CPD Seminar Programme
Friday 27th September
Saturday 28th September
10.30am – 11:15am: Continuous Provision – The Best Kept Secret in the Early Years
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, ABC Does Ltd
In this session, Alistair will be looking at what continuous provision is, where the idea came from and why it is so important in creating an effective teaching and learning space for children. Alistair will be using lots of examples from his work, with settings across the globe, to illustrate what good continuous provision can look like, along with some practical ideas to help you to start your journey or add to your existing practice.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
10.30am – 11:15am: Why There’s No Such Thing as Naughty
Kate Silverton, Broadcaster, Sunday Times Best Selling Author & Children’s Mental Health & Parenting Expert
In this session, Kate will explain the neuroscientific basis of behaviour and how we can help early years children to start learning how to regulate. She will consider what support adults can offer children in early years settings and there will be an opportunity for Kate to answer some questions from the audience.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
11.30am – 12.15pm: Bibs, Cribs and Desperate to Learn! Making the Baby Room a Place of Playful Adventure
Clare Stead, CEO & Founder, Oliiki
Make every moment count in the baby room. From conception to two, the science shows us that the brain is developing more than any other time in life. During this session, Clare will dive into the science of this transformational period and show you simple, actionable activities you can use tomorrow in your setting to make your everyday activities brain-building adventures for the babies in your care. Empower your nursery staff to elevate from basic routines to brain-boosting excellence by harnessing the magic of play!
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
11.30am-12.15pm: Navigating the Waves: Transforming Ofsted Inspections from Anxiety to Assurance
Vanessa Dooley , Director, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy
In this seminar, we’ll embark on a journey to transform the often-daunting prospect of Ofsted inspections into a beacon of positivity and professional growth. We’ll explore strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, demystifying the inspection process, and embracing a constructive mindset. By reframing our approach, we can shift from viewing inspections with apprehension to welcoming them as opportunities for celebrating achievements and identifying paths for enhancing our practice in early years settings.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
12.30pm – 1.30pm: Behind the Ratings: Understanding Ofsted Inspections
Wendy Ratcliff HMI, Principal Officer Schools and Early Education, Ofsted
Samantha Sleeman-Boss, Early Education Quality and Practice Lead, Ofsted
Caroline Hearn, Specialist Advisor for Early Years Regulatory practice, Ofsted
Join experts from Ofsted as they explore key question’s surrounding inspections:
Why does reading hold such paramount importance, and how can early years settings embark on the journey of fostering a love for books in children?
Why is the curriculum the cornerstone of our inspection focus?
Why is it important to think about children’s physical development and personal, social and emotional development too?
What do we look at regarding safeguarding on inspections?
What paperwork do I need to keep?
What do we need to know about accidents and complaints?
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
12.30pm-1.30pm: SEND Support & Solutions: Practical Insights for Educators
Sue Lee, Director, Morton Michel Ltd
Becky Eckersley, Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Sarah Mackenzie, CEO, Storal
Catherine McLeod MBE, Chief Executive, Dingley’s Promise
Cheryl Warren, Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
Panellists will explore the key challenges for early years SEND and provide practical insights and collaborative solutions for supporting and improving outcomes for children with SEND and their families. Including:
Perception and comprehension of SEND within the early years.
SEND training – who, what and when.
Navigating the EHCP process, external agencies, and funding.
Building confident use of the Graduated Approach.
Rise in numbers of children and levels of SEND complexity within early years settings and the impact of increased entitlements.
Supporting colleagues with SEND.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Walk the Talk – Cultivating Language Skills in Our Youngest Learners
Alice Sharp, Early Years Consultant, Author & Trainer
In the world of our youngest children, it’s easy to recognise the way they develop, we see it in front of us every day. However, language, the skills for communication, begin in the ears and in the head long before they appear in and from the mouth! In this session we will consider:
Voice, speech, and language
Sounds, words – building nouns, verbs and adjectives
Opportunity and exposure
Language rich spaces and places
Socialisation chatter
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Growing Strong and Confident: The Magic of Outdoor Play
Alice Sharp, Early Years Consultant, Author & Trainer
Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are many benefits, including exploring a different environment, developing muscle strength and coordination. It also increases flexibility, motor skills, and confidence. In this session, we will consider:
What is it all about and why is it important – with a focus on health benefits.
Holistic learning: Should it replicate indoor play, serve as an extension of indoor activities, be the complete opposite of indoor play, or revolve around nature?
Types of play, including loose parts and big ideas.
Creating a ‘Home from Home,’ shelters, and dens.
Looking after nature.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
2.45pm – 3.30pm: Play as a Vehicle for Learning
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, ABC Does Ltd
In this session, Alistair will be investigating the science behind what happens when we play and why that makes it the most powerful way to learn for children and adults alike. He will also be applying that theory to the learning spaces that we create and give some tips, advice and ideas on how you can maximise children’s potential through the power of play.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
2.45pm – 3.30pm: Unlocking the Power of Joy: A Pathway to Every Child Flourishing
Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
This thought-provoking and inspirational seminar explores “Joy”, not merely as an abstract concept but as a fundamentally important part of every childhood. By examining the neuroscience of Joy, Ben Kingston-Hughes presents a compelling argument that Joy is crucial for supporting all children to thrive and underpins every aspect of their development and well-being. The seminar then explores practical strategies for using Joy to support all of our wonderfully diverse children to flourish. This seminar is based on research from Ben’s game changing book, “Why Children Need Joy,” and is humorous, insightful and full to the brim with joy.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
Free Share & Support Hub Programme
Join these free, drop-in, informal round table discussions to share experiences and insights with your peers. Support one another and share best practices across the sector on a variety of topics. Each session will be led by subject experts, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in the conversation. Spaces are limited, so arrive early and take a seat to avoid disappointment!
Educators, you are not alone – connect and talk at our new Share & Support Hub
Friday 27th September
Saturday 28th September
10.45am – 11:30am: Mental Health Challenges & Avoiding Burnout
Sarah Crossley, Founder, Your Well-being Company
Marcia Brown, Divisional Director, Busy Bees
10.45am – 11:30am: From Policy to Practice: Navigating Guidance & Funding
Gary Croxon, Business Manager, Early Years Alliance
Tricia Wellings, Chief Executive, Bright Kids Group & MBK Early Years
12.00pm – 12.45pm: Reimagining the Workforce: Flexibility, Retention & Recruitment
Imogen Edmunds, CEO Redwing Solutions Ltd
Jo Turley, Managing Director, Ashbourne Day Nurseries
12.00pm – 12.45pm: Mental Health Challenges & Avoiding Burnout
Daisy Newbery, Head of reward, Wellbeing and Organisational Design, Bright Horizons
Alison Heseltine, Early Years Development Manager, Early Years Alliance
1.15pm – 2.00pm: Supporting SEND: Ensuring Both Educators & Children Thrive
Elaine Sagar, CEO, Sunflower Group
Dr Becky Baxter, Director of Education & Speech and Language Therapy, Down Syndrome UK
1.15pm – 2.00pm: Reimagining the Workforce: Flexibility, Retention & Recruitment
Jordan Tully, Founder & Director, Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully
Imogen Edmunds, CEO, Redwing Solutions Ltd
2.30pm – 3.15pm: From Policy to Practice: Navigating Guidance & Funding
Iain Colledge, Executive Director of Operations, Bright Horizons
Kirsty Love, Head of Operations, The Old Station Nursery
2.30pm – 3.15pm: Supporting SEND: Ensuring Both Educators & Children Thrive
Becky Eckersley, Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Onika Edwards, Quality Business Partner South, Partou
Free Interactive Workshops Programme
Friday 27th September
Saturday 28th September
10:30am – 11:00am: Playful Strategies to Navigate Change & Inclusion
Gary Harrison, Commercial Manager, Morton Michel Ltd
We recognise that as early years educators, a diverse skill set is required to help navigate the ever-evolving world of childcare. We’d love you to join us in this interactive session, where we promise you fun as well as invaluable insights. Through an interactive game, you’ll uncover strategies to help you navigate through different scenarios, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges that mirror real-life situations. Come and join Gary for 30 minutes of fun and learning where you will walk away with practical insights that you can apply to everyday life.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
10:30am – 11:00am: Wow! Look What I Made, it Cost me Almost Nothing and it is all Natural!
Paula Lester, Quality Consultant & Tutor, Froebel Trust
Using resources from nature, you will leave this workshop with a range of ideas you can add to your environment and weave into your early years’ curriculum. Whilst inspiring and igniting children’s creativity, you will be supporting them to appreciate our world and what it offers. Engaging with nature forms a part of underpinning principles in a Froebelian pedagogy. In this workshop we will look at the natural world through a Froebelian lens, not only taking away ideas, (and something you have made!) you will also take away lots to reflect on!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Talk and Thrive – A Workshop for Developing Communication in the Early Years
Alexandra Chiorando, Early Years Consultant, Marmalade Early Years Consultancy
Embark on a journey of language and communication discovery with this hands-on workshop. Tailored for the early years, this engaging session delves into the essential skills for effective communication and language development.
From cultivating active listening to embracing the rhythm and rhyme of language, participants will be immersed in dynamic activities that enhance children’s listening, attention, and working memory skills. This interactive workshop is a playground of practical ideas, empowering adults to support children to communicate and express themselves with confidence.
Join me for a vibrant experience that will help children’s communication skills bloom, setting the stage for a lifetime of expressive and effective language development.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Hands That Speak: Unveiling the Power of British Sign Language
Andrew Stanley, BSL Teacher, Signature
Discover the world of British Sign Language in this workshop led by a Deaf instructor who will teach key BSL basics and helpful insights into deaf awareness. Explore how to integrate BSL into your curriculum, and how sign language can encourage physical expression of words and reinforce learning through visual and kinaesthetic association. Join us for an enriching workshop that not only teaches fundamental BSL but also empowers you to create a more inclusive and accessible educational environment.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Are You Ready for a Little Dino Role-Play?
Gina Bale, Director, Littlemagictrain
Are you ready to journey back to the land of the Dinos? In this fun workshop, you’ll discover the excitement of creative role-play, and learn how it helps develop physical literacy, communication skills, and, most importantly, fosters the confidence to be curious.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Embracing Diversity: Understanding and Celebrating Cultural Differences
Sukhy Kaur, Author of “Is that Paras’ Turban?”
This workshop aims to promote inclusion, diversity, and British values through an engaging and interactive session.
