Early Words Matter Conference

From first words to big ideas: communication, curiosity and connection in the early years

Our next Early Words Matter conference will explore the extraordinary power of early language and communication to shape how children connect, learn, question and understand the world around them.

Against the backdrop of the Government’s Best Start in Life ambitions, we will look at the interactions and experiences in the first 0-5 of life that build the foundations for language, learning and lifelong relationships. How do we nurture conversation in an increasingly digital world? How can inclusive practice enable children with SEND to communicate, participate and thrive? And how can approaches such as philosophy for children encourage curiosity, empathy and big thinking from the very beginning?

Bringing together the latest thinking from research, policy and practice, Early Words Matter 2027 will celebrate the conversations that start small but have the power to shape a lifetime.

What to expect

Over the course of the day, we will:

• Hear from thought leaders in early education, speech and language therapy, SEND and early years policy and research
• Explore evidence-based approaches to early years practice that nurture empathy, communication and critical thinking skills from the very start
• Discover strategies to help develop an inclusive early years provision that enables children's learning and language to thrive – encompassing philosophy and more

Who should attend?

Practitioners working in early years, early education and community settings, including speech and language therapists, plus those working in policy and research.