Early Years Conference Celebrates the Power of Play
Early years practitioners, leaders and specialists gathered today for the Early Years Conference 2026 at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen.
The event provided valuable opportunities for attendees to connect, reflect on practice and share learning in support of children, families and the wider early years sector.
The event was themed “Playful Beginnings: Where the Science of Health & Learning Take Shape,” and focused on the critical role of play and evidence-informed approaches in supporting healthy child development and improving outcomes from the earliest stages.
Pauline Walmsley, Early Years Chief Executive said:
“Today has provided a rich and vibrant space for Early Years members to come together to discuss and debate the latest policy and practice developments and to welcome colleagues from the statutory, regulatory, academic, training and policy functions across the sector.
“We have reflected on how, in our noisy and sometimes challenging environment, we need to be attentive and present with children and parents, and how adults who work with children must have the ability to recognise the potential each child has for play, and to construct opportunities for each child to grow, develop, learn and flourish”.
“We were delighted to welcome two prestigious keynote speakers, Dr Anna Machin and Darryl Edwards, who have inspired the audience with their insights and experience and we leave with renewed energy and ideas to help shape high-quality, inclusive early years experiences for every child.”
The conference included a programme of practical workshops on culture and diversity, the Reggio approach, SEN and cyber security for early years settings, as well as exhibitions showcasing a wide range of services and initiatives including the Pathway Fund, Sure Start, Toybox and the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme.
Notes
Anna Machin is a writer, broadcaster and pioneering researcher on fatherhood, who delivered a keynote address exploring the evolving role of fathers in children’s lives drawing on her research and book The Life of Dad: The Making of the Modern Father.
Darryl Edwards is a leading advocate for play and physical activity who shared insights from his work as a movement coach, author and founder of the ‘Primal Play Method’ which emphasises the vital role of movement and play in early childhood development.
L-R Audrey Rainey, Chief Operating Officer Early Years, Darryl Edwards, founder of the ‘Primal Play Method’, Pauline Walmsley, Chief Executive Early Years and Dr Anna Machin, author and broadcaster.