Early Years Conference - Rise North East

Early Years Conference 2026

The Rise Early Years Conference is back on Tuesday 10 March 2026, designed to inspire and empower early years professionals with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and valuable connections. Whether you’re a teacher, childcare provider, family hub worker, or early years leader, this is your opportunity to gain new insights and take your practice to the next level.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend all three workshops and a market place of services to best support their practice.

The conference has now sold out.

Keynote

Dr Gemma Goldenberg, Deputy Director of ISEY (Institute for the Science of Early Years), University of East London

Gemma is a child psychologist, education expert and award-winning author with over 20 years of experience working with children and educators in schools, nurseries and as part of child development research projects. Her book ‘Take Action on Distraction: The definitive guide to improving attention and focus in the Early Years and Key Stage One’ won the Nursery World Awards Professional Book of the Year Winner, 2025!

Keynote speech: Why learning grows outdoors

This keynote reveals the compelling science behind why outdoor environments supercharge development. Drawing from the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, we’ll explore what’s happening in the brain and body when children are outside – from improved mood and behaviour regulation to enhanced physical development and better attention. You’ll discover how outdoor learning and play supports development in ways that indoor settings often can’t replicate. We’ll also examine why outdoor time is more critical than ever in today’s overstimulated world – and how early years professionals (even those with limited outdoor space) can harness the power of the outdoors.

ISEY | Explore, Learn, Engage
Nest Kids | neuroscience

Workshops

The ‘Goldilocks zone’: Stimulation in the learning environment and getting it ‘just right’ for children led by Dr Gemma Goldenberg

We’ll explore what neuroscience tells us about overstimulation and under-engagement, and how to spot the signs of dysregulation, and how different environments and activities can affect this. You’ll learn practical strategies to help children up-regulate when they’re flat and down-regulate when they’re overwhelmed – creating calmer, more focused, and emotionally regulated learners.

Anti Racism and Inclusion within Early Years Education led by Amjid Khazir, Director – Media Cultured

The workshop will equip practitioners with practical tools and insights to help guide children away from prejudice and misunderstanding. Drawing on real world examples and Media Cultured’s award-winning work, the session will address the rise in racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism, empowering educators to foster empathy, respect and unity from the earliest stages of learning.

Understanding Racism and Bias: Definitions, myths, and the impact on children and communities.

Recognising and Challenging Stereotypes: Identifying harmful narratives and promoting fairness in everyday practice.

Celebrating Identity and Belonging: Understanding children’s backgrounds, values, and lived experiences.

Encouraging Positive Dialogue: Building confidence to discuss difference and promote empathy.

Embedding Inclusion in Practice: Linking anti-racist work to equality, diversity, and safeguarding responsibilities.

www.mediacultured.org

Growing Communication: Making the Most Of Nature for Early Language Learning led by Katherine Elder of Nature Makers and Kendra McWilliam of The Wildside – learning through nature CIC

Join us for a hands-on, inspiring workshop designed to help early years practitioners harness the power of the outdoors to boost children’s language and communication skills. Through practical, real-world examples and outdoor activities, you’ll discover simple, effective strategies that can be embedded immediately into your daily practice.

We’ll explore how natural spaces spark curiosity, encourage rich conversations, and create meaningful opportunities for vocabulary development, whether you have a dedicated outdoor area or not. For settings without their own outdoor space, we’ll share creative, realistic ways to make the most of local parks, public spaces, and community environments.

You’ll leave with a toolkit of easy-to-implement ideas that work in any context, empowering you to transform everyday outdoor experiences into powerful communication moments.

North of Tyne | Nature Makers

The Wildside

Sponsors

Associate Sponsors

Our mission is simple: to prioritise people and education over profit.

We work in partnership with schools to secure the right talent and support individuals taking their first steps into education careers. Everything we do is guided by what matters most — the wellbeing and success of schools, educators, and learners.

We believe education and physical activity can break down barriers, reduce inequalities, and transform lives. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Rise Early Years Conference for the second year running, supporting its mission to strengthen Early Years practice and improve outcomes for young children across our region.

Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities through education and action.

For more information please visit our website.

YPO has supported early years settings for over 50 years, helping children’s earliest years become their best and brightest.

Our specialist early years product range covers everything from learning resources to furniture, working alongside leading UK suppliers to provide anything you could need – including play spaces, outdoor areas and even offices.

With 5,000+ products to choose from at prices you’ll love, you can inspire your little learners to have big ideas.

Discover our full range of products on our website.