Foundations First: EYFS Leaders Conference

Join us for Foundations First: Leading Excellence in the Early Years - an inspiring Early Excellence national conference centred on Curriculum and Foundational Knowledge. Specifically designed for School Leaders, EYFS Leaders and teachers, this conference will support you to review, strengthen and lead high-quality Early Years curriculum, provision and practice.

The Early Years are a precious and powerful phase of education, where children begin to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and dispositions that shape future learning. It is vital that School Leaders and EYFS Leaders ensure a high-quality curriculum is planned with clarity of intent, rooted in key learning and implemented effectively so that every child can flourish and succeed throughout their educational journey.

Foundations First: Leading Excellence in the Early Years brings together leading experts and practitioners for a rich day of professional learning, reflection and inspiration. With a strong focus on leadership, pedagogy, curriculum and provision, delegates will hear from two inspirational keynote speakers and attend three expert-led workshops, offering clear thinking, practical guidance and evidence-informed approaches to help schools secure meaningful improvement and create the conditions for every child to thrive.

Why Attend?

This one-day conference is designed to strengthen strategic curriculum development while equipping delegates with practical approaches that can be implemented immediately back in school.

By attending, you will:

• Gain clarity about Foundational Knowledge and Skills and understand current expectations for high-quality Early Years education.

• Explore how curriculum, play and skilful adult interaction work together to strengthen children's learning.

• Develop practical strategies for enhancing language and communication, early literacy, mathematics and executive function.

• Deepen your understanding of high-quality EYFS curriculum, provision and practice.

• Connect with colleagues who are passionate about securing the very best start for every child.

Throughout the day, the Early Excellence Interactive Learning Environment will be used within workshops to demonstrate the powerful connection between high-quality provision and the development of foundational knowledge and skills. Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore our inspiring Children's Voices Exhibition, showcasing authentic learning journeys that illustrate how children's understanding develops over time.

Leave with

• A clear perspective on creating a curriculum rooted in best practice and driven by Foundational Knowledge.

• Fresh inspiration for strengthening curriculum, provision and practice.

• Practical ideas to support immediate improvement back in school.

• A clearer understanding of what high-quality Early Years learning looks like.

• Greater confidence to lead change and support colleagues.

• Renewed energy and ambition to champion excellence in the Early Years.

This conference is ideal for leaders and practitioners who are committed to strengthening curriculum, developing provision and building shared confidence across their teams.

• Headteachers and senior leaders with responsibility for EYFS

• EYFS Leaders, Phase Leaders and Curriculum Leaders

• Nursery and Reception teachers

• Leaders working to strengthen transition into Key Stage 1

Secure your place today and join School Leaders, EYFS Leaders and teachers from across the country for an inspiring day of professional learning, practical ideas and collaborative reflection, as together we explore how strong curriculum, purposeful provision and high-quality pedagogy build the foundational knowledge and skills that give every child the very best start.

Face to Face Course - £145 per person excl. VAT

Lunch and refreshments are provided for this face to face course.

Autumn 2026

Face to Face Courses

Bury - The Village Hotel Manchester Bury, BL9 7BQ
Tuesday 10th November
9.00am - 4.00pm

Nottingham - DoubleTree by Hilton Nottingham - Gateway, NG8 6AZ
Thursday 12th November
9.00am - 4.00pm

Gatwick - Felbridge Gatwick Hotel & Spa, RH19 2BH
Wednesday 18th November
9.00am - 4.00pm