Starting strong: Empowering children and families through high quality care, education and support

It is by now well-known that the first five years are, without question, the most important in a child’s life when it comes to learning and development. During this crucial period, a child's brain develops more than at any other time in their life, meaning a child’s early experiences are central to shaping the person they will someday become.

How, then, can we move beyond discussions on the need for ‘cheap childcare’ and build a shared understanding of the importance of high-quality care, education and support for children and families?

In this positive and inspiring Alliance annual conference, we will take an in-depth look at what we mean when we talk about quality provision, how despite ongoing challenges, we as educators can continue to deliver the best possible early years practice, and what is needed to ensure that the voice of the child is centred in everything we do.

This year’s event will once again take place virtually to minimise costs for attendees, with tickets free for Alliance members and just £15 for non-members.

6.15pm: Conference opens

6:20pm: Andreas Schleicher, director for education and skills at the OECD

6:35pm: Lade Smith CBE, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

6.50pm: Neil Leitch, CEO, Early Years Alliance

7.05pm: Q&A

7.25pm: Belle Tutaev Lifetime Achievement Award

7.40pm: Conference closes

7.45pm - 8pm: Comfort break

8pm - 8.45pm: Seminars

Attendees can choose to attend one of three seminars. Each seminar is recorded and circulated to all event attendees.

Delivering high-quality practice in baby rooms – Kayla Halls, research fellow at Middlesex University

In this practical session, Kayla will explore how baby room educators can deliver high-quality provision for 0-2-year-olds.

The session will take us through a series of vignettes (small stories) to explore elements of best practice in the baby room, including how we attune to babies, how we work with families, and how teams can work together.

Kayla’s presentation will pull from the latest findings of the Nuffield Foundation funded research project ‘Achieving high-quality provision in the baby room of English nurseries.’

Navigating the post-digital age: supporting digital literacy and online safety in the early years – Alex Dave, safeguarding lead, LGfL

Digital media is now a fundamental and inescapable part of our lives, with young children surrounded by an ever-growing range of technologies and devices on a daily basis. So how do we as educators balance the rich opportunities for social, educational, and developmental growth that digital media can create with the essential need for safeguarding and security?

In this thoughtful and engaging seminar, Alex will explore the need for early years settings to take a proactive approach to digital media and online safety, and consider what good practice in this area looks like. The session will explore at the different types of digital content that children might access, and how technology can extend learning and inclusion, as well as how to ensure staff are confident in their ability to use technology safely and responsibly. The seminar will also highlight the importance of working in partnership with parents and carers on this important issue.

Making mealtimes easier: supporting children with SEND in early years settings – Lucy Wood, early years dietitian

As both parents and educators know, selective eating in young children can be a real source of stress and worry – but by prioritising a nurturing approach to early nutrition, we can support children to develop healthy, positive relationships with their food.

In this engaging virtual session, Lucy will delve into the developmental and sensory needs that shape children’s mealtime experience, and provide practical advice on how educators can create supportive environments that encourage food curiosity and ease anxiety.

Book your space at

bit.ly/U5conference2026!