Ceredigion Childcare and Play Conference 2026 inspires the sector

The Childcare Unit at Ceredigion County Council successfully hosted a lively and motivating Childcare and Play Conference 2026 at Gwesty Feathers Hotel, Aberaeron on 8 and 9 May.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Children and Communities – Training and Support Grant, the event saw over 70 childcare professionals from across the county come together for a day of learning, reflection, and collaboration.

Attendees included registered Childminders, Day Nurseries, Out of School Clubs and Cylchoedd Meithrin/Playgroups, all of whom benefited from insightful speeches, practical workshops and opportunities to reflect with colleagues from the sector.

Nationally and internationally recognised educational consultant Alice Sharp, who specialises in early years, with the child at the heart of everything, delivered an absorbing keynote speech on Play for Today, Tomorrow and the Future. Delegates explored the principles of play, imagination, exploration, and human connection and explored how these could be reimagined to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Carys Davies Strategic Childcare Manager for Ceredigion County Council delivered an informative session on training, demonstrating the training booking platform and guiding the workforce through the best ways to access both mandatory and Continuous Professional Development opportunities. Attendees appreciated the support in registering on the system and the exciting range of training available to them.

Two Workshops were delivered by Alice Sharp through the day. Nature’s Elements: Artful Encounters in the Early Years offered practical ideas and provocations to transform spaces into rich, sensory landscapes for thinking and expression. The second workshop Head, Hands and Heart – The Six Core Strengths of Children, gave practical strategies to empower educators to nurture emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships

The conference was greatly appreciated as an opportunity for busy childcare professionals to meet, reflect, learn and share ideas. Feedback from attendees was tremendously positive, with praise for the energy and enthusiasm of the workshops and keynote, and for the support offered by the Childcare Unit.

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Skills, said: “It was wonderful to see such a high number of attendees from the childcare and play sector, who work so hard to provide high quality care for the children of Ceredigion. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated”

Carys Davies, Strategic Childcare Manager, added: “Following the success of last years’ conference, we are delighted to have been able to offer another inspiring and motivating learning opportunity for the Ceredigion Childcare and Play sector. Their dedication to their profession is valuable to parents and carers, allowing them to attend work and training.”

To find out more about providing a childcare and/or play service, please e-mail clic@ceredigion.gov.uk or visit Providing a Childcare and/or Play – Ceredigion County Council

To find childcare in your local area please visit the Family Information Service website FIS Wales