Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools and Naturally Learning are proud to announce a joint initiative, the Cornish Early Childhood Conference 2025; a celebration of early years practice, designed to inspire, inform, energise and connect!

This two-day event offers early years professionals across Cornwall and the South West, the space to reflect, recharge, and explore what high-quality education looks like in practice.

Taking place on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September 2025 at the Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, the conference aims to bridge the gap in access to high-quality CPD opportunities that professionals in the region often experience due to geography.

Mandy Richardson, Managing Director of Naturally Learning commented, “I’m incredibly excited to be part of this amazing event. My goal was to bring the very best of the Early Years world, speakers, suppliers, and resources, right here to Cornwall. It’s one of the most beautiful places to live and work, but its distance can sometimes limit access to national and international opportunities. This event is about changing that.”

The conference will welcome an exciting speaker line-up, including Jan Dubiel, Laura Henry, Ben Kingston-Hughes, and Alice Sharp, alongside practical workshops and a bustling exhibitor showcase.

Fiona Blackwell, Chief Operating Officer at Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools added, “We know that practitioners and early years business owners in Cornwall can sometimes feel isolated from wider national opportunities, so it’s fantastic to be part of something that brings inspiration, high-quality speakers, and valuable resources right to our local community. It’s about making sure everyone in early years feels connected and supported, no matter where they’re based.”

Tickets are just £30 per day, with sessions running 8:30am–5:00pm, including a Cornish lunch and afternoon tea.

And in a wonderful added gesture, all proceeds from the conference will be donated to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), helping to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region.

Book your place here

More info at: www.cornishearlychildhood.co.uk

With thanks to our Gold Sponsors: Famly, Community Play, EYLog, Hope, YPO, Ministry of Outdoor Education, Childcare Marketing, Owen Froebel, and MBK Training.

Happy Days Nursery Exeter Celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating

Happy Days Nursery in Exeter is celebrating after receiving a glowing ‘Good’ rating in its latest Ofsted inspection, confirming the team’s commitment to providing high-quality early years education in a warm and nurturing environment.

The report, published in July 2025, praised the nursery for creating a welcoming space where “children arrive happily and immediately settle into playing.” Inspectors noted the strong relationships between children and staff, highlighting the setting as one where “children develop equally warm relationships with the kind and caring staff.”

The inspection praised staff for their expertise and dedication, commenting:
“Staff are knowledgeable and have a good understanding of how children learn and develop. They provide children with a wide range of learning opportunities as part of a rich and varied curriculum.”

Early literacy was identified as a particular strength, with staff helping children to develop a love of stories and reading through innovative programmes such as the nursery’s own Awe and Wonder Book Club. The report also highlighted the emphasis on vocabulary development and phonics, stating:
“Children learn to listen to individual sounds and blend them to make words to support their early reading skills.”

Inspectors also commented on the nursery’s creative and engaging approach to learning, with children often learning through music, imaginative play, and sensory exploration.

“Children spend much of their day learning through music… They demonstrate a genuine love for music from a very young age.”

“Children are excited by their learning… They become immersed in their play and concentrate for extended periods.”

The nursery’s inclusive ethos was also celebrated, particularly the support provided for children with English as an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Leaders were recognised for regularly reviewing and improving the setting, including through staff training and audits.
Parents were equally positive, telling inspectors they “particularly appreciate the suggestions staff give them to help support their child’s learning at home.”

Nursery Manager, Keira Vincent said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with our Ofsted rating. It reflects the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our staff, and the strong relationships we have with our families. We’re so proud of the wonderful environment we’ve created together.”

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50282960

Boogie Mites: Let’s Tap A Word (Bonus Episode)

We’re revisiting Season 4 with a special bonus episode featuring Tasha from Boogie Mites. Discover how Let’s Tap A Word — a fun, rhythmic song — helps children develop early literacy and communication skills while preparing for school.

Alice and Tasha break down:

• What Let’s Tap A Word is all about
• Why music boosts school readiness
• How to tap along at home with simple DIY instruments
• A step-by-step guide to the chorus

Perfect for parents looking for playful, practical ways to bring music into everyday life. Check the show notes for your free download of Let’s Tap A Word and more Boogie Mites resources.

You can sign up to access the Boogie Mites Let’s Tap A Word song completely FREE here: https://ex246.infusionsoft.com/app/form/lets-tapa-word

If you want to access other songs from the Boogie Mites School Ready Package, you can find lots more within the School Ready Parent Pack: https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/shop/school-ready-parent-pack/