Follow the conference on X EYSend
EARLY BIRD PRICE £175 + VAT until 08.07.26
“The reform commits to identifying and addressing additional needs early and locally by strengthening support for families and access to high-quality Early Years for children with SEND. ”
Department for Education (DfE) Policy Document, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving' White Paper
Join us for an essential one-day conference designed specifically for early years professionals committed to improving outcomes for children with SEND
With the government’s newly released 'SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First' consultation and the landmark 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving' White Paper establishing a legal duty for early identification, this conference provides a timely opportunity to explore where we are now. Through focused discussion of current EYFS headlines, the evolving SEND landscape, and the operational implications of the 2026 statutory frameworks, delegates will gain practical insight, strategic clarity, and the confidence needed to respond proactively to ongoing reform and prepare effectively for what comes next.
The reform makes clear that stronger early identification, a structured Four-Tier Support Model (Universal, Targeted, Targeted Plus, Specialist), and inclusive practice in mainstream settings are central to improving life chances for children and young people. For early years providers, this represents both a legal responsibility and an opportunity: to identify needs sooner, build digital individual plans without waiting for a medical diagnosis, and demonstrate meaningful impact.
Across the UK, settings continue to see a sharp rise in language and communication delays, often linked to post-pandemic developmental gaps, deprivation, and reduced access to specialist services. This conference directly responds to that challenge with practical, research-informed strategies to strengthen early identification systems, embed inclusive provision, support communication and behaviour development, manage school readiness shortages, and build confident whole-setting leadership for SEND.
Whether you're a SENCO, nursery manager, EYFS lead, or practitioner, you’ll leave with clear, actionable approaches to align your practice with the direction of national SEND reform, strengthen your graduated response, reduce escalation of need, and ensure children receive the right support at the right time.
Now more than ever, early years professionals play a critical role in shaping outcomes. This conference will ensure you are informed, prepared, and equipped to lead inclusive practice with clarity and confidence in a changing policy landscape.
Who should attend?
Early Years Managers and Leaders, Designated Safeguarding Leads, SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), Nursery Owners, Early Years Practitioners, Early Years Educators, Teaching Assistants, Early Years Coordinators, Pre-school Staff, Reception Teachers, Family Support Workers, Early Years Advisors, Childcare Providers, Early Intervention Specialists, and anyone working with children aged 0–5 years.
This conference will enable you to:
Understand the early years reform landscape, key EYFS changes, and how to strengthen strategic readiness.
Implement and co-produce the new statutory Digital Individual Support Plan (ISP) with families and school staff
Align the 2-Year-Old Progress Check directly with the five new national Areas of Development to trigger early intervention
Compile evidence effectively for inspection, planning, and reviews using data-driven methods
Use digital tools and assistive technologies to enhance learning, communication, and assessment for SEND children
Promote safe, developmentally appropriate technology use at home and in settings
Navigate newly structured SEND funding routes, including bidding for and allocating the £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund alongside SENIF and EHCPs
Build effective relationships with families, especially in deprived or complex contexts
Empower staff confidence through Mandatory National SEND Training requirements (Adaptive Teaching certification)
Manage staffing pressures and burnout while maintaining quality and responsiveness in SEND provision
Utilise the new 'Experts at Hand' service to secure on-site specialist therapist support (SLTs and OTs) through local Family Hubs
Respond to the national rise in speech, language, and communication delays by transitioning seamlessly to the new Executive Function frameworks
Engage families in supporting their child's SEND journey, ensuring consistent strategies across home and setting and fostering collaborative partnerships
Manage post-pandemic school readiness gaps and support smooth transitions using the 'Best Start in Life' framework