The UKLA National Conference 2026 will take place online on 21st March. The theme for this year is Literacy and Play.

Through keynote presentations and interactive workshops, participants will have the opportunity to explore the power of play to foster creativity, critical thinking and language development in the Early Years, primary and secondary classroom.

Keynote speakers

• Steve Antony, award-winning author and illustrator.
• Amber Ogunsanya-William, Inclusive Playworker, Consultant and NSPCC Champion of Childhood.

Choose from a programme of workshops:

• Young Children’s Narrative Play: Exploring characters, action and social dynamics.
• Join the Dots: Shaping dreams of time and space through playful ‘transmedia storytelling’ in school.
• Using Picture Books for Philosophical Play and Storymaking in the Primary Cclassroom.
• Botheredness: Story, stance and pedagogy.
• Story-Based Play as a Pedagogical Approach in Adolescence.

Cost: £30/£40 for UKLA members/Non-members. Students £10.

About UK Literacy Association: The UKLA is a registered charity dedicated to informing and supporting all those concerned with the development of language, literacy and communication.