The Bristol Men in The Early Years (BMITEY) Network is
a new city-wide network bringing together early years practitioners, leaders
and partners to strengthen support for men working in the sector and to create
wider conversations about gender, care and inclusion in early childhood.

Our first meeting of 2026/27
will be an opportunity to connect with others, hear more about the ambitions
for the network, and help shape its future direction.

Together, we will begin
developing a Bristol-wide pledge for early years settings, focused on five
areas of practice: recruitment, belonging and professional culture,
gender-equitable pedagogy, families and partnerships, and leadership and
accountability. The session will be practical and discussion-based, exploring
what good practice could look like across these areas and what support settings
need to develop their work.

Men working in early years are at the heart of this network, and
we especially want to create a space where they can connect, share experiences
and help shape change across Bristol. We use the term ‘men’ in the widest and
most inclusive sense, including trans men and anyone who identifies as a man.

We also absolutely welcome women, non-binary practitioners,
leaders and partners who want to support this work and contribute to wider
conversations about gender in early childhood.

You do not need to currently employ any men in your setting to
join the network. Settings that want to think more intentionally about
recruitment, gender, inclusion and creating environments where men can enter,
belong and thrive are very welcome.

Network led by Dr Shaddai Tembo, Critical Early
Years and Sam Williams, Headteacher at Redcliffe Nursery School.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/367178700115780?p=jnxAqlx5IH0hj4yZiA

Who are these for?

These networks are for all DSLs, Deputy
DSLs /SLT who may make up wider safeguarding teams in Early Years settings.

We encourage every setting to make
representation at each round of meetings. 

Why should I engage?

The networks fulfil duties under
statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 2 – the management of
safeguarding: 

• To keep
  up to date with local safeguarding arrangements and provide a mechanism to
  engage with the Local Safeguarding Partnership (Keeping Bristol Safe
  Partnership). 
• To
  ensure knowledge and skills are adequately updated (in addition to the
  requirement to update formal training every 2 years).
• Provide
  a chance to develop and share good practice and contribute towards a
  community of practice.
• Develop
  working relationships with the local safeguarding advisors and statutory
  agencies 

Structure of meetings

These happen on-line on a Tuesday AM and
Thursday PM ( in the same week) in the autumn , spring and summer term (3 times
a year) and last for no longer than 2 hours.

Standing Agenda

• News
• Updates
  from the Local Safeguarding Partnership
• Topical
  Safeguarding issues.
• Multi-agency
  updates. 

Join DfE and LA reception assessment leads to learn about the latest updates and best practice in effective assessment for the reception year and GLD, including formative assessment and developing responsive teaching and provision​ in reception. This DfE supported briefing is for all primary school leaders and MAT leads in Bath & Northeast Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Swindon 

Due to high demand for this event, bookings are limited to one place per school. 

The Terrific Twos Network is an opportunity for early years practitioners and leaders in Bristol to connect with others around our shared passion for working with two-year-olds. Whether you are experienced or new to working with two-year-olds; whether you work in a setting, school or childminder provision, this is your chance to focus in on this unique age group, visit other settings and gain peer support in your role. Facilitated by local specialist leaders for birth to three years,

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/31475391724669?p=rUWnwUH5oEA49NZ1QC

These networks are for all DSLs, Deputy
DSLs /SLT who may make up wider safeguarding teams in Early Years settings.

We encourage every setting to make
representation at each round of meetings. 

Why should I engage?

The networks fulfil duties under
statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 2 – the management of
safeguarding: 

• To keep
  up to date with local safeguarding arrangements and provide a mechanism to
  engage with the Local Safeguarding Partnership (Keeping Bristol Safe
  Partnership). 
• To
  ensure knowledge and skills are adequately updated (in addition to the
  requirement to update formal training every 2 years).
• Provide
  a chance to develop and share good practice and contribute towards a
  community of practice.
• Develop
  working relationships with the local safeguarding advisors and statutory
  agencies 

Structure of meetings

These happen on-line on a Tuesday AM and
Thursday PM ( in the same week) in the autumn , spring and summer term (3 times
a year) and last for no longer than 2 hours.

Standing Agenda

• News
• Updates
  from the Local Safeguarding Partnership
• Topical
  Safeguarding issues.
• Multi-agency
  updates. 

Are you curious about behaviours that you are noticing in your setting and the underlying causes?  Behaviour circles are run ‘in person’ in each of the localities; North, South and East/Central across the year.  Sessions run for 2 hours and they provide a safe and confidential space to bring scenarios and questions to local colleagues and PSED Local Specialist Leaders (LSL’s) to reflect, discuss and unpick experiences helping practitioners to give the best support to children. 

Welcome to Our City‑Wide Early Years Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Offer 

Our city’s data tells an important story: we’re proud of our rich diversity, but we also know that some children still face barriers to equal opportunities. This programme is about changing that—together. 

Why does this matter? 

