One of the most influential figures in Early Years education, a pioneer of children’s entertainment and a popular TV personality will be among the star-studded line-up for a major exhibition in Coventry.
Alistair Bryce-Clegg is an established educational consultant and has written more than 20 books around the subject of Early Years education – and he will be one of the special guests at the Childcare & Education Expo, which is being held from 23-24 September at Coventry Building Society Arena.
He will be joined by fellow special guests Sid Sloane, who helped to launch the CBeebies channel in 2002, and Ben Faulks, better known as Mr Bloom, a TV gardener who helps children to get involved with and be inspired by nature.
The event, being held at Coventry Building Society Arena for the 12th time, is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates over the two days.
It will feature around 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services, and attracts professional, practitioners, teachers and senior leadership who work in early years and primary education.
Ofsted’s Big Conversation will also be running alongside the exhibition, allowing practitioners and others working in the sector to ask questions directly to Ofsted as part of a panel session.
The exhibition will cover key areas which are impacting childcare and Early Years education – from recruitment and funding, to ratios and support for the individual needs of children.
Attendees will also hear from a range of well-respected figures from the sector.
Other key speakers include Michael Freeston, Director of Quality Improvement at the Early Years Alliance, Ben Kingston-Hughes, Managing Director at Inspired Children as well as Preeti Patel, Head of Education for Montessori Centre International, Phil Minns, Specialist Adviser for Early Year and Primary at Ofsted, and Zoe Raven, CEO of Acorn Early Years.
Kara Neill, Marketing Manager at Childcare and Education Expo, said: “The Early Years and primary education sector is facing a wide range of issues and challenges currently, and we have prided ourselves over the last 12 years in helping practitioners to find solutions.
“We’re a free event, which makes us accessible to everyone in the sector. This year we are hosting a special Early Years Breakfast Summit – focused on nursery owners and managers, giving them a platform to voice the issues affecting them.
“This year’s schedule of speakers is very strong and the opportunity to ask direct questions of Ofsted will be invaluable to attendees.
“It all started for us at Coventry Building Society Arena and Coventry has continued to be a great host city for our event. We’re looking forward to returning in September.”
Childcare & Education Expo launched at Coventry Building Society Arena in 2010 and now runs in three locations across the UK.
Paul Michael, Commercial Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “Childcare & Education Expo is a mainstay in our conference and exhibition calendar. We’re proud to have worked with the event for more than 10 years and look forward to continuing our fantastic partnership in the years to come.”
For more information about Childcare & Education Expo visit www.childcareexpo.co.uk/why-visit-midlands/