Best Start in Life: Closing the Attainment Gap in the Early Years

Designed for EYFS leaders, headteachers, senior leaders, Reception teachers and early years practitioners, this conference will explore how the Department for Education's Best Start in Life (BSiL) strategy can be translated into effective practice within schools and settings.

With renewed national focus on tackling disadvantage through the EYFS and achieving the target of 75% of children reaching a Good Level of Development (GLD), delegates will examine how high-quality provision can improve outcomes for all children while strengthening both academic and social inclusion.

Bringing together leading national experts, the conference will provide valuable insight into the policy landscape, strategic leadership, curriculum implementation and evidence-informed practice.

Delegates will leave with practical strategies to respond effectively to diverse starting points, support families with school readiness and strengthen EYFS provision in line with national priorities.

Keynote speakers include:

• Sue Robb, DfE Best Start in Life Champion, who will provide a national policy perspective and explore the implications of the strategy for EYFS leadership, management and improvement.
• Felicity Gillespie, Kindred², who will share the latest findings from the annual School Readiness Survey and discuss practical approaches to addressing the challenges facing children, families and settings today.

Topics to be covered include:

• understanding the implications of the Best Start in Life strategy for schools and settings
• supporting school readiness through effective engagement with children and families
• responding to diverse starting points and reducing disadvantage
• implementing high-quality curriculum and pedagogy in EYFS
• aligning early years provision with national priorities to improve outcomes for all children.

Delivered by Polly Sharman and Jan Dubiel