Early Years Open Space UK 2026

Early Years Open Space UK is a one-day gathering where you set the agenda.

There are no PowerPoints, no keynote speakers or ‘experts at the front’, no scheduled workshops, presentations or prescribed topics — just real conversations that matter to educators, leaders, researchers, students, policy colleagues, and everyone who cares about early childhood.

Early Years Open Space uses the Open Space Technology format. It is not a training day or a traditional conference.

What to expect:

• A shared space where the day is shaped by the people in the room
• Time and space to have conversations you can join, move between, or simply
  listen to
• Everyone present is on equal terms in an environment of possibility
• Coming together to advocate for ourselves as a sector
• Opportunities to take action together

At the heart of Open Space is trust: trust that the right people will come, that the
most important conversations will emerge, and that meaningful change often begins
with dialogue.

How can we open space to shape the future of early childhood from policy to practice?

This theme is an invitation rather than a destination. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening now across early childhood, what feels possible, what feels stuck, and what we want to influence next.

You might come with a topic you feel strongly about — or simply a curiosity you want to follow.

When you arrive, we’ll gather as a group and create the agenda together. Anyone can suggest a conversation topic, it could be a question, a challenge, a dilemma, or an idea you want to explore with others.

Then:

• Topics are posted and times/spaces are agreed
• You choose what you want to join
• You can stay in a conversation, move to another, or take time out
• Notes and insights are captured so learning and action can travel beyond the day

This format creates space for honesty, creativity and practical thinking without needing perfect answers.

You don’t need to prepare anything. Just bring:

• Your experience (from policy to practice, and everything in between)
• Your questions, hopes, or frustrations
• A willingness to listen, share, and be surprised

Many people leave Open Space with:

• Fresh perspectives on an issue that is on your mind
• Practical ideas to try back in your setting or role
• A renewed sense of energy and possibility that comes from being part of a community
• New connections and actions sparked during the day that can ripple across the early childhood community and beyond

Early Years Open Space is for you if you want:

• An opportunity to share your voice — without being “on stage”
• Time and space for self-led conversations that feel urgent or meaningful
• Choice about what discussions you take part in
• A chance to listen deeply to others’ reflections, ideas and experiences
• Connection with a wide range of committed early childhood professionals
• To leave buzzing with insight, inspiration and the drive to take action together

Whether your interest is safeguarding, play, leadership, digital technology, emotional regulation, wellbeing, inclusion, professional identity, or something else entirely — there will be space for what matters to you.

Early Years Open Space UK welcomes anyone who is passionate about early
childhood, including (but not limited to):

• Educators and setting leaders
• Childminders
• Trainers, mentors, coaches and consultants
• Students and apprentices (aged 16+)
• Researchers and lecturers
• Policy colleagues and advocates
• People working across allied services who collaborate with early childhood
  communities

If you care about the future of early childhood, you belong in the room.

Angelica and Zoe

Angelica and Zoe have been inspired to create this event using the Open Space format to facilitate conversations that matter.

After attending a transformational Open Space event organised by colleagues from the world of Internal Family Systems, Zoe recognised the potential for meaningful impact and action that sits at the heart of this approach. Teaming up with Angelica, they are creating a space where everyone who is passionate about early childhood can respond to the pressures and possibilities the profession is facing — with care, courage and creativity.

We are truly excited to welcome you. Your presence can make a difference.

Location

Cosy Direct, Staffordshire

We are grateful to Cosy Direct for their support and enthusiasm for our inaugural event.

Food and drink

A wholesome lunch together, plus refreshments throughout the day, is included.

Ticket price

Pay what you decide with a £15 minimum to include your lunch and all refreshments. This minimum amount is to purely cover the costs of running the event.

We want this event to be as accessible as possible. If the cost is prohibitive for you, please get in touch and we will try to help.

If you wish to pay more than £15 this will enable us to offer free tickets to people on a low income.

Tickets are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. If we sell out, we will operate a waiting list in case of cancellations in the final couple of weeks before the event.

Ticket sales will close early if sold out.

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] with event details. Please check your junk folder.