Event Host

Alice Sharp

Leader in Future-Focused Early Years Education

Alice Sharp is an internationally recognised early childhood consultant, speaker and trainer with more than 30 years’ experience in the sector. Passionate about creativity, play and child development, she works across the UK and internationally to inspire transformational early years practice through innovative, thought-provoking training and advocacy for children.

Speakers

Mandy and Tom Richardson, Naturally Learning, Cornwall

Mandy:
Mandy Richardson is CEO of Naturally Learning Ltd and has spent 40 years transforming early years education in Cornwall. Founder of seven award-winning nurseries and forest schools, she has achieved multiple ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings while championing nature-based learning, staff wellbeing and sustainability. She also founded Cornish Early Childhood to support the next generation of educators, showing that excellence, compassion and strong practice can thrive together.

Tom:
Tom Richardson is Operations Director at Naturally Learning and has over 11 years’ experience in nature-based early years education. He is passionate about outdoor learning, sustainability and promoting a Cornish childhood, and now focuses on developing teams and shaping the organisation’s future.

Naturally Learning:
Naturally Learning is a group of nurseries in Cornwall where children learn through play, freedom and adventure in forests, beaches and wild spaces. Sustainability is woven into everyday practice, nurturing curiosity, wonder and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

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Liz Ludden, co founder Ready Generations and The Nursery in Belong, Liverpool and Charlotte Worthington, Ready Generation and The Nursery In belong, Liverpool

Liz:
Liz spent 22 years leading an outstanding nursery in Liverpool city centre, building a culture rooted in community, belonging and joyful learning. She co-founded Ready Generations and The Nursery in Belong, an innovative intergenerational nursery where young children and older adults learn, connect and thrive together. Liz also leads Connect2Learn, a nursery school improvement programme supporting early years education in The Gambia.

Charlotte:
Charlotte is a nursery educator and Intergenerational Lead at Ready Generations Nursery in Belong, based within a care village in Chester. Passionate about creating meaningful connections between children and older adults, she champions intergenerational practice that enriches lives, fosters belonging and helps build strong foundations for lifelong learning and relationships.

Jackie Warren, CEO, Growing Places and Carlie Powell, Head of Nurseries at Growing Places

Jackie:
Jackie Warren is CEO of Growing Places and has spent more than 30 years building community-centred early years provision in Hampshire. What began as a single nursery created to support local families has grown into a charity delivering nurseries, wraparound care and community services that strengthen connections and opportunities for children and families.

Carlie:
Carlie Powell is Head of Nurseries at Growing Places and joined the charity after 15 years in primary education. She champions a holistic approach that supports the whole family, fostering inclusive environments where children, families and communities can thrive.

Together, they lead Growing Places’ mission to create lasting community impact through high-quality early education and meaningful family support.

Conversation and Poster Presentation Host

Courteney Donaldson

Marie Richardson

Chief Operating Officer, Alice Sharp Training

Marie has worked in many parts of the early years sector for over 25 years. She develops and delivers alongside Alice, both nationally and internationally. She is currently raising the quality in fourteen projects across Scotland.

Conversation and Poster Presentations

Diane Koplewsky, CEO, Sleepy Hollow, Northern Ireland

Diane is an Early Years graduate, MBA graduate and TEDx speaker from Northern Ireland, recognised for her leadership in the early years sector. Passionate about the impact of early childhood experiences, she champions innovative, child-centred approaches that support children's development, wellbeing and curiosity. Diane leads services across early years, school-age childcare and corporate childcare, with a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility and community impact. She is a dedicated advocate for childcare as essential infrastructure for children, families, communities and the wider economy.

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Libby Leyshon, North Cornelly Playgroup, Wales

Libby is the Leader and Registered Person at North Cornelly Playgroup in Bridgend, South Wales. Leading a multi-award-winning preschool for children aged two to four, she places wellbeing, play and children's voices at the heart of practice. Her approach focuses on creating inspiring, child-led experiences filled with curiosity, awe and wonder, while fostering a strong sense of cynefin through meaningful connections with the local community, including intergenerational projects and community-based learning opportunities.

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Sarah Sharpe, Registered Childminder, Wales

Sarah is a registered childminder who champions a “nature and nurture” approach, combining outdoor learning with a strong focus on wellbeing and belonging. Hygge in the Early Years accredited, she has studied the approach firsthand in Norway and Denmark, bringing its principles into a calm, inclusive and child-led environment. Through experiences such as growing on her allotment, Sarah nurtures children's curiosity, development and connection to their community.

Ally Hobbs, Director of Quality and Innovation Kids Planet, England and Wales and Ireland

Kids Planet believes every child deserves a nurturing and inspiring start in life. Through strong relationships, passionate educators and meaningful experiences, we create environments where children feel safe, valued and confident to explore, learn and thrive. Our goal is to help every child flourish and reach their full potential.

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Karen Flynn, Director, Kirktonholme Childcare, Scotland

Karen Flynn is Director and Area Manager at Kirktonholme Childcare and an evening lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College. With 42 years' experience in early learning and childcare, she is passionate about supporting children, teams and students to grow in confidence and reach their potential. Karen champions nurturing environments where wellbeing, strong relationships and individual needs are at the heart of helping children and adults flourish.

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Hayley Peacock, Atelier 21, England

Hayley Peacock supports educators, schools and nurseries to rethink learning, leadership and the future of childhood through the global Playoneering® movement. Through international projects, professional learning and a five-year UK partnership with Fondazione Reggio Children, she champions creative, future-focused practice that values imagination, oracy, playful learning and meaningful human connection.

Sophie Pallash, Pedagogy Coach, LEYF, Researcher, London Institute of Early years

The London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is Europe’s largest childcare social enterprise, delivering high-quality early education and care through a network of nurseries across London. Internationally recognised for its Social Justice Pedagogy, LEYF is committed to supporting children, families and communities to thrive.

The London Institute of Early Years provides professional learning and training for early years educators, helping practitioners deepen their expertise and enhance outcomes for young children.

Saudaa Nadat, Area Operations Manager, LEYF, Researcher, London Institute of Early years

The London Institute of Early Years provides professional learning and training for early years educators, helping practitioners deepen their expertise and enhance outcomes for young children.

Sponsors and Partners