The Voice of Early Childhood Conference 2027 brings the early childhood community together for a day of shared thinking, professional learning and meaningful connection.
Across leadership and practice, we will explore the questions shaping children’s experiences, educators’ work and the future of early childhood.
Come away with new perspectives, practical ideas and conversations to continue within your own context.
Our 2027 conference speaker lineup
International child development specialist
The importance of laughter for children’s brains
Jacqueline is an international child development & education expert advising government, practitioners & parents. She also represented the UK in developing essential digital criteria and establishing best practice for broadcasters, parents & teachers across Europe. She works for children’s TV shows, & continues to research in the emerging understanding of the powerful neurobiological role of imagination & creativity.
Founding director of the Essential Education Group
Beyond behaviour: Early identification, SEND and understanding regulation in the early years
Emma has been a teacher for over 20 years, working in a range of environments. Emma's last role in education was as the Head of a specialist provision, focused on the needs and education of children with autism. Emma has used these experiences to develop the Essential Education Group LTD which is an Audit, consultancy and training company, specialising in special educational needs, in particular neurodiversity.
Independent consultant , author & trainer
Supporting the neurodivergent adults in your setting
With over 25 years of classroom experience, Simon brings a unique dual perspective to inclusive education. As an autistic teacher his consultancy is rooted in the lived reality of modern UK schools. Through Neuroaffirming with Simon, he bridges the gap between neurodivergent theory and practical application. Simon specialises in transforming school environments and policies into spaces where neurodivergent children and staff don't just survive, but thrive.
Teacher, puppeteer and author
Seeing ourselves, discovering others: Books and representation in early childhood
Sukhy Kaur is a former teacher, author of the sensory Paras and Pete books, and founder of SK Author Workshops. Passionate about neurodiversity, cultural diversity and inclusion, she brings stories to life through interactive workshops that encourage children to celebrate differences, build empathy, and create environments where every child feels seen, heard and respected.
PhD researcher
Is it too noisy in here to learn? Noise as an invisible barrier to early language development
Conor is a PhD researcher at ISEY, focusing on how noise in early childhood settings affects language development. He has extensive experience as an early childhood educator, having held various positions including management, advisory roles, and most recently, lecturer in early childhood studies leading degree studies across the London Early Years Foundation in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton.
Founder of Mustard Seed Learning and early years movement specialist
Teaching movement: Finding the balance between guidance and play
Dr Leanne Jaye is the Founder of Mustard Seed Learning and an Early Years movement specialist. Her work focuses on strengthening physical development in childhood, with particular attention to how deprivation and ethnicity shape early movement opportunities. She supports practitioners to embed inclusive, play‑based approaches to Fundamental Movement Skills.
Head of early years, writer and researcher
Puppets with purpose: supporting inclusion, communication and cognition in early childhood
This session explores the powerful role of storytelling and characters in supporting young children’s learning, thinking, and emotional development. Drawing on research from learning sciences and classroom practice, it highlights how puppets and other “others” can help children engage with ideas, build empathy, and approach challenges such as early maths with greater confidence. Through practical demonstrations and real classroom examples, the session offers playful, research-informed strategies that practitioners can apply immediately in early years settings.
International safeguarding consultant
From concern to action: Strengthening safeguarding cultures in early childhood
Ann Marie Christian is an internationally recognised safeguarding practitioner and qualified child protection social worker with over 30 years' experience, including management and supporting child care settings, schools and children's services. She helps child care settings and schools build strong safeguarding cultures through training, consultancy and leadership. A sought-after keynote speaker, Ann Marie has worked with child care and education organisations, schools across the UK and worldwide.
Early childhood educationalist
Early Childhood policy and practice around the world
Adam is the early childhood educationalist at TTS Resources as well as a writer, speaker and trainer who was previously an early years teacher and manager of ‘Outstanding’ early years and wraparound provision settings for 14 years. Adam is a passionate advocate of the role of early childhood and play-based learning in the nurture and development of the leaders of tomorrow.