Leveraging the themes of the book “Is that Paras’ Turban?”, we will use storytelling, puppet shows, and interactive activities to foster an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. The workshop aligns with Ofsted’s emphasis on promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
3.20pm – 3.50pm: Hoopmania: Hula Hooping Fun with Britain’s Got Talent Star
John Parnell, Hoop Guy Ltd
Come and have some fun and perfect your hula hooping skills with John, better known as the Hoop Guy from Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals. Enjoy a lively demonstration with this “have-a-go” activity and entertainment session, and learn how this fun activity improves children’s mental, rhythmic, creative, and of course, physical abilities. You’ll see just how easy it is to hula with the right technique and hoop size!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
3.20pm-3.50pm: Hoopmania: Hula Hooping Fun with Britain’s Got Talent Star
John Parnell, Hoop Guy Ltd
Come and have some fun and perfect your hula hooping skills with John, better known as the Hoop Guy from Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals. Enjoy a lively demonstration with this “have-a-go” activity and entertainment session, and learn how this fun activity improves children’s mental, rhythmic, creative, and of course, physical abilities. You’ll see just how easy it is to hula with the right technique and hoop size!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
Free Wellbeing Workshops Programme
Friday 27th September
Saturday 28th September
11.15am – 11.45am: Exploring Songdrawing for Inclusive Cross-Curricular Learning
Minna Lappalinen, Music Educator & Founding Director, Laulau Oy
Stephanie Warrender, Teacher & Director, Laulau Learning UK
This session looks at how you can create a positive, safe space for the children in your care. During this workshop, we will look at how Songdrawing and the arts support children in cross-curricular learning and how it offers experiences of inclusion and interaction. Through singing, movement and drawing, we will be sharing our knowledge about how Songdrawing can support neurodiversity, social & emotional skills, positive touch, communication and much more. We can’t wait to sing and draw with you!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
11.15am – 11:45pm: The Joy of Music
Liv Mclennan, Music Trainer, Boogie Mites
Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
There is so much anxiety in the world today. The best antidote for anxiety is joy!
Boogie Mites Music Trainer, Liv Mclennan, will present evidence that supports the use of active music making to promote joy, covering an uplifting action song and a tapping song.
Early Years expert Ben Kingston-Hughes will be taking a fascinating journey into the evolutionary biology of music, highlighting why it is so important that we sing, dance and make silly noises with our children.
Together Liv and Ben will introduce a new song, written in collaboration, all about Jazz Hands Dinosaur, to demonstrate how to encouraging imagination, self-expression and creativity.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
1.00pm – 1:30pm: Empowering Young Minds: Nurturing Brilliance
Prerna Richards, CEO & Founder, Together We Grow
This interactive workshop is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to create nurturing environments. We will explore the fascinating world of brain development in young children. We’ll unveil the power of nurturing brilliance by understanding how young brains develop and the role adults can play in nurturing growth mindset and nurturing emotional intelligence. We will discuss how teaching children life skills like self-regulation, self-control and self-awareness can help them to thrive in life.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
1.00pm – 1:30pm: Building Little Stars: Nurturing Self-Esteem in Early Childhood
Hayley Fuller, EYFS Specialist & Neuroscience Psychologist
Elevate your Early Years Education practice with our workshop focused on cultivating self-esteem in children aged 0-5. Uncover evidence-based strategies to empower young minds and build a foundation for lifelong confidence. Dive into interactive sessions exploring the critical role of positive reinforcement, fostering a secure attachment, and implementing age-appropriate activities that bolster self-worth. Learn to identify and address challenges that may impact self-esteem development in early childhood. This workshop promises practical insights and tools to create a supportive environment, ensuring each child blossoms into a confident, capable individual.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
2.45pm – 3:15pm: Wellbeing as the Beating Heart of Neuroaffirming Practice
Cheryl Warren, Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
In this workshop we will be exploring the 4 pillars of psychological safety. By using the latest neuroscience research, we can understand the human need for trust, emotional safety, belonging and connection and how this links to the behaviours we identify in our neurodivergent children. You will have the opportunity to discuss case studies, share practical support strategies and reflect on how we can be a more responsive educator to our children’s sensory, connection, environmental and play needs.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
2.45pm – 3:15pm: Little Movers: Supporting Diverse Developmental Journeys
Dr Leanne Jaye Adeyemi, Researcher, Mustard Seed Learning
Do you want to set children on a positive trajectory for better health? Moving better and moving regularly is important but developmental journeys vary from child to child. We will look at some of the barriers to movement skills and getting active, whilst exploring ways for you to support the children you work with on their developmental journey.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
Meet Our Wonderful Speakers
Alexandra Chiorando
Early Years Consultant, Marmalade Early Years Consultancy
Childcare & Education ExpoAlexandra Chiorando’s Bio
My name is Alexandra and I live in Altrincham with my husband and two sons.
With more than 25 years in education, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and leading in primary schools, as well as in private early years settings. I’ve taken on various roles, including serving as the regional director of a nursery group, a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo), and working as an early years Ofsted inspector.
My journey has also led me to contribute as an associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and as an education consultant on TV shows and BBC Bitesize projects. Today, as the owner of Marmalade Early Years Consultancy, my focus is on delivering dynamic training and consultancy to enhance standards in the early years sector.
At the core of my work is a belief that children thrive when they feel secure, heard, and seen. I’m passionate about creating inclusive and nurturing environments that cater to the needs of each child, with the ultimate goal of promoting wellbeing for both staff and children in the early years sector. Ultimately, my mission is about making early years education a bit more magical for children and adults alike.
Alice Sharp
Early Years Consultant, Author and Trainer
Childcare & Education ExpoAlice Sharp’s Bio
Alice is an award-winning teacher, trainer, author and entrepreneur!
As I look back at those early steps into adult life; first as an undecided Civil Servant, then as a determined teacher and finally that giant whole-hearted step into the world of early childhood, I feel real gratitude that I found my way into this world of infinite possibility.
The driving force behind everything that I have done and continue to do is the overwhelming desire to make a positive difference on the lives of practitioners and the children in their care. What we do matters; every minute of every day!
Alison Heseltine
Early Years Development Manager, Early Years Alliance
Childcare & Education ExpoAlison Heseltine’s Bio
Alison Heseltine is an early years development manager for the Early Years Alliance, with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, families, and providers. She currently manages a number of projects, writes and delivers training nationally and takes a lead on the importance of speech, communication and language for the Alliance.
Alison believes that the moments of connection with children, their families and other educators are a privilege to be a part of and that no two days are ever alike – one minute she can be sat in a den built from blankets and a clothes airer and the next delivering training on a key topic in a session to hundreds of educators.
Alison’s own personal experiences have influenced the focus of her work – the importance of communication and language for children and the role of families in supporting their children’s learning and development at home. Seeing the difference that positive early years experiences can make motivates Alison to strive to always want the best for children and families and she loves to share her enthusiasm with others.
Andrew Stanley
BSL Teacher, Signature
Childcare & Education ExpoAndrew Stanley’s Bio
Andrew is a highly experienced British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching both face-to-face and online courses. He has taught all levels of BSL and ISL and is a Signature external examiner for both BSL and ISL qualifications. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Huddersfield, A1 Assessor and IQA qualifications. He is fluent in BSL, ISL and ASL. Andrew is also training to become a qualified deaf relay interpreter.
Becky Eckersley
Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Childcare & Education ExpoBecky Eckersley’s Bio
After always having a real interest in childhood development, I qualified as an Early Years Teacher in 2010 and worked as a Preschool Room Leader/Early Years Teacher for several years before moving into Training and Assessing Level 3 and 4 Childcare Qualifications, and most recently accomplishing a Masters in Early Childhood Studies.
My true passion is inspiring others to provide the best start in life for all children, which is very much aligned to my current role as Lead SEND Advisor for Kids Planet, by providing support, advice and guidance for our children and families with SEND, and ensuring we embed a neuro-affirming culture across all our settings. I am proud to say my team won the NASEN Award for Early Years Provision in 2022, and I am a keen advocate for driving the early years SEND sector forwards.
Ben Kingston-Hughes
Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
Childcare & Education ExpoBen Kingston-Hughes’ Bio
Ben Kingston-Hughes is an international keynote speaker, author and multi award-winning trainer. He is also the Managing Director of Inspired Children and has worked with vulnerable children across the UK for over 34 years. He has appeared on television several times working on a variety of children’s projects and his distinctive blend of humour, neuroscience and real-life practical experiences have made his training invaluable for anyone working with children. His game-changing book about play, “A Very Unusual Journey into Play.” has gained widespread acclaim and his brand new book, “Why Children Need Joy” is available now.
“A wonderful book, engaging and easy to read, worth every penny, and thoroughly recommended.” Jim Morehouse – Verified Amazon Purchaser
Caroline Hearn
Specialist Advisor for Early Years Regulatory practice, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoCaroline Hearn’s Bio
Caroline Hearn is a Specialist Adviser for Ofsted’s early years regulatory policy. She works closely with the department for education on early years policy development and has 25 years’ experience of inspecting early years provision.
Catherine McLeod MBE
Chief Executive, Dingley’s Promise
Childcare & Education ExpoCatherine McLeod MBE’s Bio
For the last 25 years, Catherine has worked in the charity sector to ensure equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Since setting up her own charity in Sri Lanka in 2005 she has been in leadership roles and has a Level 7 Certificate in Leadership and Management. She was awarded an MBE in 2011 in recognition of her work with vulnerable children, and today actively lobbies to improve opportunities for children with SEND in the early years. Catherine has been the Chief Executive of Dingley’s Promise since 2015, growing the organisation from a small local charity to a national one that delivers training and influences policy alongside its core local support services. She is a mentor for ACEVO, an advisor to various early years and government bodies, and a Trustee of Charity Mentors Berkshire.
Cheryl Warren
Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
Childcare & Education ExpoCheryl Bedding’s Bio
Cheryl is currently working with many nurseries and early years settings in a range of ways offering training, SEND qualifications and for some in an ongoing relationship as their SEND consultant. Cheryl shares her passion, commitment and experiences from almost 30 years in the early years sector and as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Cheryl has delivered webinars nationally and internationally, including in India, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Jamaica, and this year has been asked to be a judge at NMT’s prestigious awards evening for the SEND category. Cheryl has spoken previously at both Coventry and London Childcare & Education Expo’s, LEYF strategy conferences, the UK nanny conferences and webinars for Kinderly learn.
Clare Stead
CEO & Founder, Oliiki
Childcare & Education ExpoClare Stead’s Bio
Clare Stead, Creator and Founder of the Oliiki app is an e-Learning specialist, Education researcher and primary teacher. She is passionate about helping parents and careers build their baby’s brains from conception onwards, so the children reach their full potential and fly. Supporting parents early gives them the confidence to know they’re doing the very best for their baby. Developing Early Years Practitioners’ knowledge and skills in play-based learning for our youngest child helps them ensure they thrive, right from the start.
Daisy Newbery
Head of Reward, Wellbeing and Organisational Design
Childcare & Education ExpoDaisy Newbery’s Bio
Daisy Newbery is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in reward, wellbeing, and organisational design. She leads the Reward and Wellbeing team at Bright Horizons, creating a holistic wellbeing strategy that supports the entire organisation. Additionally, she oversees organisational design and structure changes, ensuring alignment with future plans and growth.
With over nine years of experience across Technology, Automotive, and Early Years sectors, Daisy is a technical reward specialist known for her innovative approach. Daisy is also the governing chair of a local maintained nursery school, and is dedicated to driving quality provision and improving outcomes for young children.
Her passion for wellbeing within the early years sector ensures that practitioners receive comprehensive support both inside and outside of work.
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg
ABC Does Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoDr Alistair Bryce-Clegg’s Bio
Alistair is an award-winning Early Years author, blogger, product designer and advocate of PLAY.
His work has been published in a number of books and magazines and he has worked as an Early Years advisor for various film and television projects.
