Senior Leader Briefing – Early Autumn 2026

Over the last few we months we have seen the publication of wide range of both statutory and guidance documentation for schools and settings. Keeping up to date with these is increasingly challenging.

It is clear that there is sustained focus on the early years by the DfE, and especially the requirement for school leaders to have increased knowledge of and engagement with the early years; ensuring all children have access to the highest quality provision and practice

As we await the announces of the SEND consultation, it is essential that leaders familiarise themselves with the guidance from the DfE on using the Inclusive mainstream fund. We will be exploring the key recommendations and the expectations which this document sets out regarding how to use the funding strategically plan to implement whole-school approaches to inclusion that will remove commonly occurring and predictable barriers to learning for all pupils.

As anticipated, after the first year of implementation, the Ofsted Inspection Framework and related materials updated ready for September.  With changes being made to the toolkits and operating guidance for inspectors, we will be discussing these and the implications for leadership and practice

Alongside the above, with updates being made to the EYFS from this September, and no doubt more changes to come from other sources; keeping up to date as the new academic year begins can be challenging but essential for anyone in a leadership role.  

Join us for our Early Autumn Senior Leaders Briefing to ensure that you have all the latest information to support you and your team.

Hosted by Senior Curriculum Experts

The briefing will be led by Phil Armstrong, Senior Education Lead, and Sarah Carey, School Improvement Lead, with guest contributions from Ofsted, the DfE, and other sector experts.

Phil Armstrong – Senior Education Lead

Phil brings over 20 years’ experience across early years and primary education, including teaching, leadership, and headship roles. He works with schools and settings on strategic leadership, school improvement, and the practical implementation of national policy.

Sarah Carey – School Improvement Lead

Sarah has more than 20 years’ experience in school improvement, including roles as EYFS Leader, Deputy Head, and Headteacher. She supports senior leaders to drive improvement across EYFS and KS1 through strategic planning, teaching development, and sustained improvement work.

Why attend?

• Stay up to date with national policy and inspection developments

• Gain clarity on expectations for Early Years and KS1

• Access strategic insight to support leadership decision-making

• Connect with wider sector thinking and professional dialogue

• Senior leaders in schools and early years settings

• MAT and Trust leaders

• Local Authority advisers and coordinators

• Professionals supporting strategic leadership or operational planning in EYFS and KS1

Choose to purchase a recorded version to extend your understanding. Please note access to the recording will be available from Monday 28th September and can be accessed for 14 days.

Live Webinar - £85 per person (excl. VAT)

Recording - £85 per person (excl. VAT)

Please note that our online training courses are priced per person and multiple viewings of a course will be charged.