A hands-on space for playful, purposeful learning in early years education.

🧱 Workshop 1: Block Play

⏰ 11.00AM - 11.40AM

Facilitator: Daniel Spry
Join early childhood expert Daniel Spry for a practical and interactive session on the power of block play. Explore how this foundational activity supports cognitive development, creativity, and early STEM learning.

🌿 Workshop 2: Weaving STEM into an Early Years Curriculum

⏰ 11.45AM - 12.30PM

Facilitators: Mandy Richardson & Sarah Hood
Discover a nature-based, year-round curriculum that connects children with seasonal changes and local environments. Learn how rich, hands-on experiences can embed STEM learning meaningfully into the early years.

💻 Workshop 3: Reimagining Technology in Early Years Education

⏰ 2.15PM - 3.00PM

Speaker: Richard V. Waite (in collaboration with TTS)
Join Early Years expert Richard Waite for a dynamic, hands-on session exploring how non-digital TTS resources can enrich outdoor learning across all nursery environments. Perfect for practitioners, forest school leaders, and nursery managers, this interactive workshop offers practical strategies, real-world ideas, and access to ongoing support.

Workshops focused on business, wellbeing, and sector leadership.

💸 Workshop 1: Maximising Your Funding & Fees

⏰ 11.00AM - 11.40AM

Speaker: Trisha Wellings, MBK Group
Learn practical strategies to make the most of government funding while structuring your sessions and fees for long-term financial sustainability and profitability.

🧠 Workshop 2: "Is He Really Just Fine?" – Men’s Mental Health in Early Years

⏰ 11.45AM - 12.30PM

Speaker: Claudio Sisera, Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs
In a sector built on compassion, the mental health of male educators, fathers, and volunteers is too often overlooked. This workshop opens a vital conversation about the unique pressures men face in early years settings — and how we can do better.

You’ll explore:

• The hidden struggles men face in caring professions

• Stigma, isolation, and stereotypes

• Practical ways to support male colleagues, fathers, and volunteers

• What leaders can do to reshape culture and champion wellbeing for all

This session goes beyond awareness — it's about action.

🎙️ Workshop 3: The Voice of Early Childhood – Live Podcast

⏰ 2.15PM - 3.00PM

Featuring: Special Guest
Join Angelica in a live recording of the Voice of Early Childhood podcast with a surprise guest, diving into real-world challenges and bold ideas shaping the future of early education.

Future-focused insights and practical tools to elevate your practice.

❤️ Workshop 1: Mini Minds Matter

⏰ 11.00AM - 11.40AM

Speaker: Julie Robinson
This workshop explores how settings can embed a culture of care, kindness, and emotional support for children.

We’ll look at how to lead by example, create environments that truly support wellbeing, and foster a sense of safety and compassion in daily routines. The session also focuses on practitioner self-care — highlighting the importance of mindful moments, emotional resilience, and how looking after ourselves positively impacts the whole setting.

Walk away with practical ideas to nurture wellbeing at every level — for children, staff, and the wider community.

🧩 Workshop 2: Creating a Curriculum

⏰ 11.45AM - 12.30PM

Speaker: Jan Dubiel
What makes a curriculum truly meaningful? Join Jan Dubiel to explore how to create one that reflects children’s needs, interests, and developmental goals.

🌳 Workshop 3: NLP & Outdoor Learning

⏰ 2.15PM - 3.00PM

Speaker: Ashley Wilson
Discover how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can enhance communication, self-regulation, and emotional development. Learn how to integrate these principles with outdoor education for lasting impact on children and your team.

Future-focused insights and practical tools to elevate your practice.

🎈 Workshop 1: Joyful Play

⏰ 11.00AM -11.40AM

Speaker: Ben Kingston-Hughes
Rediscover the joy and science of play — and how it shapes every aspect of development.

🧠 Workshop 2: Baby Brain Building

⏰ 11.45AM - 12.30PM

Speaker: Clare Steed
Unpack the latest research in infant brain development and how early experiences shape lifelong learning.

🌟 Workshop 3: Play for Today, Tomorrow and the Future

⏰ 2.15PM - 3.00PM

Speaker: Alice Sharp

Reimagining Play with Purpose, Passion and Possibility

Step into the future of play, where timeless truths meet bold new ideas. This inspiring workshop invites you to explore how the foundational principles of play, imagination, exploration, and human connection can be reimagined to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Rooted in theory, powered by research, and fuelled by creativity,