Celebrating the Power of Play – inspiring early years professionals to champion play, exploration and meaningful learning.

Play is at the heart of childhood and at the heart of this year’s conference. The Power of Play will bring together headteachers, leaders and early years practitioners working with 3-7 years olds to explore how meaningful play supports children’s learning, development and wellbeing, with inspiring speakers and interactive workshops throughout the day.

We’re delighted to welcome our guest speakers:

Dr Stella Louis - Dr Stella Louis is an experienced early years consultant, trainer and author with over 30 years’ experience of working with children, families and educators. Stella has developed a distinguished career spanning early years practice, professional learning, research and consultancy in the UK and internationally. Stella is Director of the Froebel Trust Short Courses and leads the team of Froebelian Travelling Tutors, supporting educators and settings to develop their understanding and application of Froebelian principles. She works with early years settings, nursery schools, local authorities, government departments and charities, and has supported educators in countries including South Africa and Australia to develop Froebelian approaches to teaching and learning. Her particular areas of expertise include observation, children’s schemas, learning and development, and supporting educators to understand and respond to children’s learning. Through her work, Stella is passionate about supporting educators to develop thoughtful, reflective and inclusive practice, while keeping children’s rights, learning and experiences at the heart of early childhood education.

Beverley Dickinson - Beverley Dickinson is an experienced early years educator and Nursery Manager at Tiddlers Wraparound in Caerphilly, with over 17 years’ experience in the early years sector. Under her leadership, Tiddlers Wraparound has developed a strong Froebelian approach and has been recognised as a ‘Lead Setting’, supporting other early years settings to develop their practice. As a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and founding member of the Wales Froebel Network, Beverley plays an active role in strengthening Froebelian practice and professional learning across Wales. She has contributed to Froebel Trust podcasts, conferences, professional learning and publications, sharing her experience and expertise in outdoor learning, slow pedagogy and early childhood practice. Beverley is passionate about creating meaningful, unhurried experiences for young children and is committed to supporting practitioners to reflect on the importance of relationships, environments and rich experiences in early childhood.

This years workshops include:

The Power of Playful Literacy: Progression in Literacy Through Play and Playful Practice With Kym Scott - Explore how children’s literacy can be strengthened through rich, playful experiences that build naturally on their interests, talk and thinking. This workshop will consider what meaningful progression in early literacy can look like, and how practitioners can support it intentionally without losing the playfulness, curiosity and engagement at the heart of early learning.

Building Brains before Phonics with David Googer - Before children are ready to read, their brains are busy building the foundations that make reading possible. This workshop will explore the vital role of talk, listening, movement, sensory experience, memory and meaningful play in developing the pathways children need for later literacy. Discover how rich early experiences can prepare children for phonics and reading, without rushing them into formal learning before they are ready.

Our Stories, Our Families, Our Community - Celebrating Identity and Family Traditions with Grangetown Nursery and Ely and Caerau Children's Centre - Explore how early years settings and Foundation Learning classes can create a strong sense of belonging and an authentic sense of cynefin by recognising and celebrating the stories, cultures and traditions of the children and families they serve. This practical workshop will share ideas for ensuring children see their lives and identities meaningfully reflected in everyday experiences, environments and practice.

The Power of Play in Natural Environments with Tremorfa Nursery - Discover how natural environments can inspire curiosity, creativity and deeper engagement in children’s play, while creating rich and authentic reasons for talk, communication and early literacy. This practical workshop will explore how simple, open-ended outdoor experiences can support oracy, storytelling, mark-making and early literacy development through meaningful play.

Earth in our Hands: Using clay to Foster Curiosity and Learning with Ely and Caerau Children's Centre - Explore how clay can offer rich opportunities for play, creativity and sustained thinking, while also creating meaningful reasons for children to talk,

Description supplied by the event organiser.