Alliance Connect Roadshow: Knowing your ‘why’

Is it the joy you get from working with families? The magic of seeing young children learn and discover for the first time? The pride of giving that bit of extra help to those who need it? Or perhaps it’s simply the knowledge that what you do will have an immeasurably profound, lasting impact on the lives of the children you care for and educate.

Whatever the reason, knowing – and (sometimes) rediscovering – your ‘why’ is so important in ensuring your career as an early education professional is a happy and fulfilling one.

That’s why we’re so delighted that our next in-person Connect Roadshow is a whole day devoted to exploring the ‘why’ of early education, as well as the impact that our role as educators can have on young children and their families.

We’re working hard to bring you the best and brightest Connect Roadshow you’ve ever laid your eyes on. And, if you’ve not had a chance to get your ticket yet, we still have a few early bird tickets available!

We’ll kick off with an inspirational talk by Early Years Alliance CEO Neil Leitch on how focusing on yourself can make you a better early years educator, including why it’s important to take time for you. Tracey Hobbs, early years development manager, will then lead an engaging session where you’ll learn simple techniques to put that into practise and make it easier to stay mindful.

You’ll also get a chance to experience our popular Connect sessions live and in person. Ordinarily held online, these sessions offer early years professionals the opportunity to learn more about specific topics and discuss their thoughts in depth with others in the industry.

Communication and language unlock a world of imagination and adventure. In this engaging practical session, we will take a hands-on approach to exploring the difference that we as educators can make to children’s communication and language development though sharing the joy of stories and rhymes.

Together, we’ll take a storytelling journey into make-believe worlds and discuss how we can develop supportive and practical approaches to engage children and encourage them to become storytellers by building their confidence and supporting their mastery of language.

Every child can make good progress, with the right support. In this motivational workshop, we’ll explore the value of the role of the key person in supporting children’s progress and attainment, and consider how a rich curriculum can be tailored to meet children’s individual needs.

We consider reflection as a tool to empower you and your team to build professional confidence and ensure continuing professional development.

And, finally, we’re ending the day with a reminder of why we do what we do: to support the children we care for and the adults they will grow into. Mental health advocate Musharaf Asghar will share his experience of the difference his teachers made in his life and how that continues to positively impact him to this day.

9.40am - 10.20am: Neil Leitch, Alliance CEO, Keynote

10.20am - 10.40am: Tracey Hobbs, Alliance early years development manager

11.00am - 12.05pm: Breakout rooms – delegates will be split into two groups and will attend the one of two practical seminar sessions. All delegates will have the opportunity to attend the second of the two sessions in the afternoon.

Connect one - Sharing stories and rhymes to support early language: where will the adventure take us?
Connect two - Supporting the unique child: the role of the key person

Alliance Connect Roadshow: Knowing your 'why'

Why do you work in the early years?

What can you expect on the day?

Practical seminars

AGENDA