ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Families at the heart

A look back the keynote speeches at this year's conference

Image

This year’s Alliance annual conference aimed to recognise and celebrate the central role of the early years in supporting whole families, at what is an increasingly challenging time for many.

Image

Our first speaker for the evening was Lord John Bird MBE, founder of The Big Issue. Lord Bird talked about the difficulties of his own childhood, noting that his parents “never saw the potential” that education could provide and that as a result, his earliest years set him off on an “enormously troubled path” that resulted in a spell in prison.

He went onto describe his efforts to advocate for a Ministry

of Poverty within government, saying that current policy focuses on helping people make the most of their poverty, rather than helping them to escape poverty, and argued for the need for more funding for the early years sector.

Image

Next up was Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE, Associate Director for Practice and Impact at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and a member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s expert advisory group.

Beverley stressed the importance of early intervention and the role of the early years in supporting vulnerable families, saying: “I am witness to the preventative, ameliorative and

mitigating impacts of good early years provision, supporting the child and family in need, giving that learning, love, help and support needed.”

She also highlighted the economic argument for more support for the early years, citing research from London School of Economics’ Care and Policy Evaluation Centre (CPEC), which calculated the cost of not investing in early childhood as £16.13bn per year in England.

Image

The final speaker was Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, who spoke passionately about the need for more support for the early years workforce. Citing the results of the Alliance’s recent mental health survey, he criticised the government’s decision to “dump yet another promise of even more so-called ‘free childcare’ on us … and all without a single word of consultation with the people that are expected to deliver it”, adding: “There is no doubt that we have a sector of 

fantastic education professionals who work tirelessly, but a neglectful government has pushed their goodwill to the limit and the net result is a sector of professionals who are overworked, overwhelmed and frankly, at risk of complete burnout.”

He went on to praise the work of early years settings in supporting families during what he described as “one of the toughest periods of recent history” and, citing his own difficult childhood, ended by praising the kindness of those who work in the sector, saying: “I, for one, am forever grateful that I get to work in a sector filled with such incredible individuals.”

The opening conference closed with a tribute to Lewis and Zoe Steeper, who lost their son Oliver following a choking incident at his nursery in September 2021. In the midst of the heartbreak that followed, the Steepers found the incredible strength to campaign against plans to relax ratios, launching a government e-petition that gained nearly 110,000 signatures and prompted a parliamentary debate.

Speaking during the event response, Lewis said: “We are not going to let this go until someone listens to us, and someone understands what the sector needs.”

“I must say, in the 16 years I have been in early years, it was the best conference I have ever attended. It was full of inspiration, motivation, honesty, emotion to name but a few words to describe what was an excellent all-round conference - thank you! ”

A huge thank you to our sponsors for the evening:

Bloomsbury Education publishes books to help teachers teach better and children learn more. From practical resources, lesson plans and professional development to side-splitting poetry and fantastic fiction, we will have something to meet your needs.

Image

Bloomsbury Education publishes books to help teachers teach better and children learn more. From practical resources, lesson plans and professional development to side-splitting poetry and fantastic fiction, we will have something to meet your needs.

Covering early years, primary and secondary, Bloomsbury Education works with its highly experienced and trusted authors to support teachers and engage learners. On our list, we have books by the fantastic Alistair Bryce-Clegg, the Let’s Talk series by Molly Potter to help you start meaningful conversations with children and our 50 Fantastic Ideas range is popular with early years educators.


Image

Eduzone offers an extensive selection of innovative and engaging resources tailored for early years education. Each item is thoughtfully chosen for quality, safety, and children’s development. Our comprehensive range of over 8,000 products covers all key areas of early years learning and development which are ideal for enhancing EYFS activities and creating a welcoming environment.

With easy online ordering, our website provides everything you need, including educational resources, art and craft materials, furniture, activity stations, and everyday nursery supplies. Backed by over 20 years of experience, our team is dedicated to helping you establish the best learning environment. Discover more at eduzone.co.uk.


Image

The Profitable Nursery Academy is a five-stage journey that equips owners with the tools to run an efficient, profitable business.


Image

YPO has been inspiring nurseries since 1974 with our specialist range of early years resources and furniture. We work with leading suppliers to deliver everything you need to kit out your early years setting – from play spaces and outdoor areas to kitchens, washrooms, and offices.

Our specialist range of over 5,000 early years products can help you create fun, engaging, and imaginative environments to inspire your little learners. By working with our partners like Early Years Alliance, we can help bring innovation and creativity into your learning environments, sharing ideas and simplifying any challenges that may come your way.


Image

Early Years Direct supplies thoughtfully designed and chosen furniture, equipment and resources sourced from different specialist suppliers and manufacturers. This includes our popular Wobbler Chairs which are available individually, in sets and with tables to match.

Our Nursery Know-how team will be happy to help you select the right items to match your space, budget and needs. They can also assist with new nursery or classroom set-ups and refurbishments.