EYFS conference 2025: A powerful day of inspiration, reflection and action
Over 220 Early Years professionals from across Devon gathered at Sandy Park, Exeter on Thursday 9 October 2025 for the EYFS Conference: “Growing Up Well” – a day dedicated to exploring how we can best support our youngest children to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
The conference brought together a diverse range of voices and perspectives, with keynote speakers tackling themes of social justice, sustainability, inequality, emotional regulation, and mental health. Delegates were invited to reflect deeply on their own practice, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take away practical strategies to implement in their settings.
A day of thought-provoking keynotes
The day began with a warm welcome from Devon County Council’s Early Years Inclusion and Learning team, followed by updates from Jack Newton, Deputy Director for Inclusion and Learning. His address set the tone for a day of bold thinking and collaborative ambition.
June O’Sullivan, CEO of the London Early Years Foundation, opened the keynote programme with a passionate and humorous talk on Social Justice, Sustainability and the Role of ECEC. Delegates praised her as “inspirational,” “engaging,” and “a force of nature,” with many noting her ability to connect policy, practice, and personal stories in a way that was both entertaining and deeply impactful.
Later in the morning, Dr Valerie Daniel, Executive Headteacher at Washwood Heath Nursery School, led a virtual session titled Can We Have an Honest Conversation About Inequality? While the content was widely recognised as important and thought-provoking, many attendees felt the online format limited engagement. Feedback highlighted the need for such sensitive topics to be delivered in person to allow for richer discussion and connection.
The afternoon sessions brought a renewed energy and focus on practical strategies. Chris West, Consultant Occupational Therapist, explored Supporting Children’s Sensory & Emotional Regulation Needs within Nature-Based Spaces, introducing the EcoSensory Therapy model and its relevance to EYFS. Delegates appreciated the actionable ideas and the reminder of the power of outdoor environments in supporting wellbeing.
Closing the day was Matt Bawler, Head of Early Years and Wellbeing at The Villa School and Nursery, with his keynote In (Re)search of Children’s Mental Health: What Can We Do? His session was widely regarded as one of the most inspiring of the day, offering a proactive framework for supporting mental health in early years settings. Delegates left feeling “fired up with ideas” and eager to implement his “I can, I am, I will” approach.
What delegates said
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive:
- “A great day out – affirming, inspiring and thought-provoking.”
- “Wonderful speakers, talking about relevant topics.”
- “The conference provided a perfect opportunity to hear from keynote speakers prompting reflection on current practice as well as new ideas to implement.”
- “It is so lovely to have a local event of this calibre so we don't have to spend excessive time travelling to London and beyond.”
