East London and Essex Education Conference and Exhibition 2020

Claire Kelly - Director of Curricula and Training, Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP)

Having been a teacher for over 25 years, 20 of which were at Senior Management level, Claire joined the UK charity Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) as their Director of Curricula and Training. As part of her role she creates classroom content, and trains teachers to deliver mindfulness-based programmes in school settings for 7-18 year-olds. She has taught mindfulness in a range of settings, including traditional primary and secondary schools, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, pupil referral units (short-stay schools), medical schools, the NHS, Multi-Academy Trusts, to educational and clinical psychologists, in universities (University College London, Kings College London) , and on public courses. She has also trained teachers to deliver mindfulness courses in the UK, Ireland, Thailand and Hong Kong. She has also worked with MYRIAD research team, overseeing the .b teacher training programmes on behalf of MiSP as part of the research. Claire’s passion is around the link between staff and student wellbeing and how this feeds into the ‘weather’ in the classroom, and the broader learning and social culture within the school.

Prof Dr Ger Graus OBE

Dr Ger Graus OBE is a renowned figure in the field of education, where, since March 2017, he holds the position of the first Global Director of Education at KidZania. KidZania, where children aged 4 to14 can experience the world of work through role-play, is designed to inspire and empower: “from inspiration to aspiration”. Since its inception in 1999 in Mexico City, KidZania now has a presence in 24 cities on 5 continents with plans for further developments in some 20 locations including the USA, Canada and South Africa. KidZania London is the UK’s first such educational entertainment centre. Ger Graus has been at the heart of innovation and project development such as 'KidZania World Online', 'KidZtalk', 'KidZania Careers Week', ‘KidZania LitFests’; education ‘Think-Tanks’, 'Ambassador Schools' and independent evaluations by, amongst others the University of Cambridge, Cass Business School, Havas Helia and Ernst & Young. Based on these evaluations’ findings, Ger is now spearheading a ‘Futures Awareness’ campaign to introduce careers education into the primary phase. After all, as he frequently reminds us: “Children can only aspire to what they know exists.” Ger started at KidZania London in 2014, where he has been responsible for developing the UK-wide education strategy, including partnerships with schools, Higher Education, commercial and third sector learning partners.

Rochelle Mathieson - Senior Funding Consultant, Yellow Onion

Rochelle has been involved in supporting the education sector all of her career, from organising national graduate recruitment events, marketing career guides, to supporting community groups and afterschool clubs access much needed grant funding. She has realised a passion for supporting schools and charitable organisations in developing the skills required to access funding. More recently Rochelle has led a successful team of funding officers, securing over £30m for Essex based organisations, as well as delivering training to schools right across the county. Having been a School Governor herself, she is well versed with the school environment and the budgetary challenges being faced. She continues to work within the public sector today, where her drive for developing innovative solutions to diversify public sector funding continues. Rochelle will be introducing the Bidding and Diversifying School Funding workshop which will be delivered in Spring 2020 and sharing her top tips for developing successful grant applications.

Ross McWilliam - The Umbrella & Egg Man, Mindset Pro

Ross McWilliam is quickly acquiring a new name…Spartacus. This is not down to his strength and courage, but more to the fact that he uses The Spartacus Game to quickly engage audiences…and effectively gains a devoted following, just like Spartacus…but he promises nobody will get killed! Ross was a teacher in the UK, Canada, USA and Saudi Arabia, and worked within High School, Special School, College and University levels. He was also Commercial Manager at Preston North End FC and has run a few businesses. He once featured globally in a project called “I want to get married in a year” where he vowed to change his life and get a wife! Ross believes that he shares knowledge with his audiences, it is a two way street and he uses practical games to actively demonstrate how people can simply become aware of confidence and motivation, and how crucial it is to develop these two life qualities. Moreover, Ross will entice audience members to demonstrate confidence and emotional motivational awareness and so start off the journey for a better life.…as Ross says “ Fun is my main priority and learning can be a by product! Previous clients include Easyfit Personal Training, University of Central Lancashire, Westholme School, Lancaster Girls Grammar, Sedbergh Independent School, Lancashire Business League and Shout Networks, ISBL, NAHT, Wells Cathedral School, Burnley FC, Fleetwood FC and Blackpool FC. By the way, he also catches a raw egg on the back of his neck….so please don’t sit too close…unless you are confident!