In February and March, Best Practice Network, part of Supporting Education Group, hosted two inspiring Early Years SEND Conferences in Leeds and London. These events brought together sector experts, educators and professionals united by one shared goal: improving outcomes for children with SEND in the Early Years.
From the moment delegates arrived, conversations flowed easily, new connections were formed and practitioners shared experiences and ideas they could take straight back into their settings.
Learning from expert voices across the sector
We were privileged to hear from an exceptional range of speakers and organisations working at the forefront of Early Years SEND support.
Sessions included insight on Leading SEND in the Early Years from Meggie Fisher at Dingley’s Promise; creating Early Years spaces that enable neurodivergent children to thrive, not just survive, from Cheryl Warren at Aperion Training and Consultancy; how to support social and emotional development of children in the Early Years, shared by Viv Trask-Hall; the importance of collaboration with parents from Emma Lee, who spoke candidly about her experiences as a parent, Nursery Lead and SENCo; and practical guidance on understanding and supporting children with feeding difficulties from Lucy Wood, The Early Years Dietician.
As one Leeds attendee reflected:
“It’s been absolutely amazing. There’s a lot of information I’ve gained and I’ve made a load of notes and am going to be sharing those with my staff.”– Iqra Anjam, Kuman Huddersfield Lockwood
Celebrating passion and achievement
The conferences were also an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of Early Years SENCos and practitioners through our award winners.
“I have won the Childminder of the Year award. It means the absolute world to me. I’ve been a childminder for 16 years now. It’s my passion.” – Rebecca Foster, Winner, Childminder EY SENCo of the Year
“I feel like I’ve learnt a lot. It’s been nice to see some of the speakers — especially Dingley’s Promise, the training that’s been provided.” – Luke Clamp, Winner, Men in the Early Years EY SENCo of the Year
“I’m so glad I came. All the speakers were fantastic, and it’s nice to be in a room with people who do the same job as you and just reconnect and get that energy back to go back to the coalface next week.” – Tierce Lister, Winner, BPN EY SENCo of the Year
A shared experience in London
Delegates in London shared similar reflections on the power of being together as a community:
“I’ve learnt a lot about new courses and how I can develop to support children inclusively in my setting. It’s been really brilliant. I’ve been so inspired by all the talks that have happened, and I’ve met loads of exciting people as well.” – Gracie Trotman, Aspiring SENCo
“It’s amazing to see so many people who also work in Early Years, hearing other people talk, what is happening in their settings and what their experience is. Always wonderful to learn more and hear new ideas. The speeches were amazing.” – Jules Rusevick, EY Educator
Working in partnership
We were also delighted to be joined by colleagues from the Department for Education and Stronger Practice Hub partners from London South, Brighter Start (East London), Kent and Beyond, and St Edmund’s (West and South Yorkshire). Their involvement highlights the importance of collaboration in strengthening Early Years practice across regions.
Thank you to the Early Years community
To everyone who joined us in Leeds and London – thank you. Your openness, enthusiasm and commitment to inclusion are what made these conferences such a meaningful experience.
At Supporting Education Group, we are proud to support the work of organisations such as Best Practice Network in bringing the Early Years community together to share knowledge, strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children with SEND.
We look forward to continuing this vital work across our network.