Organised for heads and school governors at Central Halls, Westminster, London SW1. Speakers include: Michael Barber, head, Department for Education and Employment’s standards and effectiveness unit; Nick Tate, chief executive, School Curriculum and Assessment Authority; and Jane Martin, chair, Action for Governors Information and Training. Free admission. Details: Aileen Owen Davies, 01784 437134.

JUNE 25 CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: SOCIAL COMPETENCE

Organised by the Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry at the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. Professor Marian Sigman, University of California, will discuss levels and types of social competence shown by children with autism, Down’s Syndrome and other developmental disorders. Other topics include video training in the home, and the influence of psychological factors. Fee: Pounds 45, Pounds 25 members. Details: 0171 403 7458.

JUNE 26-27 GREATER MANCHESTER HOSPITAL AND HOME TEACHERS

Annual conference at Salford University. Speakers include: Pat Griffiths, Department for Education and Employment, on the incorporation of medical needs within the Code of Practice; and Dr Sonny Phillips, neurologist, on the effect of epilepsy on children’s learning. Choice of workshops. Fee: Pounds 100, Pounds 60 one day. Details: Mrs B Purdy, 0161 794 1151.

JUNE 30-JULY 1 PATHWAYS TO THE TECHNOLOGICAL WORKFORCE

Organised by Southern Science and Technology Forum at Southampton University to examine the non-graduate technological workforce. Topics include: the role of further education and other post-16 training providers; and the development of modern apprenticeships. Speakers include: Michael Bichard, Department for Education and Employment; Graham Mackenzie, School Curriculum and Assessment Authority; and David Melville, Further Education Funding Council. Fee: Pounds 125 plus VAT. Details: 01703 908800.

JULY 5 NUTRITION IN EDUCATION: WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Organised by British Nutrition Foundation at Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, London W1. Speakers include: Brian Wharton, British Nutrition Foundation, on diet and learning processes; Catherine Dennison, Trust for the Study of Adolescence, Brighton, on why children eat what they do; and Heulwen Hall, formerly from Manchester Metropolitan University, on a new initiative in initial teacher training. Fee: Pounds 29.38-Pounds 58.75. Details: Georgina Strutt, 0171 404 6504.