Conference Programme

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life. There are conversations we dread, yet they are absolutely necessary. If not approached tactfully, they can quickly escalate into workplace conflict, affecting relationships, performance, and wellbeing.

Step Right Up, Educators! Are You Ready to Play... "Eden does Family Fortunes" – Early Years Style Remember the classic game show where families battled it out to guess the most popular answers? Well, ...

In high-stakes environments, forgotten skills can have serious consequences. Luke from LUPE Training has seen firsthand the critical difference that relevant, ongoing training makes in nurseries and c ...

Join our panel as we explore how early childhood settings can navigate change and embed innovation meaningfully. Through reflective dialogue, we’ll consider practical strategies, leadership approaches ...

Chris will update attendees on the childcare reform programme and plans for government to support settings in giving children the best start in life.

Ali Franklin moderates a discussion with dedicated male leaders in the sector on how we can all contribute to building a more gender-balanced environment in early years education.

How can nurseries make sure they recruit the right people and then retain them. What are the practical strategies and initiatives that really work?

As Ofsted sets out proposals for an increased focus on inclusion, this session will focus on supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities in your setting through environment, collaboration with families and professionals, making the most of funding and more.

This session is all about helping you to simplify your business and lead with confidence, so you can grow sustainably without burning out.

This session will share key updates on qualifications and changes to apprenticeship requirements in the early years sector.

This session will look at the DfE’s consultation into counting outdoor space as well as indoor space when it comes to deciding how many children a setting can have. What are the pros and cons of this, and how can nurseries make quality use of their outdoor space?

At Barclays, we understand the vital role nurseries play in supporting families and the challenges that come with running a childcare business. The Autumn Budget 2024 and increased government funding ...

Sharing data from real M&A transactions in the nursery space, this talk will shed light on the expected, and unexpected, issues that crop up with buying or selling a nursery.

How often do you reflect on your business plan? Join Tracey Hobbs, early years development manager, and Gary Croxon, business manager, for this session where we consider the importance of revisiting, reviewing, and re-developing your business plan.

This session will introduce "The Cornish Curriculum," an early years curriculum designed to nurture children's holistic development. It's rooted in brain development, outdoor learning, and project-based exploration, all while fostering a deep connection to nature and the local Cornish community. 

From school-based nurseries to funding guidance, the impact of government policy on the PVI sector and what nurseries would like to see.

In this session, we will explore the vital role of self-awareness and self-regulation in effective leadership, examining how reflective practices and the development of emotional intelligence can unlock your leadership and management superpower!

With new DfE nutrition guidance and the anticipated publication of the Cross Party Parliamentary Group report on early years nutrition on the horizon, now is the time to put food at the centre of our thinking.

Join Jayne from Ofsted for the latest updates on regulation, priorities, and developments across the education sector. Find out about EYFS changes from the autumn, including around nutrition guidance ...

From September this year, children aged nine months and above will be able to access 30 hours of funded childcare. How are nurseries preparing for the potential rise in the number of babies attending settings and what do we need to think about?

This session will provide an essential overview of the EYFS safeguarding reforms, along with practical advice and strategies for preparing your team and reviewing your current policies.

Purposeful play is vitally important for children's learning and development and how we, as educators nurture that is a constant source of reflection, especially through the post pandemic times of ref ...

AI is here, and here to stay. Many sectors are now embracing AI and the early years sector cannot be left behind. This session explores practical, responsible ways to use AI tools to support EYFS leadership.