This conference brought together senior practitioners, politicians and commentators to discuss the future of the Early Years and Childcare workforce. Delegates learned the latest government policy and gained knowledge from best practice case studies from across the country. In December 2008 the Government published the 2020 Children and Young People's Workforce Strategy. This sets out the Government's vision that everyone who works with children and young people should be: • Ambitious for every child and young person • Excellent in their practice • Committed to partnership and integrated working • Respected and valued as professionals