UK’s leading academics discuss issues facing the childcare industry
Date: 26 Sep 2018
Some of the UK’s leading academic figures are descending on Coventry this week to discuss issues facing the childcare industry.
Shadow Early Years Minister and MP Tracy Brabin is marking the opening of the Childcare Expo Midlands show at the Ricoh Arena on Friday, September 28 by delivering a keynote speech on her understanding of the early years sector and how she believes government policy should support children and early years practitioners.
Childcare Expo Midlands is gearing up for its biggest ever two-day show at the Ricoh Arena, with around 100 exhibitors and more than 2,000 visitors expected ranging from nursery owners through to teachers and researchers.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association which is the biggest representative body for UK-based early years practitioners, is also chairing the show’s Early Years Breakfast Summit to discuss issues facing the sector.
Former children’s TV presenter Dave Benson Phillips – famed for his work presenting Playhouse Disney and CBBC’s Get Your Own Back – is also attending the show on Saturday, September 29 to provide entertainment.
A new Health and Wellbeing Zone is also being introduced at this year’s show to highlight the importance of children’s nutrition, mental health and physical wellbeing.
This ranges from learning new mindfulness activities such as the gratitude circle, through to songs that explore healthy eating and hygiene, as well as low-cost ways to help children develop their reading, writing and coordination.
“This show is about giving practitioners the resources and, more importantly, the inspiration to take back their learnings into their early years settings and primary schools to help their peers to develop both personally and professionally,” said Emma Barrett, Director of Childcare Expo 2018.
“We’ve also launched ‘Your Business Café’ at this year’s show, where visitors can sit down to network, exchange ideas and receive advice from trained business professionals.
“The Early Years Breakfast Summit will see a number of sector leaders come together to discuss current issues – Purnima Tanuku is a well-recognised voice in the industry and is perfectly-placed to lobby ministers and local authorities in the best interests of nurseries and early years practitioners.”
This is the Childcare Expo Midlands’ ninth consecutive year at the Ricoh Arena.
Caroline Lissaman, Head of Event Management at the Ricoh Arena, added: “We’re proud to have seen the Childcare Expo grow during its time with our venue and evolve into the leading show for thousands of academic professionals.
“The flexibility of the Ricoh Arena’s Ericsson Indoor Arena means we can limit or expand the space as and when shows require the space, acting as an incubator for shows such as the Childcare Expo to develop and grow.”
Tickets for Childcare Expo Midlands are free, and are available online at www.childcareexpo.co.uk, or alternatively can be picked up at the show on the 28th or 29th September.