Stay Informed | Stay Ahead | Stay Connected
Our Senior Leader Briefings are delivered three times a year to help school and setting leaders stay up to date with national developments affecting Early Years and Key Stage 1.
Each session combines the latest updates from the Department for Education, Ofsted, and the wider education sector with expert insight, helping leaders translate policy into practical action.
Through strategic overview and practical guidance, the briefings support leaders to reflect, plan, and respond confidently to evolving expectations. Whether you lead a school, MAT, or local authority, or support settings in a strategic role, these briefings provide a valuable opportunity to stay informed, connected, and ahead of change.
25/26 Briefings:
- Thursday 27 November 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
- Tuesday 10th March 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
- Tuesday 9th June 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Price
£85.00 (exc. VAT) per person
Can’t attend live or missed the previous briefing?
No problem! You can still access all the insights by ordering a recording of the briefing —just click the link above.
This Senior Leader Briefing will explore the latest national priorities in Early Years and KS1, including insights from the newly published Every Child Achieving and Thriving – Schools White Paper and the SEND Reform Consultation. Participants will gain clarity on the direction of national reform, funding changes, integrated early years and family services, and evolving school structures.
With a continued focus on the Reception year, the session will examine DfE guidance, Kindred Squared’s Reception Readiness publication, and the implications of recent policy changes for strategic school improvement.
Hear from Kirsty Godfrey, Deputy Director for Schools and Early Education Policy, as she outlines new Ofsted expectations for knowledgeable leadership in Early Years and key elements of the updated inspection framework.
The briefing will also explore effective use of Pupil Premium and EYPP, drawing on current guidance, research, and case studies to support narrowing the disadvantage gap.
Key takeaways:
- National updates for Early Years and KS1, including the latest White Paper and SEND reforms
- Clarity on Ofsted expectations and inspection changes
- Practical insight to strengthen leadership of the Reception year and early provision
Upcoming Briefing:
Tuesday 10th March 2026 | 1pm – 3pm
Knowledgeable Leadership: Exploring Expectations, Strengthening Understanding
Hosted by our Senior Curriculum Experts
Hosted by Phil Armstrong (Senior Education Lead) and Sarah Carey (School Improvement Lead), with guest speakers from Ofsted, the DfE, and other sector experts.
Phil Armstrong – Senior Education Lead
Phil has 20+ years’ experience across early years and primary education, including teaching, leadership, and headship roles. He supports schools and settings with strategic leadership, school improvement, and national policy implementation.
Sarah Carey – School Improvement Lead
Sarah brings over 20 years’ school improvement experience, including EYFS Leader, Deputy Head, and Headteacher roles. She helps senior leaders drive improvement priorities in EYFS and KS1 through strategic planning, teaching development, and sustained school improvement.
Why Attend
- Stay up to date with national policy and inspection developments
- Understand expectations for Early Years and KS1
- Gain insights to support strategic leadership and everyday practice
- Connect with wider sector thinking
Who should attend?
- Senior Leaders in schools and settings
- MAT or Trust leaders
- Local Authority advisers and coordinators
- Anyone supporting strategic leadership or operational planning in Early Years and KS1