EVENT
Sensory play or sensory pay?
The Alliance’s Ruth Richardson explains how the Alliance’s networking sessions can support early years leaders to share, reflect and grow
Ruth is an early years development officer, specialising in EYFS/Ofsted, outdoor learning and loose parts play.
In the dynamic world of early years, staying informed and connected is more important than ever. And for managers and leaders in particular, including childminding professionals, having opportunities to reflect, collaborate and learn from one another is essential to delivering high-quality provision.
Engaging in professional networking offers a wealth of benefits for those working in early years. Not only does it offer the opportunities to collaborate and share ideas, but effective networking also supports learning and professional development, helps build support systems, encourages innovation, and inspires new ideas and approaches.
That’s why we at the Alliance are so committed to providing
networking opportunities to the sector, both virtual and in-person, where early years professionals can share experiences, discuss current issues and challenges, and receive key updates on news, regulatory changes, funding opportunities and effective practice developments.
Virtual networking opportunities
Early Years Leaders Network
We know that early years leaders and managers face unique challenges, whether supporting staff, keeping your early years business sustainable or ensuring that you are up to date with the latest policy changes.
These hour-long virtual sessions are designed to give you a safe space to discuss the current challenges facing the early years sector, make links with other leaders and managers, and become part of a support network to engage, share knowledge, experience and best practice. You can view our upcoming sessions at bit.ly/U5-earlyyearsleaders.
“The sessions are well led and cover a range of interesting topics. I feel it is a good support network for those who run early years settings”.
David, playgroup leader
Childminding Professional Networking Event
Over recent years, childminders have faced a number of significant changes, including the introduction of a new non-domestic category of childminder, Making Tax Digital, and most recently, the implementation of safer sleep guidance.
These hourly-long virtual sessions offer a space for childminding professionals to discuss the issues that matter most to them, to network with their peers and to reflect on the elements of their provision that make them such a unique part of the early years sector.
You can view our upcoming sessions at bit.ly/U5-childmindernetworking.
“I am looking into ways to be able to comply with the new sleep guidance. Thank you for valuing childminders and giving us these opportunities to network”.
Kay, Childminder
In-person networking opportunities
Alliance Connect Roadshows
These full-day professional development events, which take place twice a year across England, combine engaging keynote speakers, insightful practical workshops and seminars, and fantastic networking opportunities.
Our upcoming event, Building belonging, is taking place on Thursday 15 October in Manchester and focuses on creating a kinder, stronger and more inclusive early years environment. You can book your ticket today at bit.ly/U5-connectroadshow.
“What I have appreciated the most about the whole event is being together with colleagues and listening to these wonderful speakers. They have been inspirational and it's fabulous [to have them] all under one roof."
Alliance Connect attendee
By connecting with others, we strengthen not only our practice, but the entire early years community.
To stay informed about upcoming dates and details, keep an eye on our website, newsletters and social media channels.
Under 5 magazine
The magazine of the Early Years Alliance