Registration Opens for Childcare & Education Expo National 2026, Bringing Practical Solutions to Early Years Leaders
Nursery owners, managers, practitioners and early years leaders looking for practical solutions to today's biggest sector challenges can now register for Childcare & Education Expo National 2026, taking place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd October 2026 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
As the UK's longest-running early years event, Childcare & Education Expo National brings together expert speakers, specialist suppliers and thousands of sector professionals for two days focused on helping settings strengthen practice, support their teams and navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.
Free to attend, the event is expected to welcome more than 3,000 professionals from across the early years and childcare sector, including nursery owners, managers, practitioners, childminders, headteachers, consultants and decision-makers.
Practical CPD Designed Around the Challenges Early Years Leaders Are Facing Now
At the heart of Childcare & Education Expo National is a free, CPD-accredited education programme designed to help delegates address the issues shaping early years provision today.
Across two days, attendees can hear from more than 30 expert speakers delivering practical insights on topics including workforce recruitment and retention, SEND provision, safeguarding, leadership, curriculum development, inspection readiness and creating sustainable, high-quality settings.
Interactive workshops will provide hands-on learning, giving attendees ideas and approaches they can apply directly within their own settings.
The popular Ofsted Advice Corner also returns, offering leaders and practitioners the opportunity to speak directly with experts about inspection expectations, curriculum delivery and the latest regulatory developments.
Every session is designed with one goal in mind: helping early years professionals leave with practical solutions they can implement immediately to support their teams, children and families.
Hear from Leading Voices in Early Years Education
Childcare & Education Expo National 2026 will feature some of the sector's most respected experts, providing delegates with valuable insight into current practice and emerging trends.
Renowned early years consultant, trainer and author Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg will share his expertise on high-quality continuous provision, effective practice and supporting meaningful progress across Early Years settings.
Professor Sam Wass, one of the UK's leading researchers into child development and learning, will explore brain development and attention in under-twos, helping practitioners better understand the role of emotional and sensory environments in supporting babies' development.
These sessions form part of a wider programme developed to inform, challenge and inspire professionals at every stage of their early years career.
Dedicated SEND Conference Returns for 2026
For professionals looking to strengthen inclusive practice, the dedicated SEND in Early Years Conference returns on Friday 2nd October.
The focused one-day programme will explore practical strategies for supporting children with additional needs, creating inclusive learning environments and building confidence across early years teams.
With demand for SEND support continuing to grow across the sector, the conference provides valuable insight and practical guidance that delegates can take back to their settings.
New VIP Experiences for Nursery Owners and Senior Leaders
New for 2026, Childcare & Education Expo National is introducing enhanced experiences for nursery owners, directors and senior leaders.
The new VIP Lounge offers a dedicated space away from the exhibition floor where leaders can network with peers, hold meetings and enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the event.
VIP attendees will also gain access to the exclusive Early Years Breakfast Summit, sponsored by Christie & Co and chaired by Courteney Donaldson.
Bringing together nursery owners, directors and senior decision-makers, the invitation-only summit will provide a forum for discussing the future of the sector, sharing experiences and exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping early years provision.
A Chance to Learn from More Than 3,000 Peers
For many attendees, one of the most valuable aspects of the Expo is the opportunity to connect with other professionals facing similar challenges.
With more than 3,000 early years professionals expected to attend, delegates can exchange ideas, discuss common issues and learn how other settings are approaching areas such as workforce development, inclusion, quality improvement and business sustainability.
The dedicated Share & Support Hub will provide a welcoming space for open conversations, peer-to-peer learning and collaborative problem-solving, helping visitors build meaningful professional connections that continue long after the event.
Discover Solutions from More Than 100 Specialist Suppliers
Alongside the education programme, visitors can explore products, services and resources from more than 100 leading suppliers supporting the early years sector.
From curriculum resources and outdoor learning equipment to operational support, digital solutions and SEND-focused tools, the exhibition enables leaders and practitioners to compare solutions, see products first-hand and speak directly with the specialists behind them.
Exhibitors will showcase innovations designed to help settings improve learning environments, streamline operations, support inclusion and deliver high-quality outcomes for children.
Register for Your Free Ticket
Whether you're looking to strengthen SEND provision, prepare for inspection, support and retain your workforce, discover new resources or connect with peers who understand the realities of running an early years setting, Childcare & Education Expo National 2026 offers practical ideas, expert guidance and valuable connections to help you move forward with confidence.
Register for your free ticket today and join thousands of early years professionals at the UK's leading event for the childcare and education sector.