A conference to discuss the future of early years was held in March at the AMEX stadium in Brighton & Hove.
The event, organised by Brighton & Hove City Council, was held to ensure childcare providers are aware of the help and support available as a new policy to expand available childcare is introduced this year.
Over 100 staff from across the sector came together to hear inspirational speakers discuss the future of childcare and education for children aged between 0 and 3, with the changes to childcare entitlements being introduced in April and September of this year.
Keynote speaker June O’Sullivan OBE, Chief Executive of the London Early Years Foundation, gave a rousing speech in which she called on Early Years colleagues to help raise the status of Early Years learning, encouraging professionals to promote the highly skilled work they do.
Delegates also heard from Neil Griffiths, a storyteller, author, and former headteacher. Neil urged attendees to treasure their book collections and encourage their workforce to share their love of reading and telling stories which will only benefit the care and support Early Years staff can provide.
Neil Griffiths and June O'Sullivan OBE at the early years conference.
Leader of the Council Bella Sankey gave the opening address and commended childcare providers across the city, with particular emphasis on the high number of childcare settings rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors.
Councillor Sankey also praised the work done to support the high numbers of families taking up their entitlement to free childcare for 2-year-olds, with recent figures showing 87% take up in Brighton & Hove compared with 74% nationally.
City figures also show nearly 60% of families taking up their entitlement to free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds – a significant improvement over the 7 years since the scheme was initially introduced.
Speaking after the event, Councillor Sankey reiterated the council's commitment to maintaining high childcare standards as the changes to entitlements are introduced.
Councillor Sankey said: "It's expected that the majority of childcare will be paid for by local authorities by September 2025 rather than by parents as extended entitlements are rolled out.
"The expansion will be crucial in supporting families across the area with their finances, particularly with the challenges residents face with the cost of living crisis.
“However, the sector faces a huge challenge to meet the increase in the places required, particularly when it comes to recruitment of well-trained, high-quality staff.
"I'm delighted we had such a high turnout at the Early Years event, particularly as we need to work closely with the sector as we introduce the new policy.
“I'm pleased that delegates found the experience overwhelmingly positive, with many saying they felt energised and inspired after the event.
“Working with the sector, together we can ensure that we maintain Brighton & Hove's excellent reputation across our childcare providers going forward and give children across the city the best possible start in life."
