Conference programme
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:40 Welcome and updates - Donna Manson, Chief Executive and Jack Newton, Interim Deputy Director – Inclusion and Learning, Devon County Council
10:00 Social Justice, Sustainability and the Role of ECEC - June O’Sullivan, CEO at London Early Years Foundation
In a world grappling with rising inequality and the climate crisis, young children are often among the first to feel the consequences. Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings are not just places of learning—they are critical frontline responders to social injustice.
As child poverty and health inequities increase, ECEC becomes a key driver of systemic change and social justice. When educators are empowered to become sustainability-informed, they gain a deeper understanding of how the three pillars of sustainability—social, environmental, and economic—interconnect, and how their daily decisions can influence justice and equity.
By drawing on principles of social pedagogy, we can weave together curriculum, home learning, and multi-generational community practice. This approach shapes both practice and policy in ways that genuinely support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
It is through social leadership, sustainable business models, and sustainability-informed educators that we can translate vision into action—building fairer, greener communities that start with our youngest citizens.
11:15 Refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:45 Keynote TBC - Dr Valerie Daniel
13:00 Lunch, networking and exhibition
14:15 Keynote details coming soon - Chris West
15:10 Comfort break
15:15 Keynote details coming soon - Matt Bawler
16:15 Close of conference
