Nursery World celebrates its 100th birthday this year and the Big Day Out on Friday (16 May) at London's Business Design Centre was an opportunity for all those working in the earl years sector to reflect and look forward to the next 100 years.
A flagship debate discussed past and present influences on early education in the UK, while an exhibition of Nursery World covers from the first issue of the magazine on 2 December 1925 was an opportunity to look back at how society has changed over the past 100 years spread across the covers of the magazine. Attendees were also able to take part in a competition linked to our exhibition for a chance to win a prize from Community Playthings.
Courteney Donaldson of Christie & Co said on X, 'Championing #EarlyYears since 1925 Congratulations @NurseryWorld on your Centenary It was joyful to take a walk through the decades looking at so many fabulous vintage publication front covers @nurserywrldshow #100years #NWBigDayOut.'
Our exhibition of Nursery World covers PHOTO Catherine Gaunt
The future
Meanwhile a big debate chaired by Sarah Ronan, director of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition asked 'How do we publicly promote the value of early years as a high status sector?'
Panellist Purnima Tanuku, executive chair of the National Day Nurseries Association, said ‘We know how much you do. And we know how you raise that value. But society needs to understand the value of early years… We want to unite the sector to see the value of what you do in putting children first.’
On valuing the role of early years teachers, June O'Sullivan, CEO of the London Early Years Foundation, said, ‘In 2017 I stopped the use of the word practitioner at LEYF nurseries. The morale skyrocketed. We are early years teachers. We understand pedagogy.’
The other panellists were Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance and Sarah Mackenzie, CEO of Storal.
NDNA posted on X, 'NDNA Executive Chair, Purnima Tanuku CBE, spoke as part of @NurseryWorld big day out today. It was amazing to see how the sector and magazine have evolved over the last 100 years.'
Purnima Tanuku with Nursery World Editor Karen Faux/ X
Neil Griffiths, creator of the original award-winning story sack concept was first on the Inspiring Practice stage, speaking about bringing storytime to life.
David Wright, ambassador for Paint Pots Nurseries, who took part in two sessions on the day, including talking on the People and Careers Stage about how to recruit more men into the sector said, 'I found the day inclusive, inspiring, affirming and validating for the early years sector. So much great CPD content, personally - so many friends and colleagues to catch up with and a privilege to share my presentation & chair our men in childcare panel with such brilliant guys. A super event.'
Nursery owner Rob Fox spoke on the SEND Stage about his experiences as a neurodivergent early years educator said, 'I had the privilege of speaking about neurodivergent leadership and the ethics of everyday pedagogy. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes that's what makes it powerful. To anyone who wonders if they belong on a stage because they don't look, sound or "feel" like the typical speaker – you do. Your voice matters. Just as it is.'
Jennifer Lewis, owner of Smarty Pants Abbey Lane said, 'The opportunity to speak at such a prestigious event with Sophie Hayter and Jack Edwards was truly inspirational. The CPD programme was so extensive with so many amazing speakers and I look forward to participating in Nurseyr World's Big Day Out in 2026!'
On X, Dr Mine Conkybayir said, 'An absolute joy to speak @ the @NurseryWorld BDO with @cherylJ_warren!'
A perfect spot for a photo opportunity on the imagination bench
Photos: Colin Miller