Because inclusion isn’t just a box to tick. Every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported from the very beginning of their learning journey. When we embed equity and diversity in Early Years practice, we lay the foundation for lifelong success.  

This Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) programme will support settings to meet not only their professional and moral responsibilities, but also their statutory duties. It aligns EDI practice with the Ofsted Inspection Framework and draws on key national and local guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026), Birth to 5 Matters, Bristol Belongings strategy, and the Best Start in Life. 

What’s on offer? 

This six-part programme supports early years practitioners across Bristol to deepen their understanding of identity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice. Through reflection, practical strategies, and engagement with policy, curriculum, and national guidance — including Birth to 5 Matters — we explore how values, environments, and everyday decisions shape children’s sense of belonging. Each session offers space to learn and lead, building confidence to create settings where every child and family feels seen, valued, and supported. 

While sessions can be attended individually, they have been thoughtfully designed to complement one another, offering a deeper and more cohesive learning experience when attended as a full programme. 

Be part of the change. 

Be part of the change. 

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future for our city’s youngest learners. 

2. Inclusive environments – from mirrors to windows – reflection on the messaging of our environments 

This practical, reflective session invites early years educators to explore how their environments — physical, emotional, and relational — communicate powerful messages about identity, belonging, and inclusion. Drawing on current research and lived experiences, we’ll examine how our own values and assumptions shape the spaces children encounter, and how we can create settings where every child feels seen, understood, and safe. Participants will leave with renewed confidence to embed authentic representation and cultural responsiveness into everyday practice. 

Invitation for nursery or preschool owner or Manager, childminder or leader of a school-based setting to a special Bristol Early Years sector event . This will bring together providers, professionals and partners from across the city to be the first to hear about and help shape the development of a new Bristol Early Years Partnership: an independent, sector-led initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, communication and influence across the city. This interactive morning will give you the opportunity to: • Hear the latest national and local early years updates, including key policy developments and what they mean for the sector. • Explore Bristol’s current picture, including challenges, opportunities and priorities for children, families and providers. • Share your experiences, insights and ideas with colleagues from across the city. • Help shape how the sector’s voice is represented and heard in Bristol. • Connect with colleagues over a networking lunch & refreshments This is a sector led event, by the sector and for the sector to help empower our voice and improve outcomes for all children across the city.

This DfE funded professional development workshop is the first
part of the DfE’s three-part support package for reception assessment across
2026-2027 focussed on raising achievement and giving every child the Best Start
in Life. The Autumn Reception Assessment workshop supports confidence and best
practice in formative assessment and its role in facilitating progress towards
a good level of development. Each session,

• includes opportunity for reflection, professional
  dialogue and action planning,
• builds a shared understanding of children’s development
  for learning in reception,
• promotes the importance of using formative assessment
  to inform planning and adapting teaching and provision.

All reception leaders and teachers are invited to attend a
workshop. There are six dates to choose from – teachers should book one only
and may attend the session easiest for them to get to.

This DfE funded professional development workshop is the first
part of the DfE’s three-part support package for reception assessment across
2026-2027 focussed on raising achievement and giving every child the Best Start
in Life. The Autumn Reception Assessment workshop supports confidence and best
practice in formative assessment and its role in facilitating progress towards
a good level of development. Each session,

• includes opportunity for reflection, professional
  dialogue and action planning,
• builds a shared understanding of children’s development
  for learning in reception,
• promotes the importance of using formative assessment
  to inform planning and adapting teaching and provision.

All reception leaders and teachers are invited to attend a
workshop. There are six dates to choose from – teachers should book one only
and may attend the session easiest for them to get to.

This DfE funded professional development workshop is the first
part of the DfE’s three-part support package for reception assessment across
2026-2027 focussed on raising achievement and giving every child the Best Start
in Life. The Autumn Reception Assessment workshop supports confidence and best
practice in formative assessment and its role in facilitating progress towards
a good level of development. Each session,

• includes opportunity for reflection, professional
  dialogue and action planning,
• builds a shared understanding of children’s development
  for learning in reception,
• promotes the importance of using formative assessment
  to inform planning and adapting teaching and provision.

All reception leaders and teachers are invited to attend a
workshop. There are six dates to choose from – teachers should book one only
and may attend the session easiest for them to get to.

Are you working with babies in an early years setting or as a childminder? Join our Baby Practitioner Cluster Meetings for an opportunity to visit a different setting, connect with fellow practitioners, and share both the celebrations and challenges of working with our youngest children. 

Organised by the Bristol and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub in collaboration with Bristol Early Years Area Networks, these sessions offer: 

• Inspiration from seeing a range of provision types 

• Focused discussions on key topics relevant to your work with babies 

• Reflection time to consider what’s working well in your setting and where support might be needed 

• Networking opportunities to build ongoing relationships with other practitioners, share ideas, and seek advice beyond the meetings 

Each session is designed to be both practical and a supportive, helping you strengthen your practice through shared experience and collaboration. Facilitated by local specialist leaders for birth to three years