Early Years Conference - Rise North East

Early Years Conference 2025

For the third year Rise hosted their annual Early Years Conference — Health, Wellbeing, and Learning In the Early Years — providing early years professionals from across the North East with valuable opportunities for professional development and networking.

During the conference, delegates heard from insightful and knowledgeable experts, including international keynote speaker, author, and multi award-winning trainer Ben Kingston-Hughes who was back by popular demand, this year talking about communication and language. Attendees also took part in engaging and interactive workshops including:

Seeing through behaviour to the child underneath – Ben Kingston- Hughes
Exploring culture through active play – North East Museums
Understanding and supporting children with SEND in the early years – June Ball (Hadrian School and Hadrian Education and Development Services)

Attendees also explored the marketplace where they had the opportunity to find information and support for their work with children. 

Really loved the sensory exploration of culture workshop. Great to learn something new, get ideas, and network with like minded people.

Sponsors

This event was made possible thanks to our generous sponsors.

Headline Sponsors

“Our mission is simple: to prioritise people and education over profit. Whether we’re supporting schools in finding the right talent or helping individuals take their first steps into working in education, we place the needs of our schools, educators, and learners at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of education and physical activity to break down barriers, reduce inequalities, and foster brighter futures. That’s why we are proud to Headline sponsor the Rise Early Years Conference 2025 which aims to enhance the quality of Early Years education and promote the wellbeing of our region’s young people. Together, let’s build stronger, healthier communities through education and action.”

For more information please visit their website

The Rise Early Years Conference 2025 is Headline sponsored by The North East Combined Authority. The North East Combined Authority was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

For more information please visit their website

Associate Sponsors

“Ability Consultants provide specialist Fundraising and Income Generation services to the third sector. Our core business is bid writing to grant funders on behalf of charities, schools, voluntary community groups and social enterprises. We also provide a comprehensive strategy document service, charity registration service, 121 mentoring service and senior leadership interim cover linked to Fundraising and Income Generation roles.”

For more information please visit their website

The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom that benefit children cognitively, socially and emotionally. Through curriculum based resources and activities pupils can engage in learning that captures their imagination, promotes confidence and resilience, and connects them with the environment. Schools also receive lesson plans to guide them through pre-visit learning and prepare for meaningful learning experiences.

For more information please visit their website: The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei

I have been incredibly fortunate to work with Rise. Their enthusiasm and genuine passion for improving outcomes for children shines through everything they do and their commitment to making sure disadvantaged children have the best possible outcomes is inspiring.
Ben Kingston-Hughes (Award-winning trainer, author, and managing director of Inspired Children Ltd)