Alongside support and training for a range of settings, schools and parents, he also works Internationally and with Local Authorities across the UK.
His most recent project is the co-creation of a child development app for parents called My First Five Years (mffy.com).
Alistair has an MA in Education and is currently studying for his Doctorate in Early Years.
He also finds time to be a husband to Fee and father of 3 boys (now young men!).
Dr Becky Baxter
Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy at Down Syndrome UK
Childcare & Education ExpoDr Becky Baxter’s Bio
Becky is an experienced speech and language therapist who has specialised in working with children and young adults with Down syndrome since 2007. She provides a range of services to parents and professionals, including early development groups for children, assessment and intervention for school-age children, communication groups for young adults, and training on the speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) associated with Down syndrome. Committed to evidence-informed practice, Becky collaborates with researchers to develop projects improving speech, language, communication, and education for individuals with Down syndrome. She completed her PhD in 2023 at University College London, where she developed and evaluated a language intervention for children with Down syndrome.
Dr Leanne Jaye Adeyemi
Researcher, Mustard Seed Learning
Childcare & Education Expo
Elaine Sagar
Chief Executive Officer, Sunflower Group
Childcare & Education ExpoElaine Sagar’s Bio
Elaine Sagar is the CEO of the Sunflower Group, a collection of family-owned day nurseries in Tameside. With a proven track record of nurturing success in both startup ventures and established enterprises within the early years sector, Elaine brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She also serves as Co-Chair of the NWOBC and other groups, representing the sector as a voice for early childhood education and advocating for its continuous improvement. Additionally, Elaine coaches and mentors other nursery owners, sharing her expertise to foster growth and excellence across the industry.
Gary Croxon
Business Manager, Early Years Alliance
Childcare & Education ExpoGary Croxon’s Bio
Gary is a Business Manager and has been with the early years alliance for over 17 years. His role is to lead on the business support to the early years providers and has worked on a number of projects including the Strong Early Years London programme, which was funded by the Mayor of London. Alongside this, he is involved in the Alliance’s membership offer, CPD events, nutrition support programme and partnership links with external bodies such as local authorities and TTS. Before joining the Alliance, he worked for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children’s Information Service (from when CISs were in their early development) and preceding that has a background of working in banking and retail management.
Gary Harrison
Commercial Manager, Morton Michel Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoGary Harrison’s Bio
Gary is an experienced insurance specialist. He is passionate about transforming the perception of early education. For the past 15 years, Gary has worked at Morton Michel, a leading insurance provider for early years settings and educators in the UK.
Gary has worked closely with early years professionals, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of providing high-quality care and education to young children. He has also contributed to the development of insurance and risk management solutions that support providers in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and staff in their care.
His expertise in early education extends beyond his work at Morton Michel. He is committed to raising awareness about the critical role that early education plays in a child’s development and helped collaborate on the formation of the Children’s Activity Association. He has given talks on the subject and is always seeking new ways to promote the importance of early education in society.
Gina Bale
Director, Littlemagictrain
Childcare & Education ExpoGina Bale’s Bio
Gina is a movement expert passionate about creativity, imagination, and movement in the early years. This passion comes from her experience teaching movement in the Early Years, SEND, Primary, and Secondary Schools for over 30 years. Gina’s movement background is from the University of Cape Town Ballet School, Bush Davies School, and Scapino. After injury, and a long break, she returned to movement by training and receiving qualifications from the following: Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma, LABAN, Trinity College Diploma of Dance Teaching and Learning (Children and Young Adults), and the Royal Ballet School Diploma of Teaching Dance. During this time Gina also honed her skills and expanded her knowledge with ‘Hi-5’ and ‘Angelina Ballerina’.
Hayley Fuller
EYFS Specialist & Neuroscience Psychologist
Childcare & Education ExpoHayley Fuller’s Bio
Hayley Fuller is an Early Years Specialist, Writer and Educator who currently works at Winnersh Primary School in Wokingham.
She is the founder of ‘Creative Teaching Ideas’ an online community designed for Early Years and Primary school educators and parents to inspire them with ideas and resources to help further develop learning and creativity in children.She has worked for many years helping to develop children’s education and emotional well-being across a variety early years settings, from delivering education to child refugees in London to working with children across the UK and internationally.
Hayley holds qualifications in Child psychology, Neuroscience, ADHD and ASD in children certification as well as offering consultancy services to businesses, educational and home settings.
Alongside this, she is a regular contributor for educational publications such as; Primary Times, Early Years Alliance Magazine, The Times Educational Supplement and The Curiosity Approach.
For further information or to get in touch, please see www.hayleyfuller.co.uk
Iain Colledge
Executive Director of Operations, Bright Horizons
Childcare & Education ExpoIain Colledge’s Bio
Iain leads and oversees our Divisional and Regional Operations teams to ensure operational excellence and best practice in care and education throughout our nurseries. He also works closely with our specialist support functions to achieve a positive difference in the lives of our children, families, clients and staff.
Iain has extensive experience in education, most recently as the Director of Education for a group of International Early Years, Primary and Secondary schools in the United Arab Emirates. He has been a school leader and Principal in Jordan, Bahrain, Libya, Thailand and Abu Dhabi, and led a project for the British Council to establish bi-lingual, bi-cultural nurseries in multiple cities across Europe.
Iain is Founder, Trustee, and now a board member of an academy trust in Cheshire in the UK, having established the first Free School in Chester. He is also a trained Ofsted inspector and has inspected schools across Dubai.
With his experience and understanding of excellence in education organisations, Iain is committed to always keeping the interests of the children at the centre of his endeavours.
Imogen Edmunds
CEO, Redwing Solutions Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoImogen Edmunds’ Bio
Imogen Edmunds has worked in human resources management for 30 years and her career has centred around HR Consultancy for the past 19 years. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) her and her team of HR Advisors are based in Redditch, Worcestershire where they specialise in supporting Day Nurseries, Pre-schools and Out of School Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Imogen is the author of How to Hire Superstars for your Day Nursery and over the last 19 years Imogen has spoken on many stages at events for the Early Years sector. Redwing Solutions was shortlisted for HR Consultancy of the Year in 2020 by Personnel Today Magazine.
Jo Turley
Managing Director, Ashbourne Day Nurseries
Childcare & Education ExpoJo Turley’s Bio
I embarked on my journey in the Early years sector in 1998 after gaining my level 3 qualification. My first role was a Nursery Practitioner in an independent nursery which gave me a strong foundation in hands on childcare and education. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work within some fantastic roles supporting the Early years industry in a variety of ways.
In August 2023 I was thrilled to Join Ashbourne Day Nurseries as Managing Director. The role represents the culmination of my career experiences. Allowing me to bring together my passion for Early years education and extensive leadership experience.
John Parnell
Hoop Guy Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoJohn Parnell’s Bio
John Parnell, known as the Hoop Guy, has been promoting fitness in primary schools across the Greater Midlands since 2009. A professional hooper, John reached the Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2017, gaining national recognition.
He has trained thousands of children and teachers, making fitness fun with his innovative Hula Hoop games. Recognised as one of the top 100 Small Businesses in the UK in 2017, John has earned accolades like Educational Entertainer of the Year in 2022 by the SME Midlands Enterprise Award and named as a Finalist in the Business Success Awards 2024.
Jordan Tully
Founder & Director, Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully
Childcare & Education ExpoJordan Tully’s Bio
I am an experienced Head Of Operations with a passion for all things early years. With 12 years experience in the sector, driving quality and supporting settings grow their profitability and their portfolio I am dedicated to ensure the best possible start for all children. Most recently I have founded ‘Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully’ which will be launching very soon.
Kate Silverton
Broadcaster, Sunday Times Best Selling Author & Children’s Mental Health & Parenting Expert
Childcare & Education ExpoKate Silverton’s Bio
In her twenty-five years as a journalist, Kate has become one of the BBC’s main national news presenters. She has produced and presented numerous documentaries, including for the BBC’s flagship current affairs programme, ‘Panorama’. She has reported from the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan, covered the glitz and glamour of the Oscars in Hollywood, as well as stepped out beneath the glitter ball herself as a contestant on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Throughout it all, Kate has advocated for children and their emotional well-being. Her academic roots are in child development, with a BSc in Psychology; she has worked for more than a decade in children’s mental health, ultimately retraining as a children’s counsellor with the children’s mental health charity, Place2Be and she is now qualified as a child therapist, and practices clinically with young children at a London primary school. Philanthropically, for many years she has supported charities like the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, The NHS Maudsley Foundation Trust, as well as the NSPCC and their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation.
Her passion is to share what she has learned with as many parents as she can, to help them to have the parenting experience they have always hoped to have, and for their children to have the parenting experience they deserve.
Kirsty Love
Head of Operations, The Old Station Nursery
Childcare & Education ExpoKirsty Love’s Bio
Kirsty has over two decades of experience in the Early Years sector, encompassing a range of roles from Practitioner, Nursery Manager, Area Manager, Regional Childcare Advisor, Trainer, Business Development, and is now the driving force for continuous quality improvement across the Kids Planet Group. Kirsty is an advocate for a multifaceted pedagogy, firmly believing in nurturing a child’s self-confidence and interests through purposeful play. Having coached and mentored leadership teams across a range of early years settings, her focus remains on elevating standards within the sector by championing continuous practitioner and leadership development.
Liv Mclennan
Music Trainer, Boogie Mites
Childcare & Education ExpoLiv McLennan’s Bio
Liv McLennan is a community musician and has worked for Boogie Mites as a tutor and trainer for 12 years. Liv has contributed to the compilation of Boogie Mites teacher training notes and workshops, she loves bringing the joys and benefits of music-making to everyone involved with children in the early years including parents, families and early childhood practitioners, and enabling everyone to find their musical voice.
Liv also runs music workshops with adults with long term health conditions (mental health, dementia and lung health conditions). She is a Director of Music for Wellbeing CIC. Liv has a music degree, performance diploma, certificate in music workshop skills, Certificate Music Education in Early Childhood, currently doing doctoral studies in inter-generational music making in care homes.
Marcia Brown
Divisional Director, Busy Bees
Childcare & Education ExpoMarcia Brown’s Bio
I have worked in Early Years for over 28 years, initially completing my BTEC National Diploma in Childhood studies and then completing my BA Honours in Early Years. I am passionate about Early Years and achieving the very best outcomes for all children and ensuring that our teams are also highly valued and recognised for the amazing work they do within our sector. I have worked for Busy Bees Day Nurseries for over 26 years and have been leading and managing teams for more than 21 years. Within my current role I am responsible for delivering Excellence across Quality and Safety for 47 Nurseries with direct responsibility for coaching and leading a team of Area Directors to achieve and exceed performance KPI’s, whilst building effective relationships with stakeholders and ensuring our company ethos is delivered by everyone in every nursery of giving children the best Start in Life.
Minna Lappalinen
Music Educator & Founding Director, Laulau Oy
Childcare & Education ExpoMinna Lappalinen’s Bio
Minna Lappalainen is an award-winning music educator and songwriter for children’s music. Lappalainen’s musical methods, such as Laulau Songdrawing Method and Laulau Social-Emotional Artplay, are an established part of the Finnish early childhood education, music education, special education and rehabilitation of special needs children. The musical approaches of Lappalainen have numerous active users also outside Finland, e.g. in the U.K., Singapore, Sweden, Estonia and USA. In addition to her own creative business, Lappalainen works as a part-time lecturer of music education at the University of Helsinki. In 2023, Lappalainen received an award for her significant work for Finnish children’s music.
