Best Start, Strong Future: Excellence in Early Years Practice led by Phil Armstrong, Early Excellence and Anjali Patel with CLPE

This session explores the vital importance of high-quality early childhood education, drawing on the growing body of research that highlights its long-term impact on children’s learning, development, and life chances. With a focus on both pedagogy and leadership, it will consider how schools can create strong, coherent early years provision that lays the foundation for success across the whole curriculum.

During the session, participants will:

Explore the core principles of effective early years pedagogy, including play-based learning, child development, and the role of the adult Review the latest national updates relating to the EYFS and consider their implications for practice and provision Examine what high-quality practice looks like in early years settings, including enabling environments, interactions, and assessment Consider how the early years curriculum can be meaningfully connected to the wider school curriculum, ensuring progression and continuity from EYFS into Key Stage 1 and beyond Explore practical strategies and structures to effectively support mixed-age and mixed-year group classes, maintaining high-quality provision for all learners Choosing and using books, including books with a broad range of representation

The session will also highlight the role of strong leadership in shaping early years practice, supporting staff development, and ensuring that early provision is valued as a critical part of the whole-school journey.

This session provides a valuable opportunity for school leaders and practitioners to deepen their understanding of early years education, become confident advocates for the youngest learners, and develop practical, sustainable approaches that support excellence across the whole team.