Early Years Conference

The annual Rise Early Years Conference brings together early years professionals for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection.

Whether you’re a teacher, childcare provider, family hub worker, or early years leader, the conference offers fresh ideas, practical strategies, and meaningful insights to help strengthen your practice.

Early Years Conference 2026

Our 2026 conference, held in March, was once again a sold‑out success.
Delegates enjoyed an inspiring keynote from Dr Gemma Goldenberg, Deputy Director of ISEY, who explored the science behind how outdoor environments can supercharge early childhood development.

Across the day, three practical workshops offered insights into:

• the importance of stimulation and regulation in learning environments
• making the most of nature to support early language development
• the link between movement and learning in the early years

All attendees agreed attending the conference:

• Improved their knowledge and understanding
• Boosted their confidence
• Inspired them

Sponsors

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Getting young people moving is vital for their physical, social and emotional development. Active children build coordination, confidence, resilience and are more likely to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle as they grow. But it’s not just about fitness – movement helps children connect with others, make friends and develop key social skills, while sparking a love of play and learning. At Little Movers our sessions show that when children move, laugh and explore together, communities become stronger, happier and healthier.” – Headline Sponsor, Little Movers

I  have enjoyed the whole of the conference getting to meet and work with other people and talking about the different settings, helped me focus on the joy in early years and the importance of play in learning & development. – Delegate

Meeting lots of people passionate about early years makes me hopeful and nourished – Practical ideas + theory in small doses helps my practice. – Delegate