Early Years Conference 2025

'Beware the Quote Babbler!' there are so many parenting messages that are often linked to sales, but without the context of why or if they are beneficial to children and this can lead to parental anxiety about what is best for their children. This workshop will explain the importance of rules and boundaries, before moving on to games to develop executive function, self control and impulse control.

About Ellie

Ellie has a B.Ed (Hons) in Lower Primary Education (3-7 years) and a M.Ed in Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, both from Birmingham University School of Education. Her first seven years of teaching experience were spent within special schools, working with children with a range of severe to profound learning difficulties working within the earliest stages of development, including specialist teaching approaches for children with multi sensory impairment and setting up and running a class for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Severe Learning Difficulties.

She spent the next nine years working as a county advisory teacher in Northamptonshire for early years SEN with families and a wide range of schools and early years settings, including providing training, consultation and advice, assessment and joint work with the community health teams, and the Northampton Child Development Centre. As an Independent Consultant delivering training nationally to schools, early years settings, charities and parent groups, as well as working directly with children with a wide range of needs, she is continuing to enthusiastically develop her knowledge and training in how difficulties in the early stages of development can affect learning and achievement long term, and what strategies best enable children to regain this vital ground.

What is Loose Parts Play and how do we use these materials in our settings? The benefits are immense and when you see the collaboration, the engagement, and the language that the children start to use in this open-ended platform for play, it is no surprise it has become a popular way of introducing our children to the real world of resources, from pinecones and stones, guttering and tyres to mud and ice. It need not be an expensive resource, in fact quite the opposite.

I have been fascinated by the language that the children use when they are introduced to a wide range of natural and found resources, and with the support of adults this becomes so easy to enhance and enrich. The focus that they take on and the resilience that they show when they won’t give up on a task and persist over and over until they have come up with a solution, is so beautiful to watch. If you have already started on this journey or want to find out more, come along and find out about The Language of Loose Parts.

About Nicola

Nicola has been working in Early Years for over 25 years and has worked with Deaf families and children in Derby as well as with the City Council as a Toy and Play Coordinator with families, through a Toy Library, this meant a large part was working with Childminders to support them with ideas and resources for their settings. For the past 12 years Nicola has been creating resources at Cosy for pack away settings, childminders, nurseries, and schools. Working alongside professionals to create open ended resources that really work for children.

Developing language through musical play and activities is a super fun and engaging way to help children build a bank of words FAST!

In this hands-on workshop, we'll explore how music, rhythmic play, and making our own instruments provide the perfect opportunity for developing the essential language your children need, with lots of instant and easy ideas for children of all ages.

About Emma

Emma Spiers is The Learning Lady! An author, consultant and former Early Years Ofsted Inspector. With over 25 years experience in the Early Years sector, she works nationally and internationally to provide early years training and advisory services across academy trusts, local authorities, schools, nursery chains, charities and PVI settings.

Emma is a ‘hands on’ trainer, inspiring practitioners everywhere through fun and engaging practical workshops. Emma is full of ideas, believing that quality learning can be simple and easy to achieve, without costing the earth.

Science might not be a named area in the EYFS, but it naturally happens every day in early years settings—through play, questions, and exploration. This practical session will look at what science can look like with young children and how it links to the Characteristics of Effective Learning.

We’ll explore a few simple, play-based ideas for encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and observation skills—without needing special equipment or detailed planning. The aim is to build confidence and offer ideas that can be easily woven into everyday routines.

This session is suitable for anyone looking to bring a bit more science into their practice in a relaxed, child-led way.

About Theresa

I’ve been childminding for over 30 years and still find great satisfaction in working with young children, especially those under five. It’s rewarding to see them grow, learn, and begin to understand the world around them.

Over the years, I completed a Science degree with the Open University, supported by my work as a childminder. I’ve found it’s given me a useful foundation for exploring simple science activities with children in a playful, practical way.

In 2014, I achieved Early Years Teacher Status through Pen Green, which helped me build on my knowledge of child development and how to support young learners.

Alongside running my own setting, I’m also a trustee on the management board, where I help support other childminders and contribute to wider decisions in the sector.

My setting focuses on creating a warm, welcoming environment where children can be themselves, enjoy their learning, and sometimes get involved in small-scale science activities as part of their everyday play.