What an incredible day. Yesterday, I had the privilege of hosting the Better Start Conference – a room filled with nearly 300 practitioners, researchers, leaders and partners from across the UK, all united by one shared purpose: giving every baby the very best start in life.

From the moment I opened the day, there was a sense of momentum and possibility that felt deeply important. Being together – in person – matters. It reminds us that none of this work happens alone, and that systems change is built through relationships, curiosity and collective ambition.

For me, the day also carried something personal.

In my opening remarks I reflected on the young people I worked with before entering the early years world – especially one young man whose life was shaped by a system that responded too late and connected too little. His story has stayed with me throughout my decade in early childhood, because it represents exactly why change is necessary and why coherence, compassion and early action matter so profoundly.

That is what yesterday was about.

Not just celebrating achievements – though there is so much to be proud of – but holding a shared belief that we can build something different. Something that enables children to thrive from the very beginning.

To every panel member, presenter, parent voice, poster contributor and delegate: thank you. Your insights, honesty and generosity made the day powerful. The conversations on relationships, evidence, co‑design and system transformation will ripple far beyond the conference walls.

And to all our partners across Blackpool and the UK: thank you for showing, so clearly, what collaborative systems leadership looks like.

Here’s to the next chapter. And to the work still ahead of us.

The best of which is yet to come.

Find out more: Celebrating Conference ‘26