We hosted our Early Years Interim Learning Symposium on 13 October 2026, bringing together charities, practitioners, funders, policymakers and others working across the Early Years sector to share learning from Phase 2 (2023-2026) of the Early Years Special Initiative.
Our Early Years initiative supports organisations working to improve educational outcomes for children aged two to five facing socio-economic disadvantage in Greater London. It focuses on children’s literacy, numeracy and language skills, alongside their personal, social and emotional development and readiness for school.
The Symposium was held in partnership with SQW, the Phase 2 Learning Partner. Annie Finegan, Project Manager at SQW, opened the event by considering the challenges and opportunities facing the Early Years sector.
Across three themed sessions, funded organisations shared practical experience of creative approaches in Early Years, different methods to engaging and communicating with children, families and practitioners, and sharing good practice with a wider range of stakeholders.
Funded organisations presented at each themed session. Guests learnt about the work of Chickenshed, Discover Children's Story Centre, Early Education, Youth Sports Trust, Fatherhood Institute, Home-Start London, National Literacy Trust, The Children's Literacy Charity, Coram Family and Childcare, Campaign for Learning, Peeple and National Day Nurseries Association.
Q&A and roundtable discussions followed each session, providing valuable space for guests to reflect, exchange ideas and learn from one another. Responses were gathered by SQW for analysis and learning post-event.
A closing call to action from Sarah Brown, Project Director at SQW, encouraged participants to consider how the shared learning could inform their work, with further ideas and connections emerging through the networking session.
The Symposium forms part of our wider approach to learning through the Early Years Special Initiative. By bringing funded organisations together and working with an external Learning Partner, we aim to support peer exchange, encourage reflection and build knowledge that can inform practice across the wider Early Years sector.
“By bringing organisations together in cohorts over several years, we are able to create space for them to share learning, reflect on their practice and build on what works. The progress made so far reflects the commitment and expertise of our funded organisations, and we believe the learning generated through the Initiative can inform practice across the wider Early Years sector and contribute to better outcomes for young children and their families."
Almaz Zainal, Grants Programme Manager, The Mercers’ Company
Find out more about the Early Years special initiative