Childminder Conference 2026
Relationships Matter: Supporting Social & Emotional Development in Childminding
Let’s come together to connect, reflect, and celebrate the difference relationships make in childminding.
Join us for an inspiring morning celebrating the vital role childminders play in nurturing relationships that help children grow, connect, and thrive.
Our inspiring keynote speaker Jacqui Lewis will explore how childminders can harness the power of peer learning and nurture children’s social and emotional development.
Keynote: Harnessing Peer Power: Supporting children’s social & emotional development
Jacqui's keynote will invite you to pause and think differently about the powerful role childminders have in shaping children’s social and emotional worlds. Every interaction, every moment of guidance, and every shared experience between children offers a chance to nurture empathy, confidence, and connection. Drawing on insights from social learning theory and real life examples, she’ll explore how young children learn through one another and how childminders can gently guide, model, and facilitate that learning. From supporting children through moments of strong emotion to helping them build trust, cooperation, and kindness, this session will inspire you to create spaces where children grow together learning side by side as part of a caring community. The session will support you to recognise the power of peer influence in shaping social emotional growth as well as explore practical strategies for guiding interactions that nurture both the group and individual. A reframing that not only continues to cultivate your childminding community but respects each child’s unique self.
You'll also have the chance to:
- Take part in interactive workshops
- Enjoy a free networking lunch where you can build connections with the local childminding community
- Head home with a complimentary goodie bag packed with resources and treats!
Date: Saturday 7th February 2026
Location: St Swithun's School, Winchester, SO21 1HA
Book your place by using this link: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FNIH
Jacqui Lewis is an advocate for children, childhood, and high quality, inclusive early education. Informed by practice, postgraduate research, and a rights-based philosophy, Jacqui centralises pedagogical practices of inclusion and respect. Her broad experiences of leadership within practice, alongside advisory, teaching, and regulatory roles across the early education sector, have consistently sought to respect, protect, and celebrate early educators, empowering reflexivity and growth. As a trainer, she has been described as inspiring, illuminating, and fun! She adheres to a learner-centred philosophy, endorsing collaboration and critical reflection, bridging research, theory, and practice.