Senior Leader Briefing - Summer 2026

Our Senior Leader Briefings take place three times a year and are designed to help school and setting leaders stay up to date with national developments affecting Early Years and Key Stage 1.

This summer briefing will provide a strategic overview of current and emerging priorities across the sector. While specific session content will be released closer to the event, the briefing will draw together key updates from the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the wider education landscape, alongside expert interpretation and practical insight.

The session will support senior leaders to:

• Understand the direction of travel nationally

• Reflect on implications for their own context

• Plan confidently in response to evolving expectations

Whether you lead a school, MAT, or local authority, or work in a strategic support role, this briefing offers a valuable opportunity to step back, stay informed, and prepare for what’s ahead.

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

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.

Choose to purchase a recorded version to extend your understanding. Please note access to the recording will be available from Thursday 11th June and can be accessed for 14 days.

• 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