Major Childcare Event to Tackle Early Years Challenges at Coventry Building Society Arena
Vital information to help childcare professionals tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the sector will be on offer at a major early year’s event in Coventry.
Staff shortages, rising costs, growing SEND needs and regulatory demands are increasing pressure on childcare settings, making it harder for professionals to deliver high-quality care while supporting their teams and maintaining sustainable settings.
Childcare & Education Expo, at Coventry Building Society Arena on October 2 and 3, aims to address these challenges by providing professionals in the sector with meaningful and trusted guidance they can take back to their own settings.
This approach builds on research from the Expo’s Advisory Board and a related White Paper that highlighted the need for workers in the sector to access practical solutions, rather than simply more information.
More than 2,500 people and 100 exhibitors, who will showcase products, services and solutions to the early years sector, are expected to attend the event, now in its 16th year and continuing to grow.
More than 40 guest speakers are lined up for the Expo, including leading voices from the sector such as Catherine Mole MBE, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, Sam Wass, Founder of the Institute for the Science of Early Years and Youth (ISEY), and Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg MBE, Founder of ABC Does Ltd.
Kara Neill, Marketing Manager at Childcare & Education Expo National said: “The pressures facing childcare and education professions are significant; ranging from recruitment and retention to financial sustainability to SEND, regulation, safeguarding and staff wellbeing.
“Our focus is ensuring that visitors leave with more than inspiration. Through expert advice, peer-peer learning, regulatory insight and practical solutions, we want professionals to leave with ideas and knowledge they can take back to their settings and immediately put into practice.
“Every year we see the Childcare & Education Expo grow, in terms of the number of professionals and exhibitors attending, which is great and demonstrates that what the event offers to both cohorts is incredibly valuable.
“We’re particularly excited about our new additions for 2026, including the VIP Lounge and Early Years Inspiration Exchange, alongside an excellent programme of expert speakers and our dedicated SEND and Ofsted sessions.”
Sponsored by YPO, the VIP Lounge will be available for Nursery Leader Network members to network on site; offering them a space to recharge and connect.
The Expo will also feature CPD-accredited seminars - covering key challenges including SEND, leadership, curriculum, wellbeing, safeguarding and regulatory change – and direct access to Ofsted through dedicated sessions and the Ofsted Advice Corner, helping settings to understand regulatory developments and ask questions.
The SEND in Early Years Conference will provide specialist learning and practical strategies for supporting children with additional needs, and there will also be interactive workshops and a Share & Support Hub, giving visitors opportunities to develop practical skills and directly learn from their peers.
Jenni Ford, Director of Sales & Marketing at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “It’s been a remarkable journey hosting this event and amazing to see its continued growth.
“Offering so many opportunities to learn, share ideas and network; it really is a must-visit for anyone who works in the early years sector.”
For more information about The Childcare & Education Expo, and to register for tickets, visit https://www.childcareeducationexpo.co.uk/national