Early years adviser
Counting every moment: Harnessing the value of everyday interactions for embedding maths opportunity
Emily is an early years teacher with a particular focus on children aged 0-2. She is currently an early years adviser on the Maths Champions programme, a professional development opportunity for early years settings to explore rich mathematical learning environments and building staff confidence to embed purposeful maths opportunities in a whole setting approach.
Plan your day
Dr Jacqueline Harding
The importance of laughter for children’s brains
In this keynote, Dr Jacqueline Harding will present a groundbreaking exploration of the transformative power of laughter, hope and human connection in early childhood development.
Drawing on her own empirical research and evidence from biology, psychology, neurophysiology and sociology, she asks a provocative question: are humour, hope and human connection among the most powerful forces shaping children's cognitive development, emotional wellbeing and lifelong resilience?
Select one of the below talks during booking
Join author, educator and inclusion advocate Sukhy Kaur for a lively, interactive session exploring hats and headwear from around the world.
Through storytelling, sensory books, puppetry, audience participation and practical demonstrations, delegates will discover how to spark conversations about culture, identity, neurodiversity and belonging.
Expect plenty of energy, laughter and learning as Sukhy brings her characters to life in a workshop that delegates won't be able to take their eyes off.
Inclusion shouldn’t stop at the staffroom door. This session explores how to support neurodivergent educators by shifting from a deficit mindset to purposeful environmental design. Discover how valuing their unique strengths and preventing masking protects your staff, ensures adult co-regulation, and improves the classroom for everyone.
This session explores how adults can support children’s movement development by balancing guidance with playful exploration. Participants consider when to step in, when to step back, and how to create environments that nurture confident, capable movers across early childhood settings.
Select one of the below talks during booking
This session explores the powerful role of storytelling and characters in supporting young children’s learning, thinking, and emotional development. Drawing on research from learning sciences and classroom practice, it highlights how puppets and other “others” can help children engage with ideas, build empathy, and approach challenges such as early maths with greater confidence. Through practical demonstrations and real classroom examples, the session offers playful, research-informed strategies that practitioners can apply immediately in early years settings.
Children’s development during early childhood (or early years in the UK) arguably has the most impact on their future selves, however there’s still no real consensus on the best approach to policy or the delivery of high-quality practice. During this session I will explore some modern international perspectives which could underpin our practice today and influence our aspirations for the future of the sector.
Young children’s brains struggle more than adults to distinguish speech from background noise. Conor’s research uses wearable tech to test two noise-reduction strategies and their effects on language development. He will discuss what the research reveals about children’s responses to noise and methods to reduce its negative effects.
Select one of the below talks during booking
From Concern to Action: Strengthening Safeguarding Cultures in Early Childhood explores how early years practitioners can build safe, child-centred environments where concerns are recognised and acted upon confidently. Through practical strategies, case examples, and reflective discussion, participants will strengthen professional curiosity, early intervention, and everyday safeguarding practice to create a culture where every child feels safe, heard, and protected.
Maths is everywhere and every interaction is one in which to learn. Sometimes, it can be tricky to embrace these opportunities for meaningful, contextualised maths in the moment. This session aims to explore some of the reasons why educators may be less confident in seizing these mathematical opportunities and some practical ways to bring maths to life in simple, but significant, ways.
Early years practitioners are uniquely placed to recognise emerging needs and make a lasting difference to children's developmental outcomes. This engaging and thought-provoking seminar explores the critical role of early identification of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping practitioners to recognise indicators of need and respond with confidence.
Drawing on current research in child development, neuroscience and SEND practice, the session will challenge traditional views of behaviour as simply communication, instead exploring behaviour through the lens of regulation. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how children's sensory, emotional and neurological experiences influence their actions and interactions.
TBC
The Voice of Early Childhood early years conference 2027 officially kicks off with refreshments and networking to warm up for the day
Dr Jacqueline Harding
The importance of laughter for children’s brains
Explore how laughter shapes children’s brains, relationships, learning and wellbeing.
