Today saw the first of two very successful conferences for EYPs at Pen Green.

Arriving early, Aspect’s Helen Willis enjoyed her own personal tour, seeing the provision close-up. Helen commented “I’d definitely have loved some of the facilities available when I was a child! Of course, that’s not even to mention the quality of the adult-child interactions or the support for children playing together and being absorbed in their own worlds.” Our advice would be that any time you get a chance to go along – take it!

The conference proper was opened by Kate Hayward, Pen Green Research’s Assistant Director, and then Margy Whalley – who probably needs no introduction at all – took over for the opening keynote speech.

Looking back a little to where EYPS has come from, Margy reminded us of the influence of New Zealand thinking, as well as the link between greater child well-being and reduced income inequality. One of the particular areas that Margy kept returning to was the idea of “feistiness” – and the need for our early years workforce to be “feisty” if we are to develop “feisty” children. Her preference for a feisty rather than pollyannaish granddaughter came through clearly, being received with both amusement at her anecdotes and nodding heads in agreement with her underlying message.

Throughout the day, indeed, feisty became a resonant term. The “image of the child” is a concept that has been particularly key in Pen Green over recent months, and has been the central idea behind a cross-setting project described by some of those who have been involved. Reporting back on the language used by some practitioners to describe the image of the child they’d like to see in their setting, “feisty” again came through strongly.

With a little help from Homer Simpson (always a good way to build in some light humour!) Helen Willis drew the contrast between the importance of the work of those in early years – especially EYPs as leaders – and the actual status, pay, regard and support provided. And again, a key message was the need for feisty leadership not only within settings, but also in driving change for and among EYPs, and across early years as a whole.

The day also provided an opportunity for delegates to hear first hand about the research being sponsored by CWDC and led by the University of Wolverhampton, looking to assess the impact EYPs are having. And in the afternoon, EYPs themselves talked about their own journeys and experiences to reach their leadership roles, and inspired us all with the reality of the changes they have been instrumental in introducing.

So all in all a lot of learning, a good helping of inspiration, much networking, and of course an excellent lunch too.

Roll on the next event a week on Saturday!