Onika Edwards
Quality Business Partner South, Partou
Childcare & Education ExpoOnika Edwards’ Bio
With over 20 years of experience in the Early Years sector, I am a dedicated Childcare and Education Specialist with a passion for nurturing environments that foster children’s learning, growth, and exploration. As a Quality Business Partner at Partou UK, I work as part of a committed quality team, ensuring the highest standards of childcare and education for our families.
My role is dynamic and challenging, with no two days ever being the same. I am deeply involved in developing and delivering training, promoting, and facilitating partnerships with other agencies, assisting with recruitment processes, and supporting our nurseries through Ofsted inspections. Most importantly, I spend time in the nurseries, working closely with our teams and the children to maintain and enhance the quality of care.
I am skilled in curriculum development and regulatory compliance. My focus is always on implementing innovative strategies and best practices to achieve excellence in Early Years education.
Paula Lester
Quality Consultant & Tutor, Froebel Trust
Childcare & Education ExpoPaula Lester’s Bio
As a senior leader in Early Years for over 25 years, Paula has led high quality provision in many roles. These include managing settings to Outstanding, being a member of the Hampshire Advisory Team supporting settings to raise their practice, being a Group Manager of 12 nurseries and Director of Quality for 32 nurseries. In her role as a quality consultant, Paula has supported settings with all areas of the learning environment and has successfully led many settings through their Ofsted inspections supporting them to feel pride in the experience. Paula coaches leaders and managers to understand their own people management style and bring out the best in those they lead.
Paula has spoken at local and national conferences and is an experienced Froebelian Travelling Tutor delivering Froebel Trust Endorsed courses in face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales. Paula also is an experienced Tutor of the Froebel Trust Endorsed online courses which are attended by participants from very many countries.
Prerna Richards
CEO & Founder, Together We Grow
Childcare & Education ExpoPrerna Richards’ Bio
Meet Prerna, a devoted early childhood education consultant with 38 years of experience, driven by a heartfelt mission to enhance the world for children. As a nationally and internationally recognized keynote speaker, Prerna has inspired thousands of educators through impactful workshops. Six years ago, she founded “Together We Grow,” a platform offering professional development, behavior coaching, and NAEYC consulting, aiming to empower educators. Guided by the belief that knowing better leads to doing better, Prerna’s philosophy centers on play and social-emotional development. Personally, she’s a loving mother and grandmother. She is deeply commitmented to making a difference. In 2020, Prerna’s outstanding contributions earned her the Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year Award from TXAEYC, a testament to her dedication and excellence in early childhood education.
Samantha Sleeman-Boss
Early Education Quality and Practice Lead, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoSamantha Sleeman-Boss’ Bio
Sam Sleeman-Boss is Quality and Practice Lead and one of Ofsted’s Early Years Regulatory Inspectors. She is a qualified early years practitioner and Children’s Centre leader, who started her career as a childminder. Sam has considerable experience of inspection and regulation of registered early years settings and now works in Ofsted’s early education policy team, focusing on Ofsted’s ‘Best start in life’ strategic priority, providing inspector insight and support to policy colleagues and inspectors on early education curriculum and the education inspection framework (EIF).
Sarah Crossley
Founder, Your Well-being Company
Childcare & Education ExpoSarah Crossley’s Bio
Sarah Crossley is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the well-being industry, specialising in science-based holistic well-being and Special Educational Needs (SEN). Holding a first-class degree in physical activity and health, Sarah is deeply passionate about promoting mental health through a prevention-focused approach. As the founder of a leading well-being company, she has successfully introduced customised programs benefitting thousands of children and adults across the UK.
Sarah Mackenzie
CEO, Storal
Childcare & Education ExpoSarah Mackenzie’s Bio
Sarah Mackenzie is CEO at Storal, a nursery group where it all starts with the idea that every child, family and team member has a different story to tell. Sarah’s leadership career across nursery groups has focussed on high quality early education, employee engagement, learning and development and business growth. A thought leader in the sector Sarah is a columnist in Nursery World, a member of Ofsted’s Early Education and Curriculum forum and Chair of the South East Ofsted Big Conversation. Having previously won Nursery World and NMT Awards, Sarah was Education Investor Global’s 2021 Woman To Watch and featured in the 2022 Business Women In Education Women To Watch list.
Stephanie Warrender
Teacher & Director, Laulau Learning UK
Childcare & Education ExpoStephanie Warrender’s Bio
Stephanie Warrender is an EYFS/Primary teacher and director of Music at a school in Bradford. Stephanie has been teaching for over 10 years and has worked in a range of different year groups, from Nursery to Year 4. Throughout her life, Stephanie has had a keen interest in music. She plays multiple instruments, runs a choir, and works with other schools to support them with their music provision through consultancy work. In 2019, Stephanie met Minna Lappalainen, and Laulau Learning UK was born. Our mission is to support a child’s holistic growth through the power of music and art.
Stephen Morgan MP
Minister of Early Education
Childcare & Education ExpoStephen Morgan MP’s Bio
Stephen Morgan MP was appointed Minister for Early Education at the Department for Education on 9 July 2024. He was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South in July 2024.
Stephen, who was born and bred in the city he serves as an MP, studied at local schools and was the first in his family to go to university, graduating from the University of Bristol with an BSc (Hons) in 2002 and a postgraduate Masters of the Arts (MA) from London in 2003.
He started his working life in local government working across the Chief Executive’s Office, strategy, democratic, and community involvement sections at Portsmouth City Council and from 2008-2015 was Head of Community Engagement at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
He has been Chief Executive of a medium-sized charity delivering infrastructure and volunteering support for the not-for-profit sector and delivering services including a centre for rough sleepers and targeted support for carers and young people. He has also been the chair of governors at Arundel Court Junior School, a trustee of Age UK Portsmouth and vice-chair of governors at Priory School. He is a longstanding community activist with a wide range of knowledge and understanding of local issues and needs. His interest in culture and regeneration led him to be the chair of the Portsmouth Cultural Consortium for many years.
Whilst in opposition, Stephen served as Shadow Minister of State for Rail (October 2023-June 2024), Shadow Minister for Schools (September 2021-September 2023), Shadow Armed Forces Minister (April 2020-December 2021), and Shadow Minister for Local Government and Communities (July 2019 to April 2020).
Sue Lee
Director, Morton Michel Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoSue Lee’s Bio
Sue Lee is an experienced business leader supporting the sector through insurance and risk solutions as Managing Director of Morton Michel. By working with wide ranging parts of the Childcare & Education sector, she has access to the ways in which SEND requirements are implemented and how businesses adapt and adapt. Sue is also Membership Director of the Children’s Activities Association driving quality across the industry. Sue is a parent and grandparent and children’s wellbeing is very much part of her professional and personal life.
Sukhy Kaur
Author of "Is that Paras’ Turban?"
Childcare & Education ExpoSukhy Kaur’s Bio
Sukhbinder (also well known as Sukhy), is the Director and Founder of SK Author Workshops Ltd, an organisation dedicated to creating neurodiverse, educational content and delivering engaging workshops, via her unique approach as a puppeteer.
An accomplished Primary teacher with extensive experience, holding a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML), holding expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Sukhy has authored children’s books aiming to foster understanding and acceptance at the grassroots level. Her passion for education and commitment to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion has made her a figure head of driving change amongst ethnic communities, celebrating the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences within our community. Her commitment to these values is reflected in every aspect of her work, from her teaching, to her writing and to her delivering workshops at SK Author Workshops Ltd.
Tricia Wellings
Tricia Wellings, Chief Executive, Bright Kids Group & MBK Early Years
Childcare & Education ExpoTricia Wellings’ Bio
Tricia Wellings is an experienced early years expert, known within the industry for the support and training she has provided over the last 25 years. Owner of 8 Bright Kids Day Nurseries she has a powerful combination of knowledge and expertise which puts her in an authoritative position, enabling her to put herself in the shoes of other nursery owners, truly understanding their needs and constraints in delivering their service. Tricia understands the nuances of the childcare industry, from staffing levels, safeguarding, employment law, the Early Years Curriculum, Ofsted and most importantly managing the funding and finances.
Tricia’s passion to help others has meant she has developed a library of training and education materials, as well as, the policies and procedures necessary to run a successful day nursery. Tricia delivers these and other consultative services through MBK Early Years.
Tricia has also gained the appropriate education:
- NNEB
- BA (Hons) in Early Education Studies
- Early Years Teacher Status
Further to this Tricia is now qualified to teach and assess adult learners and also has obtained:
- PTTLS
- CTTLS
- A1 Assessors Award
In addition to this, Tricia is also highly engaged as Chair of the West Midlands Ofsted Big Conversation Steering Group, which organises the Big Conversation Open meetings with Ofsted.
Please feel free to cut down if needed.
Vanessa Dooley
Director, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy
Childcare & Education ExpoVanessa Dooley’s Bio
Vanessa Dooley, the founder of Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy, has carved a niche as a number 1 bestselling author with her influential book, “Are You Ready for Your Inspection?” Driven by a profound dedication to enhancing the quality and impact of early years settings, Vanessa’s expertise guides early years settings towards achieving the best outcomes for children. She champions the philosophy that while every day may not be scrutinised by Ofsted, it should always be a day where the best possible outcomes are secured for the children in attendance. Join Vanessa as she shares invaluable insights and strategies to elevate early years education to its highest standard and adds impact.
Wendy Ratcliff HMI
Principal Officer Schools and Early Education, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoWendy Ratcliff’s Bio
Wendy Ratcliff is one of His Majesty’s Inspectors and Principal Officer for Early Education Policy at Ofsted. Originally qualified as an early years practitioner, Wendy has extensive experience of inspection and regulation across a full range of early years provisions, including schools. Her role as Principal Officer for early education is focused on Ofsted’s ‘Best start in life’ strategic priority and the inspection of early education curriculum, including through the education inspection framework (EIF) and any changes for the future.
CPD Seminar Programme
Friday 27th September
10.30am – 11:15am: Continuous Provision – The Best Kept Secret in the Early Years
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, ABC Does Ltd
In this session, Alistair will be looking at what continuous provision is, where the idea came from and why it is so important in creating an effective teaching and learning space for children. Alistair will be using lots of examples from his work, with settings across the globe, to illustrate what good continuous provision can look like, along with some practical ideas to help you to start your journey or add to your existing practice.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
11.30am – 12.15pm: Bibs, Cribs and Desperate to Learn! Making the Baby Room a Place of Playful Adventure
Clare Stead, CEO & Founder, Oliiki
Make every moment count in the baby room. From conception to two, the science shows us that the brain is developing more than any other time in life. During this session, Clare will dive into the science of this transformational period and show you simple, actionable activities you can use tomorrow in your setting to make your everyday activities brain-building adventures for the babies in your care. Empower your nursery staff to elevate from basic routines to brain-boosting excellence by harnessing the magic of play!
