Organised by National Small Schools’ Forum at The Chamberlain Hotel, Birmingham. Speakers include: Bill Laar, inspector; Peter Jackson, lead officer on target-setting, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority; Mary Horn HMI; and local education authority advisers. Fee: pound;30-pound;97. Details: 01743 233893.

MARCH 21 HOME-SCHOOL AGREEMENTS

Organised for teachers, parents and governors by Tower Hamlets Working with Parents Consortium at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London E1. Speaker: Dr John Bastiani, consultant. Workshops include: homework; family literacy; pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties; and working with bilingual families. It will be introduced by Anne Whitlam HMI. Fee: pound;75, pound;40 half-day. Details: Sarah Gale, 0171 364 6461.

MARCH 24 SCIENCE, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY (KEY STAGES 1-3)

Organised by Bilingualism, Languages and Education Network at Hughes Parry Hall, London University, 19-26 Cartwright Gardens, London WC1. Key speaker: Professor Gunther Kress, London Institute of Education, on visual literacy and communication. Fee: pound;70 (includes lunch). Details: telfax 0181 883 0237; e-mail: blen378@hotmail.com MARCH 28 BEYOND THE LITERACY HOUR

Annual conference of the National Association for Primary Education at the Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea. It will comprise talks, school performances and the AGM. Fee: pound;25, pound;20 members, pound;10 concessions (includes lunch). Details: 01604 636326; e-mail: nape@rmplc.co.uk