The DCF and DEI Practitioner and Student Conference was a hugely successful event, bringing together 70 practitioners, students, researchers and partner organisations for an inspiring day themed around “Partnerships That Matter: Leading Change.” The atmosphere across St John’s Campus was vibrant and full of energy as delegates engaged in a diverse and ambitious programme of workshops led by Julie Pearson and Tracey Hobbs (Early Years Alliance), Stacey Hodgkins, Emma Grishin and Kieran Lyons (NSPCC), Sarah Warwick and Amanda McCully (HOW College), Michelle Malomo (UoW) and Zoe Skidmore (Greenview Nursery), Shaun McInerney (UoW), Denisse Levermore (UoW), and Dr Angela Hodgkins (UoW).
The networking café was a real highlight, creating a buzzing hub for conversation and collaboration. Colleagues from the Early Years Alliance, NSPCC, the Letter Press Project, Study Skills and Library Services offered resources, insights and opportunities for delegates to build meaningful new professional connections.
Attendees feedback indicated that they appreciated the opportunity to meet other professionals, share experiences, and think collaboratively. Many highlighted this as one of the most positive aspects of the day, alongside the workshops themselves.
The day was anchored by two powerful and thought‑provoking keynote speakers. Dr Carla Solvason challenged traditional assumptions surrounding the idea of the “good parent,” encouraging more authentic, compassionate and non‑hierarchical relationships with families. Dr Emma Laurence explored the power of storytelling as a leadership tool, showing how shared narratives can help practitioners navigate complexity, remain hopeful and influence positive cultural change.
Together, the keynotes and workshops created a genuinely uplifting and memorable event, celebrating the strength of partnership across our sector and reaffirming that lasting change in children’s services grows from relationships, shared stories and collective purpose.
Both keynotes prompted significant personal reflection. Attendees expressed that they:
- re‑evaluated how they interact with parents and colleagues
- considered how personal experiences shape professional responses
- felt encouraged to become “a better version of myself”
- appreciated being “given space to be hopeful” and to inspire hope in others
Carla’s keynote especially resonated on an emotional level, with many saying she “really gets to the heart of the work we do”.
Attendees consistently highlighted that both keynotes strengthened their understanding of the importance of collaboration. They reported a renewed appreciation for:
- communicating effectively with parents
- valuing the voices and lived experiences of families
- cultivating empathy and understanding in professional relationships
- recognising partnership as essential to effective practice
Many described partnership working as “crucial”, “key”, and “central” to their future approaches during feedback about the conference.
Attendees consistently reported gaining deeper understanding across the topics, particularly around:
- empathy and inclusion
- teamwork and collaborative practice
- safeguarding
- autism in girls and masking
- resources and services available through the NSPCC
Many noted that the sessions broadened their thinking and supported or extended their current professional reflections.
A number of attendees expressed feeling inspired, energised, and more confident in their practice following the sessions. Several noted how valuable it was to hear different disciplinary perspectives and to engage in thought‑provoking discussions.
Overall an inspiring, insightful, and transformative day was experienced by staff, students, professional partners and guests.