The Early Years Leadership Conference, Birmingham 2026

The Early Years Leadership Conference 2026 is a must-attend event for nursery managers, setting leaders, room leaders, and early years practitioners committed to leading with confidence and purpose. Taking place at Malmaison Birmingham, this one-day conference brings together expert speakers and sector specialists to explore the most pressing issues shaping the future of early years leadership.

Across inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and a dynamic panel discussion, attendees will gain vital insights into safeguarding updates, employment law changes, inclusive anti-racist practice, and the latest science on baby brain development. The conference also offers an important focus on behaviour management linked to sensory processing and the evolving role of apprenticeships and qualifications in workforce development.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your knowledge, develop your leadership skills, or connect with like-minded professionals, this conference equips you with actionable strategies and the confidence to drive positive change in your setting. Join us to invest in your professional growth and lead your team and children to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

With outstanding testimonials, this event is a must-do for early years leaders:

"Wonderful inspirational first conference. Well done to the team. Looking forward to next years!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"It has been an amazing, inspiring and insightful experience. I have met a lot of knowledgeable professionals delivering outstanding training. Will definitely attend again."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Really enjoyed the day and received a lot of good information."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Amazing event really inspiring."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Amazing! Looking forward to the next one!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Great to hear everyone’s views, experiences and knowledge and also gaining knowledge and new programmes and support which can be very beneficial to my nursery Thankyou! Dinner was lovely! Loved the endless coffee Thank you!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Really great day, lots of new faces and companies!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"An amazing day filled with a lot of information and great networking experience."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Fantastic - would come back!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Early Years managers, owners, educators and those directly involved with early years provision are the target audience for this event. Those in these positions have the chance to advance their careers. Therefore, anyone who is not part of the intended audience is not permitted to attend the event. Regular reviews of ticket sales are conducted, and any tickets purchased by individuals who are not currently employed in our target population will be refunded. We recognise that individuals outside of these roles could find the event interesting, but our primary goal is to make sure that professionals with a common goal attend, not to sell or target. To discuss attendance after this statement, send an email to [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Early Years Leadership Conference