The Early Years Leadership Conference, London 2025

Come join us at The View in The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, for a day filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. This conference is designed for those in leadership roles within the early years sector. Learn from industry experts, share best practices, and connect with like-minded professionals. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your leadership skills and make valuable connections. Buy your ticket now to secure your spot!

Key highlights:

• Connect with fellow leaders and industry experts, expanding your professional network and forging valuable relationships.
• Gain insights from renowned early years experts on a variety of current topics.
• Elevate your skills and knowledge through reflective discussions and seminars, specifically designed to enhance your leadership capabilities.
• Access leading suppliers from the Early Years Sector who understand your unique needs and have tailored solutions for you.
• CPD Accredited: Be awarded a CPD Certificate for every seminar you attend.
• Enjoy a delicious Continental Breakfast, Sandwich Lunch, and unlimited tea & coffee!
• Take home a loaded goody bag.
• Free entry into our fabulous raffle at the end of the day.
• And so much more!

Info: Cheryl Warren, Aperion Training – Engaging parents who are in denial about their child’s development
How can we support the child in the best way we can if the parents are not willing to talk to us about the developmental differences we have observed in the setting?
In this session Cheryl will be inviting us to debate the question that she is asked more than others in her work as a neurodiversity affirming trainer and consultant. She will share her personal experiences raising neurodivergent children, the journey of acceptance as a parent and how we can lead our team to support the child to the best of their ability, whilst also support parents in their understanding of their child’s differences.
www.aperiontraining.co.uk

Info: This powerful panel explores the barriers that limit diversity and representation in early years leadership, recruitment, and practice. Panellists will discuss the impact on children’s identity and belonging, while sharing practical strategies leaders can use to challenge stereotypes and create inclusive environments.

Panellists:

Jack Edwards – Early years leader and workforce development advocate.

Claudio Sisera – Equality, diversity, and inclusion specialist.

Ryan Bradshaw – Campaigner for systemic change in early years.

Stacy Mann – COO of The Early Years Company and champion of inclusive leadership.

Expect an honest, inspiring conversation offering both reflection and actionable ideas for change.

Info: Dr. Sam Ballington, award-winning ‘inspiring educator’ and ‘innovator in education,’ Early Years qualification developer, pedagogue, specialist trainer, and textbook author, discusses ’The Hidden Child’, in her keynote on safeguarding, equity, and inclusive practice.

Sam brings a personal message to safeguarding, understanding compassion fatigue within our teams, and introduces her research-led C.A.L.M. framework for leaders in the Early Years. Spot every child. Spot your own fatigue. Lead with C.A.L.M: embedding a culture of connection, acceptance, listening, and play.

Info: This panel brings together leading voices to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping learning and development in the early years. Panellists will share practical insights and fresh perspectives on what truly matters in practice today, with a focus on:
Curriculum design and delivery
> Workforce training and professional growth
> Supporting diverse learning needs, including SEND
> The role of leadership in driving high-quality practice
Panellists:
Kelly Hill – CEO of The Early Years Company, specialising in leadership and sector development.
Cheryl Warren – Early years consultant and trainer with expertise in curriculum and quality improvement.
Sam Dholakia (TBC) – Behaviour and SEND specialist, founder of The Behaviour Bank.
Ryan Bradshaw – Early years leader and campaigner for inclusive practice.

Expect a thought-provoking discussion with actionable takeaways for leaders and practitioners alike.

Info: Sam Dholakia, is a behaviour, inclusion, and SEND specialist supporting nurseries and schools to create emotionally safe, inclusive environments. In this eye-opening session, Sam will explore the complex relationship between Sensory Processing Differences (SPD) and behaviour in the early years.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how sensory needs influence children’s actions and regulation, and discover practical strategies to balance behaviour support with meeting sensory needs. Leaders will leave with fresh insights and tools to guide their teams with confidence and compassion.

Info: Apprenticeships are a vital part of building the future early years workforce, but how do we ensure they get the right support to thrive? This panel will bring together leaders, trainers, and employers to explore the realities of apprenticeships in practice and what makes them work well for both learners and settings.

Key themes include:
>The role of mentors and leaders in guiding apprentices
>Balancing high-quality training with day-to-day pressures
>Employer responsibilities and best practice in supporting staff development
>How apprenticeships shape long-term workforce growth

Panellists:
Jack Edwards – Early years leader and advocate for workforce development
Swift Learner representative – Apprentice sharing first-hand experience
Swift Employer (Hatching Dragons) – Employer perspective on training and support
Additional sector voices (TBC)
Stacy Mann (TEYC) – COO of The Early Years Company, with expertise in leadership and staff development

Expect a lively, practical conversation

Info: We’re delighted to welcome Dr Ruth Glynne-Owen from Blue Sky Autism, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in early intervention and support for children with developmental differences. Known for their innovative, play-based approaches, the Blue Sky Autism team are passionate about empowering both children and the adults who care for them.

In this inspiring session, you can expect fresh insights into supporting children with additional needs, practical strategies to take back to your setting, and thought-provoking discussion on how leaders can create inclusive, nurturing environments for every child to thrive.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The View in The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, United Kingdom