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Conference Speeches & Workshops

Looking for a speaker who will leave delegates informed, inspired and ready to make a difference?

Whether it’s a large national conference or a local event, for headteachers, I bring clarity, credibility, and a deep understanding of early years education to every keynote and workshop.

Why book me as a speaker?

I gave my first keynote at the Institute of Education in 2002, and since then I’ve spoken at events from Tyneside to Tokyo on a wide range of subjects relating to the education and care of young children. With over 35 years in early years education and more than two decades of public speaking experience, I bring both expertise and credibility to your event—along with the ability to deliver clear messages in an engaging, memorable way.

I don’t aim simply to entertain. My goal is for every speech to have real impact for children. Delegates often tell me the messages I share stay with them long after the event, sparking reflection and inspiring visible shifts in classroom practice.

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“Kym’s keynote captured the essence of play and will make a lasting impact on practice.”

Anne Brass

Format options

I can deliver:

Keynote speeches

Inspiring and thought-provoking sessions to open or close your event

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Workshops

Targeted learning experiences for smaller groups.

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Full-day conferences

I’m experienced in holding the attention of large audiences all day, weaving together inspiration, reflection, and practical strategies that keep people engaged and motivated.

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All my talks are:

  • Grounded in both research and real-life experience
  • Highly memorable and engaging
  • Relevant and up to date with current challenges in early education.

Common keynote/workshop themes:

  • The power of play to drive progress in learning
  • Enabling environments that provide challenge for children
  • Quality adult–child interactions that boost language and learning
  • Executive functioning - what it looks like and how to support it in young children
  • Self-regulation - A relational approach to supporting positive behaviour
  • Inspiring young writers
  • Making maths matter to young children
  • Growing enthusiastic young readers
  • Developing challenge in outdoor play
  • Early years leadership that leads to sustained improvement
  • Bringing early years principles into KS1.

I also design bespoke keynotes based on your event theme or specific priorities.

What people are saying

"A fantastic engaging speech…Good advice for how to create a 'serve & return' approach in the classroom.
Very interesting & informative talk. Could listen all day, really opened my eyes to the importance of play"

 

“Kym is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, fab! Amazing lady, would love to hear more from her.”
“Very engaging. Really gets you thinking about what matters most.”

 

"Amazing! Gave me the buzz back, lots of ideas to think about when back in school." 

Feedback from Durham Local Authority Play Conference ‘Play Matters’

About Kym

With over 35 years in early education, I’ve worked as a nanny, teacher, senior leader, local authority consultant, and strategic lead — supporting schools and settings across the UK and internationally.


I’ve spent much of my career working alongside educators in real settings, helping them reflect on practice, deepen their understanding, and feel more confident in their role. My approach is built on relationships and evidence, refined through years of working with early years educators in a wide range of contexts.


Whether I’m leading a consultancy day, delivering a keynote, or facilitating team training, I focus on what’s practical, doable, and genuinely effective. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I listen closely, shape support around your needs, and work alongside your team to create change that lasts.

 

Learn More about Kym

Get in touch to discuss your needs

Whether you’re planning a national event, a local authority training day, or a MAT-wide conference, I’d love to hear how I can support your aims.

Enquire about Booking Kym