The first years last forever.
That idea sat underneath so many of the conversations we had at the Childcare & Education Expo. We spoke to plenty of others across the sector too and people felt as strongly as we do. Early years matters because it shapes everything that follows and because the return on doing it well is lifelong.
A thread running through the day was simple: learning sticks when it feels human. Support works when it is practical, relational and accessible in the places families already are.
Here are some of the takeaways we’re bringing back into Babyzone.
A key message from the day was that “best start in life” only becomes real when families can access joined-up support locally. It is not enough to have ambition at national level. The experience of families is shaped by whether support is visible, welcoming and easy to reach when it is needed.
One practical exercise brought this to life. Under pressure, communication becomes harder and important information gets missed. The takeaway was simple: strong outcomes rely on teams having shared ways of working, clear handovers and a rhythm that makes good communication more likely, not something that depends on individual heroics.
There was a strong case made for nature-based play, not as an “extra”, but as a driver of children’s communication, confidence, autonomy and emotional regulation. It is a reminder that environments shape learning and that sensory, exploratory play can be a powerful route into language, connection and self-control.
Another discussion focused on combining songs with art and creative activity to support emotional vocabulary and understanding. One specific point that stood out was how varied vocal pitch can support emotional regulation, especially when paired with repeated, predictable rhythms and simple language.
We are helping to shape the children of today who will be the future and what a privilege that is.
The day reinforced how we design and talk about Babyzone hubs as places where children and parents build skills through play, connection, regulation and rich multi-sensory experiences, alongside joined-up local support.