Childcare & Education Expo National returned to Coventry Building Society Arena on 2nd & 3rd October 2026, bringing together early years leaders from across the UK for two days of learning, networking and discovering new ideas.
With more than 100 exhibitors, expert-led CPD seminars and interactive workshops, the event provided nursery owners, managers and early years leaders with opportunities to explore practical solutions, share experiences and connect with others across the sector. The event was proudly supported by Headline Sponsor Morton Michel.
Expert Voices Shaping Sector Conversations
This year's programme featured some of the most respected names in early years education, with delegates gaining valuable insight into current thinking, research and best practice.
Developmental psychologist Sam Wass explored the importance of creating calm, responsive environments for babies and toddlers in his session Growing Slow: Repetition, Rhythm, Brain Development & Attention in Under-2s, sharing research-backed approaches to supporting early development and wellbeing.
Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg MBE delivered two popular sessions focused on child-led learning and emotionally safe environments, encouraging practitioners to reflect on what high-quality early years provision looks like in practice.
Ofsted also joined the programme for Exploring Regulation Reform with Ofsted, providing updates on regulatory developments and giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from inspectors on current priorities and expectations.
The Main Stage programme was sponsored by Scope Training, supporting a line-up of expert speakers and thought-provoking discussions across both days.
Learning, Networking and New Ideas
Alongside the seminar programme, visitors took part in interactive workshops covering a range of topics, from child-led learning and creativity to wellbeing, movement and team development. Designed to be practical and engaging, these sessions gave attendees fresh ideas and approaches to take back to their own settings.
The event also featured roundtable discussions at the Share & Support Hub, where early years professionals came together to discuss key sector topics, share experiences and learn from one another in an informal, collaborative setting.
A highlight of this year's event was the introduction of the VIP Lounge sponsored by YPO. The lounge provided a dedicated space for owners, directors and senior leaders to network, exchange ideas and build valuable professional connections away from the busy exhibition floor.
Across both days, the event created countless opportunities for meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing and collaboration between professionals from every part of the sector.
Looking Ahead to 2027
We would like to thank everyone who attended, spoke and exhibited at Childcare & Education Expo National 2026. Your support helped make this year's event another fantastic gathering of the early years community.
We would also like to thank all of our sponsors and partners for their valued support. Their partnership helped us deliver two inspiring days of learning, networking and discovery for the early years sector.
We're now looking ahead to an exciting new chapter as Childcare & Education Expo London moves to Excel London in 2027. The move will enable us to welcome even more visitors, exhibitors and speakers while continuing to deliver the high-quality learning and networking opportunities the event is known for.
Register your interest today to be the first to hear event updates, speaker announcements and registration information for Childcare & Education Expo 2027.
