Childcare & Education Expo is returning to London in March 2026, with an innovative, new CPD seminar programme. Alongside our Main Theatre, we’ve also introduced a new Business Stage – designed to empower and educate early years leaders, nursery owners and senior leadership teams to navigate through the complex sector.
As pressures around staffing, funding, and retention continue to evolve and develop, this year’s programme brings together leading experts in the industry to deliver fresh insights, practical strategies and solutions, and conversations that shape the future of early childhood education and childcare.
New for 2026: The All-Access Pass
This year we’re introducing a brand-new All-Access Pass, giving you unlimited entry to 17 CPD-accredited seminars across all stages — all for just £65 +VAT.
Passes are limited, so secure yours today via your Visitor Hub.
To help you plan your visit, we’ve highlighted five unmissable sessions that every nursery owner and early years professional should add to their schedule at the upcoming Childcare & Education Expo London 2026.
Top Sessions for Early Years Leaders
With 20 sessions across two seminar stages, there’s a wide variety of topics to choose to attend. Below, we’ve highlighted five for nursery owners and early years leaders specifically.
Delivering on this Government's Commitment to Give Every Child the Best Start in Life
A free-to-attend session with the Minister for Early Education, who will set out how we can work together to deliver the ambitious vision to ensure every child can thrive from the very beginning.
AI in Action: How can Leaders use AI Today?
Discover how AI can streamline administrative tasks, assessment, and reporting, explore tools to support planning, personalised learning, and curriculum insights, and discuss ethical considerations, data privacy, and maintaining a human-centred approach.
Parent Partnerships & Difficult Conversations: Supporting All Families
Building strong, positive partnerships with parents and carers is at the heart of effective early years leadership, learn approaches to having difficult conversations with confidence, sensitivity, and clarity, and gain insights from experienced early years leaders on balancing transparency, empathy, and professional boundaries.
Mastering your Early Years Curriculum
This practical and inspiring session helps early years professionals gain confidence in designing, delivering, and evidencing a curriculum that truly meets the needs of every child. They’ll explore how intent, implementation, and impact come to life in everyday practice, linking theory to meaningful experiences.
People First: Recruiting, Retaining, and Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
Discuss innovative recruitment tactics to attract passionate educators in a competitive market, understand generational differences and what motivates Gen Z, Millennials, and experienced practitioners and learn strategies to boost retention through culture, flexibility, and professional growth.
What’s New in the 2026 CPD Seminar Programme?
The brand-new Business Stage has been created specifically for the owners, managers, and decision-makers in the industry. Whether you’re focussed on leadership, pedagogy, AI, workforce wellbeing, or recruitment and retention, our CPD programme offers something meaningful for every role in the early years sector.
Moreover, this year’s CPD programme has been developed in direct response to what early years leaders say they need most. The 2026 programme features a refreshed structure, new expert speakers, and a wide range of topics designed to support practitioners at every stage of their professional, leadership journey.
Attendees can expect a stronger emphasis on the sector’s key priorities, including:
- Leadership and management in evolving landscapes
- Pedagogical innovation, with a focus on evidence-based practice
- Workforce development, wellbeing and sustainable staffing models
- Inclusion and SEND, ensuring all children can thrive
- AI and digital technology in a modern age
With a combination of thought leadership, practical takeaways and interactive conversations, this year’s CPD programme is set to deliver some of the most impactful professional learning that Childcare & Education Expo has ever offered.
How to Make the Most of This Year’s CPD Programme
With so many insightful sessions packed into the CPD seminar programme, we recommend planning your visit ahead of time – we know from experience that the event will be here before you know it! This is particularly important for busy early years leaders attending with specific goals in mind.
Start by reviewing the full programme in advance and highlight the sessions that align with your setting’s priorities. That could be workforce development, creating inclusive environments, or working on parent partnerships. If you’re attending as part of a wider team, make sure you’ve registered your colleagues in your Visitor Hub, and consider which team member is best for each session – to cover more ground across the Main Theatre and new Business Stage.
To make things easier, our All-Access Pass covers entry to 17 seminars over the two stages, for only £65 +VAT - worth £289 + VAT at the early bird price and £374 + VAT at full price! Passes are limited, so securing yours early by registering and booking today is the best way to guarantee availability.
Many sessions include practical tools, templates and new frameworks that would benefit your entire team, not just those in senior leadership roles. By planning your visit and seminars with intention, you’ll leave Childcare & Education Expo with actionable insights to support your setting and team.
View the full programme and register today to make your bookings.