in the early childhood, education, and care sector, working as an early years educator, setting manager, and in quality support roles in London-based early years settings and groups. Conor also worked as a local authority project officer, developing training programmes and promoting CPD engagement across the borough's schools, 90 PVI settings, and 300 childminders. Most recently, Conor worked as a lecturer and programme lead for early childhood degree programmes offered by the London Institute of Early Years (In partnership with the University of Wolverhampton).