On Thursday 25 May, the School of Children, Young People and Families at Leeds Trinity University hosted its the first Champions of Childhood conference with the focus on reducing social inequalities. 

The event originated from a discussion with Level 6 students the previous year year. While pondering over their wishes and goals before graduating, the message from students was clear – they wanted a big final event, focused on celebrating the diversity of our sector and the wide range of professional roles within it. This feedback became the catalyst for the creation of the Champions of Childhood Conference which brought together current students from across the school as well as future students, employers, sector leaders, researchers and alumni.

There were many standout events from the day, which saw representatives from children’s charity organisations The Joshua Tree and Zarach, and the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership,  speak to the group, while colleagues in the Institute of Childhood and Education at Leeds Trinity, Katy Collins and Laura Wood, also shared their respective research. It is clear from feedback that the opportunity to reflect as a sector was invaluable, as together we can share ideas about being part of the solutions. 

For me the most enjoyable part of the day came from Best Childcare, who showcased their ‘brainforest’ work within young children in their nursery. During this, the whole room were on their feet knitting together threads of ribbon to represent how synapses in children’s brains get woven together by sparks of inspiration during play. This creativity and interaction really represented the theme of championing childhood.  

Since the event, there has been many follow up conversations. Best Childcare are connecting with Laura Wood, whose research and speech centred around British Values, to see how this overlap can co-create knowledge exchange. Current students have also been inspired to think very broadly about their placement opportunities following the insightful work of BrightSparks CIC, a York-based community interest company. 

The reflective responses we’ve had about the Conference have been overwhelmingly positive and are best summarised by current Childhood and Education master's student Evie Hudson, who said “the whole event took broad and holistic view of childhood, there were many motivational ideas share in one day.”  

It is intended that this event is the first of many and we look forward to meeting and sharing ideas with those within the sector again in future.

Clarrie Smith is the Interim Deputy Head of the School of Children, Young People and Families at Leeds Trinity University. 

For more information about studying a Children, Young People and Families degree at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website.