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
12.30pm – 1.30pm: Behind the Ratings: Understanding Ofsted Inspections
Wendy Ratcliff HMI, Principal Officer Schools and Early Education, Ofsted
Samantha Sleeman-Boss, Early Education Quality and Practice Lead, Ofsted
Caroline Hearn, Specialist Advisor for Early Years Regulatory practice, Ofsted
Join experts from Ofsted as they explore key question’s surrounding inspections:
Why does reading hold such paramount importance, and how can early years settings embark on the journey of fostering a love for books in children?
Why is the curriculum the cornerstone of our inspection focus?
Why is it important to think about children’s physical development and personal, social and emotional development too?
What do we look at regarding safeguarding on inspections?
What paperwork do I need to keep?
What do we need to know about accidents and complaints?
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Walk the Talk – Cultivating Language Skills in Our Youngest Learners
Alice Sharp, Early Years Consultant, Author & Trainer
In the world of our youngest children, it’s easy to recognise the way they develop, we see it in front of us every day. However, language, the skills for communication, begin in the ears and in the head long before they appear in and from the mouth! In this session we will consider:
Voice, speech, and language
Sounds, words – building nouns, verbs and adjectives
Opportunity and exposure
Language rich spaces and places
Socialisation chatter
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
2.45pm – 3.30pm: Play as a Vehicle for Learning
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg, ABC Does Ltd
In this session, Alistair will be investigating the science behind what happens when we play and why that makes it the most powerful way to learn for children and adults alike. He will also be applying that theory to the learning spaces that we create and give some tips, advice and ideas on how you can maximise children’s potential through the power of play. • How to retain the talent you have attracted through employee engagement
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
Saturday 28th September
10.30am – 11:15am: Why There’s No Such Thing as Naughty
Kate Silverton, Broadcaster, Sunday Times Best Selling Author & Children’s Mental Health & Parenting Expert
In this session, Kate will explain the neuroscientific basis of behaviour and how we can help early years children to start learning how to regulate. She will consider what support adults can offer children in early years settings and there will be an opportunity for Kate to answer some questions from the audience.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
11.30am-12.15pm: Navigating the Waves: Transforming Ofsted Inspections from Anxiety to Assurance
Vanessa Dooley , Director, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy
In this seminar, we’ll embark on a journey to transform the often-daunting prospect of Ofsted inspections into a beacon of positivity and professional growth. We’ll explore strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement, demystifying the inspection process, and embracing a constructive mindset. By reframing our approach, we can shift from viewing inspections with apprehension to welcoming them as opportunities for celebrating achievements and identifying paths for enhancing our practice in early years settings.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
12.30pm-1.30pm: SEND Support & Solutions: Practical Insights for Educators
Emma Pinnock, CEO, Essential Education Group Ltd
Sue Lee, Director, Morton Michel Ltd
Becky Eckersley, Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Sarah Mackenzie, CEO, Storal
Catherine McLeod MBE, Chief Executive, Dingley’s Promise
Cheryl Warren, Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
Panellists will explore the key challenges for early years SEND and provide practical insights and collaborative solutions for supporting and improving outcomes for children with SEND and their families. Including:
Perception and comprehension of SEND within the early years.
SEND training – who, what and when.
Navigating the EHCP process, external agencies, and funding.
Building confident use of the Graduated Approach.
Rise in numbers of children and levels of SEND complexity within early years settings and the impact of increased entitlements.
Supporting colleagues with SEND.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
1.45pm – 2.30pm: Growing Strong and Confident: The Magic of Outdoor Play
Alice Sharp, Early Years Consultant, Author & Trainer
Children are naturally drawn to playing outside and there are many benefits, including exploring a different environment, developing muscle strength and coordination. It also increases flexibility, motor skills, and confidence. In this session, we will consider:
What is it all about and why is it important – with a focus on health benefits.
Holistic learning: Should it replicate indoor play, serve as an extension of indoor activities, be the complete opposite of indoor play, or revolve around nature?
Types of play, including loose parts and big ideas.
Creating a ‘Home from Home,’ shelters, and dens.
Looking after nature.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
2.45pm – 3.30pm: Unlocking the Power of Joy: A Pathway to Every Child Flourishing
Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
This thought-provoking and inspirational seminar explores “Joy”, not merely as an abstract concept but as a fundamentally important part of every childhood. By examining the neuroscience of Joy, Ben Kingston-Hughes presents a compelling argument that Joy is crucial for supporting all children to thrive and underpins every aspect of their development and well-being. The seminar then explores practical strategies for using Joy to support all of our wonderfully diverse children to flourish. This seminar is based on research from Ben’s game changing book, “Why Children Need Joy,” and is humorous, insightful and full to the brim with joy.
Location: Exhibition Hall, Seminar Theatre
Free Share & Support Hub
Join these free, drop-in, informal round table discussions to share experiences and insights with your peers. Support one another and share best practices across the sector on a variety of topics. Each session will be led by subject experts, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in the conversation. Spaces are limited, so arrive early and take a seat to avoid disappointment!
Educators, you are not alone – connect and talk at our new Share & Support Hub.
Friday 27th September
10.45am – 11:30am: Mental Health Challenges & Avoiding Burnout
Sarah Crossley, Founder, Your Well-being Company
Marcia Brown, Divisional Director, Busy Bees
12.00pm – 12.45pm: Reimagining the Workforce: Flexibility, Retention & Recruitment
Imogen Edmunds, CEO Redwing Solutions Ltd
Jo Turley, Managing Director, Ashbourne Day Nurseries
1.15pm – 2.00pm: Supporting SEND: Ensuring Both Educators & Children Thrive
Elaine Sagar, CEO, Sunflower Group
Dr Becky Baxter, Director of Education & Speech and Language Therapy, Down Syndrome UK
2.30pm – 3.15pm: From Policy to Practice: Navigating Guidance & Funding
Iain Colledge, Executive Director of Operations, Bright Horizons
Kirsty Love, Head of Operations, The Old Station Nursery
Saturday 28th September
10.45am – 11:30am: From Policy to Practice: Navigating Guidance & Funding
Gary Croxon, Business Manager, Early Years Alliance
Tricia Wellings, Chief Executive, Bright Kids Group & MBK Group
12.00pm – 12.45pm: Mental Health Challenges & Avoiding Burnout
Daisy Newbery, Head of reward, Wellbeing and Organisational Design, Bright Horizons
Alison Heseltine, Early Years Development Manager, Early Years Alliance
1.15pm – 2.00pm: Reimagining the Workforce: Flexibility, Retention & Recruitment
Jordan Tully, Founder & Director, Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully
Imogen Edmunds, CEO, Redwing Solutions Ltd
2.30pm – 3.15pm: Supporting SEND: Ensuring Both Educators & Children Thrive
Becky Eckersley, Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Onika Edwards, Quality Business Partner South, Partou
Free Interactive Workshops Programme
Friday 27th September
10.30am – 11:15am: Playful Strategies to Navigate Change & Inclusion
Gary Harrison, Commercial Manager, Morton Michel Ltd
We recognise that as early years educators, a diverse skill set is required to help navigate the ever-evolving world of childcare. We’d love you to join us in this interactive session, where we promise you fun as well as invaluable insights. Through an interactive game, you’ll uncover strategies to help you navigate through different scenarios, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges that mirror real-life situations. Come and join Gary for 30 minutes of fun and learning where you will walk away with practical insights that you can apply to everyday life.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
12.30pm – 1:15pm: Talk and Thrive – A Workshop for Developing Communication in the Early Years
Alexandra Chiorando, Early Years Consultant, Marmalade Early Years Consultancy
Embark on a journey of language and communication discovery with this hands-on workshop. Tailored for the early years, this engaging session delves into the essential skills for effective communication and language development.
From cultivating active listening to embracing the rhythm and rhyme of language, participants will be immersed in dynamic activities that enhance children’s listening, attention, and working memory skills. This interactive workshop is a playground of practical ideas, empowering adults to support children to communicate and express themselves with confidence.
Join me for a vibrant experience that will help children’s communication skills bloom, setting the stage for a lifetime of expressive and effective language development.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
2.30pm – 3:15pm: Are You Ready for a Little Dino Role-Play?
Gina Bale, Director, Littlemagictrain
Are you ready to journey back to the land of the Dinos? In this fun workshop, you’ll discover the excitement of creative role-play, and learn how it helps develop physical literacy, communication skills, and, most importantly, fosters the confidence to be curious.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
3.20pm-3.50pm: Hoopmania: Hula Hooping Fun with Britain’s Got Talent Star
John Parnell, Hoop Guy Ltd
Come and have some fun and perfect your hula hooping skills with John, better known as the Hoop Guy from Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals. Enjoy a lively demonstration with this “have-a-go” activity and entertainment session, and learn how this fun activity improves children’s mental, rhythmic, creative, and of course, physical abilities. You’ll see just how easy it is to hula with the right technique and hoop size!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
Saturday 28th September
10:30am – 11:00am: Wow! Look What I Made, it Cost me Almost Nothing and it is all Natural!
Paula Lester, Quality Consultant & Tutor, Froebel Trust
Using resources from nature, you will leave this workshop with a range of ideas you can add to your environment and weave into your early years’ curriculum. Whilst inspiring and igniting children’s creativity, you will be supporting them to appreciate our world and what it offers. Engaging with nature forms a part of underpinning principles in a Froebelian pedagogy. In this workshop we will look at the natural world through a Froebelian lens, not only taking away ideas, (and something you have made!) you will also take away lots to reflect on!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Hands That Speak: Unveiling the Power of British Sign Language
Andrew Stanley, BSL Teacher, Signature
Discover the world of British Sign Language in this workshop led by a Deaf instructor who will teach key BSL basics and helpful insights into deaf awareness. Explore how to integrate BSL into your curriculum, and how sign language can encourage physical expression of words and reinforce learning through visual and kinaesthetic association. Join us for an enriching workshop that not only teaches fundamental BSL but also empowers you to create a more inclusive and accessible educational environment.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Embracing Diversity: Understanding and Celebrating Cultural Differences
Sukhy Kaur, Author of “Is that Paras’ Turban?”
This workshop aims to promote inclusion, diversity, and British values through an engaging and interactive session.
Leveraging the themes of the book “Is that Paras’ Turban?”, we will use storytelling, puppet shows, and interactive activities to foster an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. The workshop aligns with Ofsted’s emphasis on promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
3.20pm – 3.50pm: Hoopmania: Hula Hooping Fun with Britain’s Got Talent Star
John Parnell, Hoop Guy Ltd
Come and have some fun and perfect your hula hooping skills with John, better known as the Hoop Guy from Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals. Enjoy a lively demonstration with this “have-a-go” activity and entertainment session, and learn how this fun activity improves children’s mental, rhythmic, creative, and of course, physical abilities. You’ll see just how easy it is to hula with the right technique and hoop size!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Interactive Workshop Area
Free Wellbeing Workshops Programme
Friday 27th September
11.15am – 11.45am: Exploring Songdrawing for Inclusive Cross-Curricular Learning
Minna Lappalinen, Music Educator & Founding Director, Laulau Oy
Stephanie Warrender, Teacher & Director, Laulau Learning UK
This session looks at how you can create a positive, safe space for the children in your care. During this workshop, we will look at how Songdrawing and the arts support children in cross-curricular learning and how it offers experiences of inclusion and interaction. Through singing, movement and drawing, we will be sharing our knowledge about how Songdrawing can support neurodiversity, social & emotional skills, positive touch, communication and much more. We can’t wait to sing and draw with you!
