CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS CSCS is running conferences on: “effective teaching and learning” in Bristol (March 5), Exeter (March 6) and Solihull (March 21); “school improvement: the influence of the classroom” and “school improvement, the contribution of teaching and learning”, led by David Reynolds, Newcastle University, in Chester and South Normanton (March 13); “the effective middle manager” in Rotherham (March 14); “value-added” in Grantham (March 21); and “classroom target setting” in Luton (March 20). Fee per conference: Pounds 95, Pounds 75 members. Details: 01604 24969.

MARCH 6 WOMEN’S EDUCATION AND TRAINING SINCE 1992 ACT MARCH 10 WIDENING PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKPLACE Organised by NIACE, the national organisation for adult learning, at the Grand and Ibis hotels in Birmingham. The programme of the first conference will include research on the impact of accreditation on women’s education and training presented by Maggie Coats, Open University. At the second, speakers include Sue Georgious, acting director, Central Access Network, Warwick University, on employing credit in work-based training. Fees: Pounds 125 and Pounds 100 respectively. Details: Celestine Harris, 0116 204 4223 and Philippa Cattell, 0116 204 4245.

MARCH 8-7 EUROPE:THE HEART OF THE MATTER Organised in Brussels by the National Association for Business Studies to provide a forum for further education practitioners working to achieve greater benefits for colleges and students in a changing Europe. Speakers include: John Jones, head of Birmingham and West Midlands office, Brussels, on “Reading the map - the byways of Brussels”; and Val Davies, Further Education Development Agency, on “UK colleges involvement in Europe”. Package fee: Pounds 195-Pounds 235, excluding travel (flightEurostar quotes available). Details: NABSE, co Conference Support International Ltd, 0121 776 7799.

MARCH 11 VITAMINS, MINERALS AND SCHOOLCHILDREN Organised in Glasgow by the National Dairy Council with the British Dietetic Association, Royal College of Nursing, and National Association for Teachers of Home Economics and Technology. Teachers welcome. Topics include: the importance of an adequate vitamin, mineral and antioxidant nutrient intake, nutritional guidelines for food provision in schools, and factors which influence children’s choice of food. Fee: Pounds 29.50. Details: Esther Jones, NDC, 5-7 John Princes Street, London W1M OAP (mark envelope “School Children Seminars”).