Exploring the big questions in early childhood
Join a thought-provoking discussion exploring some of the biggest questions in early childhood. Together, we will reflect on school readiness, wellbeing, play and learning, the datafication of childhood, and what early childhood means today, drawing on diverse perspectives from across the community.
Refreshments & networking
Meet new people, exchange ideas and build lasting connections across the early childhood community.
Sukhy Kaur - Seeing ourselves, discovering others: Books and representation in early childhood
Or
Dr Leanne Jaye - Teaching movement: Finding the balance between guidance and play
Or
Simon Airey - Supporting the neurodivergent adults in your setting
Buffet lunch with hot and cold food. Cakes, pastries, savoury bites and more.
After lunch, take time to explore our exhibitors’ stands, discover their products and services, and connect with new faces. Share reflections from the morning, exchange ideas and continue conversations with others.
Fenella Symes - Puppets with purpose: supporting inclusion, communication and cognition in early childhood
Or
Adam Marycz - Early Childhood policy and practice around the world
Or
Conor Bathgate - Is it too noisy in here to learn? Noise as an invisible barrier to early language development
Refreshments & networking
Create space for shared reflection, meaningful conversations and new connections across the early childhood community.
Ann Marie Christian - From concern to action: Strengthening safeguarding cultures in early childhood
Or
Emily Askew - Counting every moment: Harnessing the value of everyday interactions for embedding maths opportunity
Or
Emma Pinnock - Beyond behaviour: Early identification, SEND and understanding regulation in the early years
Refreshments & networking
Enjoy refreshments throughout the day while connecting with colleagues from across the early childhood community. You will also have the opportunity to meet our wonderful exhibitors, learn more about their products and services, and discover ideas and resources that may support your practice.
Musical development
Explore how musical development unfolds in early childhood and how educators can nurture it through playful, responsive experiences. This keynote will consider the role of singing, movement, listening and exploration in supporting children’s communication, creativity, confidence and wellbeing.
Previous conference feedback
Our 2027 early years conference exhibitors
Early years conference 2027 FAQ's
The Voice of Early Childhood Conference is a space for leaders, educators and parents to learn, network, reflect & share voices.
Be prepared to hear from a diverse range of speakers, including leaders in early childhood, educators, academics, researchers and child development specialists.
You will have the chance to actively take part throughout the conference through discussions, networking, shared reflection and workshop activities.
- To hear about latest thinking, research and best practice around children's development and learning
- To hear from pioneering and well respected early childhood specialists and researchers, experienced educators and influential leaders
- To take part in shared reflection, discussion and building a wider early childhood community
- To network with educators, leaders, parents, academics, researchers and students
- To gain insight from our exhibitors on the latest resources and business solutions
- Early childhood leaders, managers and owners interested in supporting and upskilling their teams, developing their leadership and ensuring they are delivering the best provision they can.
- Educators, childminders, nannies and students looking to upskill themselves, gain up to date child development knowledge and ensure their work is research and theory informed.
- Academics, researchers, consultants and policy makers who are interested in the field of early childhood and gaining insight into current practice and latest research developments.
- Parents, carers and family members interested in children's development and embedding research and theory into supporting the children in their care.
- Understanding neurodiversity
- Intentional recruitment, meaningful retention
- Children’s mental health & wellbeing
- Leading your team successfully
- The powerful role of books
- Managing your early years provision
- Supporting the development of babies
- Engage in conversations with Ofsted
- Take part in discussions & debates
- Network, connect & collaborate
The aim of this conference is to, not only provide an opportunity for high quality continuous professional development, but importantly to provide a safe space for inquisitive dialogue, shared reflection and building a wider early childhood community across settings, academia, policy and family contexts.
Come prepared not only to learn, but most importantly to reflect, ask questions, network, discuss and debate!
Yes there is free parking on site for all conference delegates.
A hot and cold buffet will be provided for all delegates as well as tea, coffees and snacks throughout the day.