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
1.00pm – 1:30pm: Empowering Young Minds: Nurturing Brilliance
Prerna Richards, CEO & Founder, Together We Grow
This interactive workshop is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to create nurturing environments. We will explore the fascinating world of brain development in young children. We’ll unveil the power of nurturing brilliance by understanding how young brains develop and the role adults can play in nurturing growth mindset and nurturing emotional intelligence. We will discuss how teaching children life skills like self-regulation, self-control and self-awareness can help them to thrive in life.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
2.45pm – 3:15pm: Wellbeing as the Beating Heart of Neuroaffirming Practice
Cheryl Warren, Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
In this workshop we will be exploring the 4 pillars of psychological safety. By using the latest neuroscience research, we can understand the human need for trust, emotional safety, belonging and connection and how this links to the behaviours we identify in our neurodivergent children. You will have the opportunity to discuss case studies, share practical support strategies and reflect on how we can be a more responsive educator to our children’s sensory, connection, environmental and play needs.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
Saturday 28th September
11.15am – 11:45pm: The Joy of Music
Liv Mclennan, Music Trainer, Boogie Mites
Ben Kingston-Hughes, Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
There is so much anxiety in the world today. The best antidote for anxiety is joy!
Boogie Mites Music Trainer, Liv Mclennan, will present evidence that supports the use of active music making to promote joy, covering an uplifting action song and a tapping song.
Early Years expert Ben Kingston-Hughes will be taking a fascinating journey into the evolutionary biology of music, highlighting why it is so important that we sing, dance and make silly noises with our children.
Together Liv and Ben will introduce a new song, written in collaboration, all about Jazz Hands Dinosaur, to demonstrate how to encouraging imagination, self-expression and creativity.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
1.00pm – 1:30pm: Building Little Stars: Nurturing Self-Esteem in Early Childhood
Hayley Fuller, EYFS Specialist & Neuroscience Psychologist
Elevate your Early Years Education practice with our workshop focused on cultivating self-esteem in children aged 0-5. Uncover evidence-based strategies to empower young minds and build a foundation for lifelong confidence. Dive into interactive sessions exploring the critical role of positive reinforcement, fostering a secure attachment, and implementing age-appropriate activities that bolster self-worth. Learn to identify and address challenges that may impact self-esteem development in early childhood. This workshop promises practical insights and tools to create a supportive environment, ensuring each child blossoms into a confident, capable individual.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
2.45pm – 3:15pm: Little Movers: Supporting Diverse Developmental Journeys
Dr Leanne Jaye Adeyemi, Researcher, Mustard Seed Learning
Do you want to set children on a positive trajectory for better health? Moving better and moving regularly is important but developmental journeys vary from child to child. We will look at some of the barriers to movement skills and getting active, whilst exploring ways for you to support the children you work with on their developmental journey.
Location: Exhibition Floor, Wellbeing Workshop Area
Meet Our Wonderful Speakers
Alexandra Chiorando
Early Years Consultant, Marmalade Early Years Consultancy
Childcare & Education ExpoAlexandra Chiorando’s Bio
My name is Alexandra and I live in Altrincham with my husband and two sons.
With more than 25 years in education, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and leading in primary schools, as well as in private early years settings. I’ve taken on various roles, including serving as the regional director of a nursery group, a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo), and working as an early years Ofsted inspector.
My journey has also led me to contribute as an associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and as an education consultant on TV shows and BBC Bitesize projects. Today, as the owner of Marmalade Early Years Consultancy, my focus is on delivering dynamic training and consultancy to enhance standards in the early years sector.
At the core of my work is a belief that children thrive when they feel secure, heard, and seen. I’m passionate about creating inclusive and nurturing environments that cater to the needs of each child, with the ultimate goal of promoting wellbeing for both staff and children in the early years sector. Ultimately, my mission is about making early years education a bit more magical for children and adults alike.
Alice Sharp
Early Years Consultant, Author and Trainer
Childcare & Education ExpoAlice Sharp’s Bio
Alice is an award-winning teacher, trainer, author and entrepreneur!
As I look back at those early steps into adult life; first as an undecided Civil Servant, then as a determined teacher and finally that giant whole-hearted step into the world of early childhood, I feel real gratitude that I found my way into this world of infinite possibility.
The driving force behind everything that I have done and continue to do is the overwhelming desire to make a positive difference on the lives of practitioners and the children in their care. What we do matters; every minute of every day!
Alison Heseltine
Early Years Development Manager, Early Years Alliance
Childcare & Education ExpoAlison Heseltine’s Bio
Alison Heseltine is an early years development manager for the Early Years Alliance, with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, families, and providers. She currently manages a number of projects, writes and delivers training nationally and takes a lead on the importance of speech, communication and language for the Alliance.
Alison believes that the moments of connection with children, their families and other educators are a privilege to be a part of and that no two days are ever alike – one minute she can be sat in a den built from blankets and a clothes airer and the next delivering training on a key topic in a session to hundreds of educators.
Alison’s own personal experiences have influenced the focus of her work – the importance of communication and language for children and the role of families in supporting their children’s learning and development at home. Seeing the difference that positive early years experiences can make motivates Alison to strive to always want the best for children and families and she loves to share her enthusiasm with others.
Andrew Stanley
BSL Teacher, Signature
Childcare & Education ExpoAndrew Stanley’s Bio
Andrew is a highly experienced British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching both face-to-face and online courses. He has taught all levels of BSL and ISL and is a Signature external examiner for both BSL and ISL qualifications. He holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Huddersfield, A1 Assessor and IQA qualifications. He is fluent in BSL, ISL and ASL. Andrew is also training to become a qualified deaf relay interpreter.
Becky Eckersley
Lead SEND Advisor, Kids Day Planet Nurseries
Childcare & Education ExpoBecky Eckersley’s Bio
After always having a real interest in childhood development, I qualified as an Early Years Teacher in 2010 and worked as a Preschool Room Leader/Early Years Teacher for several years before moving into Training and Assessing Level 3 and 4 Childcare Qualifications, and most recently accomplishing a Masters in Early Childhood Studies.
My true passion is inspiring others to provide the best start in life for all children, which is very much aligned to my current role as Lead SEND Advisor for Kids Planet, by providing support, advice and guidance for our children and families with SEND, and ensuring we embed a neuro-affirming culture across all our settings. I am proud to say my team won the NASEN Award for Early Years Provision in 2022, and I am a keen advocate for driving the early years SEND sector forwards.
Ben Kingston-Hughes
Author & Managing Director, Inspired Children
Childcare & Education ExpoBen Kingston-Hughes’ Bio
Ben Kingston-Hughes is an international keynote speaker, author and multi award-winning trainer. He is also the Managing Director of Inspired Children and has worked with vulnerable children across the UK for over 34 years. He has appeared on television several times working on a variety of children’s projects and his distinctive blend of humour, neuroscience and real-life practical experiences have made his training invaluable for anyone working with children. His game-changing book about play, “A Very Unusual Journey into Play.” has gained widespread acclaim and his brand new book, “Why Children Need Joy” is available now.
“A wonderful book, engaging and easy to read, worth every penny, and thoroughly recommended.” Jim Morehouse – Verified Amazon Purchaser
Caroline Hearn
Specialist Advisor for Early Years Regulatory practice, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoCaroline Hearn’s Bio
Caroline Hearn is a Specialist Adviser for Ofsted’s early years regulatory policy. She works closely with the department for education on early years policy development and has 25 years’ experience of inspecting early years provision.
Catherine McLeod MBE
Chief Executive, Dingley’s Promise
Childcare & Education ExpoCatherine McLeod MBE’s Bio
For the last 25 years, Catherine has worked in the charity sector to ensure equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Since setting up her own charity in Sri Lanka in 2005 she has been in leadership roles and has a Level 7 Certificate in Leadership and Management. She was awarded an MBE in 2011 in recognition of her work with vulnerable children, and today actively lobbies to improve opportunities for children with SEND in the early years. Catherine has been the Chief Executive of Dingley’s Promise since 2015, growing the organisation from a small local charity to a national one that delivers training and influences policy alongside its core local support services. She is a mentor for ACEVO, an advisor to various early years and government bodies, and a Trustee of Charity Mentors Berkshire.
Cheryl Warren
Trainer and Consultant, Aperion Training
Childcare & Education ExpoCheryl Bedding’s Bio
Cheryl is currently working with many nurseries and early years settings in a range of ways offering training, SEND qualifications and for some in an ongoing relationship as their SEND consultant. Cheryl shares her passion, commitment and experiences from almost 30 years in the early years sector and as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Cheryl has delivered webinars nationally and internationally, including in India, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Jamaica, and this year has been asked to be a judge at NMT’s prestigious awards evening for the SEND category. Cheryl has spoken previously at both Coventry and London Childcare & Education Expo’s, LEYF strategy conferences, the UK nanny conferences and webinars for Kinderly learn.
Clare Stead
CEO & Founder, Oliiki
Childcare & Education ExpoClare Stead’s Bio
Clare Stead, Creator and Founder of the Oliiki app is an e-Learning specialist, Education researcher and primary teacher. She is passionate about helping parents and careers build their baby’s brains from conception onwards, so the children reach their full potential and fly. Supporting parents early gives them the confidence to know they’re doing the very best for their baby. Developing Early Years Practitioners’ knowledge and skills in play-based learning for our youngest child helps them ensure they thrive, right from the start.
Daisy Newbery
Head of Reward, Wellbeing and Organisational Design
Childcare & Education ExpoDaisy Newbery’s Bio
Daisy Newbery is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in reward, wellbeing, and organisational design. She leads the Reward and Wellbeing team at Bright Horizons, creating a holistic wellbeing strategy that supports the entire organisation. Additionally, she oversees organisational design and structure changes, ensuring alignment with future plans and growth.
With over nine years of experience across Technology, Automotive, and Early Years sectors, Daisy is a technical reward specialist known for her innovative approach. Daisy is also the governing chair of a local maintained nursery school, and is dedicated to driving quality provision and improving outcomes for young children.
Her passion for wellbeing within the early years sector ensures that practitioners receive comprehensive support both inside and outside of work.
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg
ABC Does Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoDr Alistair Bryce-Clegg’s Bio
Alistair is an award-winning Early Years author, blogger, product designer and advocate of PLAY.
His work has been published in a number of books and magazines and he has worked as an Early Years advisor for various film and television projects.
Alongside support and training for a range of settings, schools and parents, he also works Internationally and with Local Authorities across the UK.
His most recent project is the co-creation of a child development app for parents called My First Five Years (mffy.com).
Alistair has an MA in Education and is currently studying for his Doctorate in Early Years.
He also finds time to be a husband to Fee and father of 3 boys (now young men!).
