Organised by and held at Department of Community Studies at Reading University. Co-organised with Youth for Europe, it is aimed at young people and the professionals who work with them. Topics include: developing a youth strategy for the 21st century; how young people can help stem the rise of the Right in Europe; education, training and employment; and opportunities for young black women. Fee: Pounds 90. Details: Horace Lashley or Nick Ashwell, 0734 318852.

JANUARY 7-8 EDUCATION - BACK TO BASICS?

Organised by the Fabian Society at Ruskin College, Oxford. Speakers include: David Blunkett MP, shadow education secretary, Margaret Maden, county education officer, Warwickshire, Melanie Phillips, Observer columnist, and Graham Lane, of the Socialist Education Association. Sessions include: opted-out schools, early years policy, and the future of comprehensives. Fee: Pounds 18 per day, Pounds 85 residential. Details: Clair Wilcox, 071 222 8877.