The Speakers

Jan Dubiel is an Independent Consultant and a nationally and internationally recognised expert in Early Childhood Education. Named one of the ten most influential people in British education by the Times Educational Supplement, he has advised the DfE on the EYFS review. Jan has held senior roles at Early Excellence and AISL Harrow International Schools, and has experience as a teacher, senior leader, and national lead for the EYFS Profile with QCA. He is a published author, with his book Effective Assessment in the EYFS released by SAGE in 2014.

An award-winning international storyteller, producer, and consultant, best known for creating and producing the CBeebies series JoJo and Gran Gran. Currently developing a new children’s animation, she has collaborated with major global brands including Paramount. A bestselling author, she also serves on the Children’s Media Foundation board, is vice president of the British Association of Early Childhood Education, patron of the Grenada Community Library, expert commissioner for the Raising the Nation Play Commission, and hosts the podcast My Words, My Book.

Ben Kingston-Hughes is an international keynote speaker, author and multi award-winning trainer. He works with vulnerable children across the UK and has appeared on television working on a variety of children’s projects. His distinctive blend of humour, neuroscience and real-life experiences have made his training invaluable for anyone working with children.

Alice is an inspiring early years presenter, teacher, author, and mum, internationally recognised for her expertise in early childhood learning. Her high-quality, transformative training empowers professionals with deep knowledge of child development, always placing the child at the centre. With a passion for innovative and thought-provoking practice, Alice is dedicated to changing children’s lives through meaningful educational experiences. As she says: “Early Years Educators change the world, one step at a time.”

I am an entrepreneurial educationalist passionate about giving people a voice and supporting them to fulfil their full potential. I work with educators, students and parents/carers to support them in building knowledge and skills, from leadership and networking to early childhood and research.

Managing Director and co-founder of Boogie Mites UK Ltd and Community Projects CIC. Since 2007, she has led the development of music-based early years programmes and training, supporting educators and families across the UK and beyond. Passionate about the power of music in early learning, Sue also drives grant-funded projects for children facing disadvantage, with a mission to transform education through music and neuroscience.

Director of Eagley school House nurseries and visionary leader, Director founder of Mini Minds Matters UK an Award Winning Approach. Time to connect podcast and workshops.

A dedicated champion of early years education, currently driving impactful training and development at The Treehouse Club, inspiring strategic growth, and empowering the leadership team through purposeful guidance and example.

As Operations Director at Naturally Learning, Tom brings over 11 years of experience in authentic, holistic, and nature-based early years education, inspired by his strong passion for outdoor learning, sustainable practices, and championing a Cornish Early Childhood; more recently, however, his focus has moved from the outdoors to organisational development, as he works to strengthen his team, position Naturally Learning for a successful future and help others to develop their wild side through leadership management and outdoor education consultancy.

With 38 years in Early Childhood and Education, my mission is to enrich children's lives through Early Years Technology and promote Online Safety. I champion a STEAM-based approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths into early learning, using interactive tools and resources to make learning engaging and inclusive. By introducing STEAM in the early years, we ensure all children, girls and boys alike, are prepared for the digital, scientific world of school and beyond.

An Early Years enthusiast who's been on this wild ride for 13 years, climbing the ladder from being an eager apprentice to a seasoned nursery manager. He ran his own OFSTED-registered business and now Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs.

Claire is founder of Baby Brain-Building in the first 1000 days with the Oliiki app. Supporting Early Years to have Baby Rooms they're excited by, so children thrive. She is a Speaker|Trainer|Advocate

A specialist in alternative education and mental health matters, I strive to support both children and adult's mental health and well-being, whether this be via their education from an early age or in their day to day lifestyle.

Driving Nursery Growth offering Coaching, Consultancy and Training. Tricia is the Director of MBK

Daniel Spry is an Early Years Consultant and an independent consultant delivering block play training nationally.

Mandy has over 30 years experience of working in the Cornish early years as a Reception Teacher, County Advisory Teacher and Nursery owner. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Naturally Learning, a group of 7 nurseries in Cornwall with a strong focus on outdoor play and learning, offering forest and beach schools across its sites. Mandy also works as a Senior Consultant for the Cornish Early Childood company with multiple clients across the South West.

Head of Pedagogy at Naturally Learning and “Queen of Cushions”. Originally from Cheshire, Sarah trained as a Teacher in Cornwall and is now responsible for Naturally Learning’s quality of provision. 

Developing brand and ethos, Sarah designs environments, curates resources, builds curriculum, and inspires the groups seasonal spiral of learning. Now offering consultancy and advice as part of the Cornish Early Childhood offer.

Matt Arnerich is Famly’s Sr. Director of Brand and Comms, looking after the way the UK’s biggest Early Childhood Platform tells their story, and supports the EY sector along the way. He is the co-host of the Tiny Chair Podcast, writer of Famly’s inaugural ‘Respect the Sector’ report, and the producer of their 2021 Documentary ’The EYFS Tracking Lie. He has always found writing about himself in the third person for these bios a bit weird.

Julia’s the UK Early Education Editor at Famly and co-host of the Tiny Chair Podcast. She brings with her a wealth of sector experience, having held positions from apprentice to NVQ tutor and assessor (and pretty well everything in between). Julia entered the sector in search of like-minded individuals and found a room full of three-year-olds fitted the bill perfectly. 

Jordan is a passionate and committed early years professional, dedicated to delivering high-quality care and inspiring learning every day. With a strong focus on compliance and operational excellence, Jordan strives to grow occupancy and invoicing while never compromising on care. He believes in nurturing his team to reach their professional goals and in helping the grass grow where you are, not chasing greener pastures.

Emalee Caton is the lead Early Years PANCo (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) Tutor for National Day Nurseries Association. She is a qualified teacher, specialising in early years and has over 10 years’ experience in reception classrooms. She is passionate about children achieving the recommended levels of physical activity as well as being able to access a healthy, balanced diet so they can thrive in their early years, childhood and on into adulthood.

Stephen Morgan MP is the Minister for Early Education, leading policy on early years, childcare, SEND, and safeguarding. A former school governor and city councillor, he has a strong track record in education, having previously served as Shadow Schools Minister. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Stephen is committed to improving outcomes for children and families through high-quality, accessible education for all.