Dr Becky Baxter
Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy at Down Syndrome UK
Childcare & Education ExpoDr Becky Baxter’s Bio
Becky is an experienced speech and language therapist who has specialised in working with children and young adults with Down syndrome since 2007. She provides a range of services to parents and professionals, including early development groups for children, assessment and intervention for school-age children, communication groups for young adults, and training on the speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) associated with Down syndrome. Committed to evidence-informed practice, Becky collaborates with researchers to develop projects improving speech, language, communication, and education for individuals with Down syndrome. She completed her PhD in 2023 at University College London, where she developed and evaluated a language intervention for children with Down syndrome.
Dr Leanne Jaye Adeyemi
Researcher, Mustard Seed Learning
Childcare & Education ExpoDr Leanne Jaye Adeyemi’s Bio
Dr. Leanne Jaye Adeyemi, PhD, is an experienced researcher in motor development in children from diverse ethnic backgrounds in deprived areas. Having worked as a Sports Therapist and University Lecturer, publishing work in the areas of fundamental motor skills development, Dr Leanne Jaye has had the privilege of implementing theoretical data to impact change.
Dr. Leanne has more recently worked in education assessment development and now works in policy.
She is committed to improving the development and healthier outcomes of children in their early years through the practical implementation of evidence-based methods
Elaine Sagar
Chief Executive Officer, Sunflower Group
Childcare & Education ExpoElaine Sagar’s Bio
Elaine Sagar is the CEO of the Sunflower Group, a collection of family-owned day nurseries in Tameside. With a proven track record of nurturing success in both startup ventures and established enterprises within the early years sector, Elaine brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She also serves as Co-Chair of the NWOBC and other groups, representing the sector as a voice for early childhood education and advocating for its continuous improvement. Additionally, Elaine coaches and mentors other nursery owners, sharing her expertise to foster growth and excellence across the industry.
Emma Pinnock
CEO, Essential Education Group Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoEmma Pinnock’s Bio
As an educator Emma has had a rich and varied career. She has been a teacher for 14 years, working in a range of environments such as PRU’s, Hospital schools, Special schools and Mainstream education. Emma has also been in a range of senior management roles for 8 years and in her most recent role, as the Head of a specialist provision, focused on the needs and education of children with autism.
Emma’s passion to support SEND has derived from her personal Journey. This has led to her belief in people’s abilities to overcome barriers and difficulties. Emma is solution focused, strategic and has the ability to develop vision for schools, organisations and families. Emma has both personal and professional experience of living with special educational needs which uniquely impacts her ability and insights. She strives to encourage people to see past their comfort zones, to be solution focused despite the difficulties and to stretch themselves past the norm.
Gary Croxon
Business Manager, Early Years Alliance
Childcare & Education ExpoGary Croxon’s Bio
Gary is a Business Manager and has been with the early years alliance for over 17 years. His role is to lead on the business support to the early years providers and has worked on a number of projects including the Strong Early Years London programme, which was funded by the Mayor of London. Alongside this, he is involved in the Alliance’s membership offer, CPD events, nutrition support programme and partnership links with external bodies such as local authorities and TTS. Before joining the Alliance, he worked for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children’s Information Service (from when CISs were in their early development) and preceding that has a background of working in banking and retail management.
Gary Harrison
Commercial Manager, Morton Michel Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoGary Harrison’s Bio
Gary is an experienced insurance specialist. He is passionate about transforming the perception of early education. For the past 15 years, Gary has worked at Morton Michel, a leading insurance provider for early years settings and educators in the UK.
Gary has worked closely with early years professionals, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of providing high-quality care and education to young children. He has also contributed to the development of insurance and risk management solutions that support providers in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and staff in their care.
His expertise in early education extends beyond his work at Morton Michel. He is committed to raising awareness about the critical role that early education plays in a child’s development and helped collaborate on the formation of the Children’s Activity Association. He has given talks on the subject and is always seeking new ways to promote the importance of early education in society.
Gina Bale
Director, Littlemagictrain
Childcare & Education ExpoGina Bale’s Bio
Gina is a movement expert passionate about creativity, imagination, and movement in the early years. This passion comes from her experience teaching movement in the Early Years, SEND, Primary, and Secondary Schools for over 30 years. Gina’s movement background is from the University of Cape Town Ballet School, Bush Davies School, and Scapino. After injury, and a long break, she returned to movement by training and receiving qualifications from the following: Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma, LABAN, Trinity College Diploma of Dance Teaching and Learning (Children and Young Adults), and the Royal Ballet School Diploma of Teaching Dance. During this time Gina also honed her skills and expanded her knowledge with ‘Hi-5’ and ‘Angelina Ballerina’.
Hayley Fuller
EYFS Specialist & Neuroscience Psychologist
Childcare & Education ExpoHayley Fuller’s Bio
Hayley Fuller is an Early Years Specialist, Writer and Educator who currently works at Winnersh Primary School in Wokingham.
She is the founder of ‘Creative Teaching Ideas’ an online community designed for Early Years and Primary school educators and parents to inspire them with ideas and resources to help further develop learning and creativity in children.She has worked for many years helping to develop children’s education and emotional well-being across a variety early years settings, from delivering education to child refugees in London to working with children across the UK and internationally.
Hayley holds qualifications in Child psychology, Neuroscience, ADHD and ASD in children certification as well as offering consultancy services to businesses, educational and home settings.
Alongside this, she is a regular contributor for educational publications such as; Primary Times, Early Years Alliance Magazine, The Times Educational Supplement and The Curiosity Approach.
For further information or to get in touch, please see www.hayleyfuller.co.uk
Iain Colledge
Executive Director of Operations, Bright Horizons
Childcare & Education ExpoIain Colledge’s Bio
Iain leads and oversees our Divisional and Regional Operations teams to ensure operational excellence and best practice in care and education throughout our nurseries. He also works closely with our specialist support functions to achieve a positive difference in the lives of our children, families, clients and staff.
Iain has extensive experience in education, most recently as the Director of Education for a group of International Early Years, Primary and Secondary schools in the United Arab Emirates. He has been a school leader and Principal in Jordan, Bahrain, Libya, Thailand and Abu Dhabi, and led a project for the British Council to establish bi-lingual, bi-cultural nurseries in multiple cities across Europe.
Iain is Founder, Trustee, and now a board member of an academy trust in Cheshire in the UK, having established the first Free School in Chester. He is also a trained Ofsted inspector and has inspected schools across Dubai.
With his experience and understanding of excellence in education organisations, Iain is committed to always keeping the interests of the children at the centre of his endeavours.
Imogen Edmunds
CEO, Redwing Solutions Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoImogen Edmunds’ Bio
Imogen Edmunds has worked in human resources management for 30 years and her career has centred around HR Consultancy for the past 19 years. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) her and her team of HR Advisors are based in Redditch, Worcestershire where they specialise in supporting Day Nurseries, Pre-schools and Out of School Clubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Imogen is the author of How to Hire Superstars for your Day Nursery and over the last 19 years Imogen has spoken on many stages at events for the Early Years sector. Redwing Solutions was shortlisted for HR Consultancy of the Year in 2020 by Personnel Today Magazine.
Jo Turley
Managing Director, Ashbourne Day Nurseries
Childcare & Education ExpoJo Turley’s Bio
I embarked on my journey in the Early years sector in 1998 after gaining my level 3 qualification. My first role was a Nursery Practitioner in an independent nursery which gave me a strong foundation in hands on childcare and education. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work within some fantastic roles supporting the Early years industry in a variety of ways.
In August 2023 I was thrilled to Join Ashbourne Day Nurseries as Managing Director. The role represents the culmination of my career experiences. Allowing me to bring together my passion for Early years education and extensive leadership experience.
John Parnell
Hoop Guy Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoJohn Parnell’s Bio
John Parnell, known as the Hoop Guy, has been promoting fitness in primary schools across the Greater Midlands since 2009. A professional hooper, John reached the Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2017, gaining national recognition.
He has trained thousands of children and teachers, making fitness fun with his innovative Hula Hoop games. Recognised as one of the top 100 Small Businesses in the UK in 2017, John has earned accolades like Educational Entertainer of the Year in 2022 by the SME Midlands Enterprise Award and named as a Finalist in the Business Success Awards 2024.
Jordan Tully
Founder & Director, Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully
Childcare & Education ExpoJordan Tully’s Bio
I am an experienced Head Of Operations with a passion for all things early years. With 12 years experience in the sector, driving quality and supporting settings grow their profitability and their portfolio I am dedicated to ensure the best possible start for all children. Most recently I have founded ‘Exploring Early Years With Jordan Tully’ which will be launching very soon.
Kate Silverton
Broadcaster, Sunday Times Best Selling Author & Children’s Mental Health & Parenting Expert
Childcare & Education ExpoKate Silverton’s Bio
In her twenty-five years as a journalist, Kate has become one of the BBC’s main national news presenters. She has produced and presented numerous documentaries, including for the BBC’s flagship current affairs programme, ‘Panorama’. She has reported from the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan, covered the glitz and glamour of the Oscars in Hollywood, as well as stepped out beneath the glitter ball herself as a contestant on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Throughout it all, Kate has advocated for children and their emotional well-being. Her academic roots are in child development, with a BSc in Psychology; she has worked for more than a decade in children’s mental health, ultimately retraining as a children’s counsellor with the children’s mental health charity, Place2Be and she is now qualified as a child therapist, and practices clinically with young children at a London primary school. Philanthropically, for many years she has supported charities like the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, The NHS Maudsley Foundation Trust, as well as the NSPCC and their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Foundation.
Her passion is to share what she has learned with as many parents as she can, to help them to have the parenting experience they have always hoped to have, and for their children to have the parenting experience they deserve.
Kirsty Love
Head of Operations, The Old Station Nursery
Childcare & Education ExpoKirsty Love’s Bio
Kirsty has over two decades of experience in the Early Years sector, encompassing a range of roles from Practitioner, Nursery Manager, Area Manager, Regional Childcare Advisor, Trainer, Business Development, and is now the driving force for continuous quality improvement across the Kids Planet Group. Kirsty is an advocate for a multifaceted pedagogy, firmly believing in nurturing a child’s self-confidence and interests through purposeful play. Having coached and mentored leadership teams across a range of early years settings, her focus remains on elevating standards within the sector by championing continuous practitioner and leadership development.
Liv Mclennan
Music Trainer, Boogie Mites
Childcare & Education ExpoLiv McLennan’s Bio
Liv McLennan is a community musician and has worked for Boogie Mites as a tutor and trainer for 12 years. Liv has contributed to the compilation of Boogie Mites teacher training notes and workshops, she loves bringing the joys and benefits of music-making to everyone involved with children in the early years including parents, families and early childhood practitioners, and enabling everyone to find their musical voice.
Liv also runs music workshops with adults with long term health conditions (mental health, dementia and lung health conditions). She is a Director of Music for Wellbeing CIC. Liv has a music degree, performance diploma, certificate in music workshop skills, Certificate Music Education in Early Childhood, currently doing doctoral studies in inter-generational music making in care homes.
Marcia Brown
Divisional Director, Busy Bees
Childcare & Education ExpoMarcia Brown’s Bio
I have worked in Early Years for over 28 years, initially completing my BTEC National Diploma in Childhood studies and then completing my BA Honours in Early Years. I am passionate about Early Years and achieving the very best outcomes for all children and ensuring that our teams are also highly valued and recognised for the amazing work they do within our sector. I have worked for Busy Bees Day Nurseries for over 26 years and have been leading and managing teams for more than 21 years. Within my current role I am responsible for delivering Excellence across Quality and Safety for 47 Nurseries with direct responsibility for coaching and leading a team of Area Directors to achieve and exceed performance KPI’s, whilst building effective relationships with stakeholders and ensuring our company ethos is delivered by everyone in every nursery of giving children the best Start in Life.
Minna Lappalinen
Music Educator & Founding Director, Laulau Oy
Childcare & Education ExpoMinna Lappalinen’s Bio
Minna Lappalainen is an award-winning music educator and songwriter for children’s music. Lappalainen’s musical methods, such as Laulau Songdrawing Method and Laulau Social-Emotional Artplay, are an established part of the Finnish early childhood education, music education, special education and rehabilitation of special needs children. The musical approaches of Lappalainen have numerous active users also outside Finland, e.g. in the U.K., Singapore, Sweden, Estonia and USA. In addition to her own creative business, Lappalainen works as a part-time lecturer of music education at the University of Helsinki. In 2023, Lappalainen received an award for her significant work for Finnish children’s music.
Onika Edwards
Quality Business Partner South, Partou
Childcare & Education ExpoOnika Edwards’ Bio
With over 20 years of experience in the Early Years sector, I am a dedicated Childcare and Education Specialist with a passion for nurturing environments that foster children’s learning, growth, and exploration. As a Quality Business Partner at Partou UK, I work as part of a committed quality team, ensuring the highest standards of childcare and education for our families.
My role is dynamic and challenging, with no two days ever being the same. I am deeply involved in developing and delivering training, promoting, and facilitating partnerships with other agencies, assisting with recruitment processes, and supporting our nurseries through Ofsted inspections. Most importantly, I spend time in the nurseries, working closely with our teams and the children to maintain and enhance the quality of care.
I am skilled in curriculum development and regulatory compliance. My focus is always on implementing innovative strategies and best practices to achieve excellence in Early Years education.
Paula Lester
Quality Consultant & Tutor, Froebel Trust
Childcare & Education ExpoPaula Lester’s Bio
As a senior leader in Early Years for over 25 years, Paula has led high quality provision in many roles. These include managing settings to Outstanding, being a member of the Hampshire Advisory Team supporting settings to raise their practice, being a Group Manager of 12 nurseries and Director of Quality for 32 nurseries. In her role as a quality consultant, Paula has supported settings with all areas of the learning environment and has successfully led many settings through their Ofsted inspections supporting them to feel pride in the experience. Paula coaches leaders and managers to understand their own people management style and bring out the best in those they lead.
Paula has spoken at local and national conferences and is an experienced Froebelian Travelling Tutor delivering Froebel Trust Endorsed courses in face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales. Paula also is an experienced Tutor of the Froebel Trust Endorsed online courses which are attended by participants from very many countries.
Prerna Richards
CEO & Founder, Together We Grow
Childcare & Education ExpoPrerna Richards’ Bio
Meet Prerna, a devoted early childhood education consultant with 38 years of experience, driven by a heartfelt mission to enhance the world for children. As a nationally and internationally recognized keynote speaker, Prerna has inspired thousands of educators through impactful workshops. Six years ago, she founded “Together We Grow,” a platform offering professional development, behavior coaching, and NAEYC consulting, aiming to empower educators. Guided by the belief that knowing better leads to doing better, Prerna’s philosophy centers on play and social-emotional development. Personally, she’s a loving mother and grandmother. She is deeply commitmented to making a difference. In 2020, Prerna’s outstanding contributions earned her the Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year Award from TXAEYC, a testament to her dedication and excellence in early childhood education.
Samantha Sleeman-Boss
Early Education Quality and Practice Lead, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoSamantha Sleeman-Boss’ Bio
Sam Sleeman-Boss is Quality and Practice Lead and one of Ofsted’s Early Years Regulatory Inspectors. She is a qualified early years practitioner and Children’s Centre leader, who started her career as a childminder. Sam has considerable experience of inspection and regulation of registered early years settings and now works in Ofsted’s early education policy team, focusing on Ofsted’s ‘Best start in life’ strategic priority, providing inspector insight and support to policy colleagues and inspectors on early education curriculum and the education inspection framework (EIF).
Sarah Crossley
Founder, Your Well-being Company
Childcare & Education ExpoSarah Crossley’s Bio
Sarah Crossley is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the well-being industry, specialising in science-based holistic well-being and Special Educational Needs (SEN). Holding a first-class degree in physical activity and health, Sarah is deeply passionate about promoting mental health through a prevention-focused approach. As the founder of a leading well-being company, she has successfully introduced customised programs benefitting thousands of children and adults across the UK.
Sarah Mackenzie
CEO, Storal
Childcare & Education ExpoSarah Mackenzie’s Bio
Sarah Mackenzie is CEO at Storal, a nursery group where it all starts with the idea that every child, family and team member has a different story to tell. Sarah’s leadership career across nursery groups has focussed on high quality early education, employee engagement, learning and development and business growth. A thought leader in the sector Sarah is a columnist in Nursery World, a member of Ofsted’s Early Education and Curriculum forum and Chair of the South East Ofsted Big Conversation. Having previously won Nursery World and NMT Awards, Sarah was Education Investor Global’s 2021 Woman To Watch and featured in the 2022 Business Women In Education Women To Watch list.
Stephanie Warrender
Teacher & Director, Laulau Learning UK
Childcare & Education ExpoStephanie Warrender’s Bio
Stephanie Warrender is an EYFS/Primary teacher and director of Music at a school in Bradford. Stephanie has been teaching for over 10 years and has worked in a range of different year groups, from Nursery to Year 4. Throughout her life, Stephanie has had a keen interest in music. She plays multiple instruments, runs a choir, and works with other schools to support them with their music provision through consultancy work. In 2019, Stephanie met Minna Lappalainen, and Laulau Learning UK was born. Our mission is to support a child’s holistic growth through the power of music and art.
Stephen Morgan MP
Minister of Early Education
Childcare & Education ExpoStephen Morgan MP’s Bio
Stephen Morgan MP was appointed Minister for Early Education at the Department for Education on 9 July 2024. He was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South in July 2024.
Stephen, who was born and bred in the city he serves as an MP, studied at local schools and was the first in his family to go to university, graduating from the University of Bristol with an BSc (Hons) in 2002 and a postgraduate Masters of the Arts (MA) from London in 2003.
He started his working life in local government working across the Chief Executive’s Office, strategy, democratic, and community involvement sections at Portsmouth City Council and from 2008-2015 was Head of Community Engagement at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
He has been Chief Executive of a medium-sized charity delivering infrastructure and volunteering support for the not-for-profit sector and delivering services including a centre for rough sleepers and targeted support for carers and young people. He has also been the chair of governors at Arundel Court Junior School, a trustee of Age UK Portsmouth and vice-chair of governors at Priory School. He is a longstanding community activist with a wide range of knowledge and understanding of local issues and needs. His interest in culture and regeneration led him to be the chair of the Portsmouth Cultural Consortium for many years.
Whilst in opposition, Stephen served as Shadow Minister of State for Rail (October 2023-June 2024), Shadow Minister for Schools (September 2021-September 2023), Shadow Armed Forces Minister (April 2020-December 2021), and Shadow Minister for Local Government and Communities (July 2019 to April 2020).
Sue Lee
Director, Morton Michel Ltd
Childcare & Education ExpoSue Lee’s Bio
Sue Lee is an experienced business leader supporting the sector through insurance and risk solutions as Managing Director of Morton Michel. By working with wide ranging parts of the Childcare & Education sector, she has access to the ways in which SEND requirements are implemented and how businesses adapt and adapt. Sue is also Membership Director of the Children’s Activities Association driving quality across the industry. Sue is a parent and grandparent and children’s wellbeing is very much part of her professional and personal life.
Sukhy Kaur
Author of "Is that Paras’ Turban?"
Childcare & Education ExpoSukhy Kaur’s Bio
Sukhbinder (also well known as Sukhy), is the Director and Founder of SK Author Workshops Ltd, an organisation dedicated to creating neurodiverse, educational content and delivering engaging workshops, via her unique approach as a puppeteer.
An accomplished Primary teacher with extensive experience, holding a National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML), holding expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Sukhy has authored children’s books aiming to foster understanding and acceptance at the grassroots level. Her passion for education and commitment to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion has made her a figure head of driving change amongst ethnic communities, celebrating the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences within our community. Her commitment to these values is reflected in every aspect of her work, from her teaching, to her writing and to her delivering workshops at SK Author Workshops Ltd.
Tricia Wellings
Tricia Wellings, Chief Executive, Bright Kids Group & MBK Early Years
Childcare & Education ExpoTricia Wellings’ Bio
Tricia Wellings is an experienced early years expert, known within the industry for the support and training she has provided over the last 25 years. Owner of 8 Bright Kids Day Nurseries she has a powerful combination of knowledge and expertise which puts her in an authoritative position, enabling her to put herself in the shoes of other nursery owners, truly understanding their needs and constraints in delivering their service. Tricia understands the nuances of the childcare industry, from staffing levels, safeguarding, employment law, the Early Years Curriculum, Ofsted and most importantly managing the funding and finances.
Tricia’s passion to help others has meant she has developed a library of training and education materials, as well as, the policies and procedures necessary to run a successful day nursery. Tricia delivers these and other consultative services through MBK Early Years.
Tricia has also gained the appropriate education:
- NNEB
- BA (Hons) in Early Education Studies
- Early Years Teacher Status
Further to this Tricia is now qualified to teach and assess adult learners and also has obtained:
- PTTLS
- CTTLS
- A1 Assessors Award
In addition to this, Tricia is also highly engaged as Chair of the West Midlands Ofsted Big Conversation Steering Group, which organises the Big Conversation Open meetings with Ofsted.
Please feel free to cut down if needed.
Vanessa Dooley
Director, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy
Childcare & Education ExpoVanessa Dooley’s Bio
Vanessa Dooley, the founder of Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy, has carved a niche as a number 1 bestselling author with her influential book, “Are You Ready for Your Inspection?” Driven by a profound dedication to enhancing the quality and impact of early years settings, Vanessa’s expertise guides early years settings towards achieving the best outcomes for children. She champions the philosophy that while every day may not be scrutinised by Ofsted, it should always be a day where the best possible outcomes are secured for the children in attendance. Join Vanessa as she shares invaluable insights and strategies to elevate early years education to its highest standard and adds impact.
Wendy Ratcliff HMI
Principal Officer Schools and Early Education, Ofsted
Childcare & Education ExpoWendy Ratcliff’s Bio
Wendy Ratcliff is one of His Majesty’s Inspectors and Principal Officer for Early Education Policy at Ofsted. Originally qualified as an early years practitioner, Wendy has extensive experience of inspection and regulation across a full range of early years provisions, including schools. Her role as Principal Officer for early education is focused on Ofsted’s ‘Best start in life’ strategic priority and the inspection of early education curriculum, including through the education inspection framework (EIF) and any changes for the future.