7 October 2026
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What does the research tell us children need to thrive in early learning – and how can those insights help shape quality practice, leadership and policy across the sector?
In the latest episode of ACA’s Early Years Dialogue, ACA President Paul Mondo is joined by experienced academic and early learning leader Rod Soper. Drawing on more than 35 years in education, Rod shares the experiences that led him to early childhood education and his passion for understanding why the early years are such an important period of children’s development.
Paul and Rod explore what quality really looks like through the eyes of a child – from the importance of safe, trusting relationships to the role educators, leaders and families play in creating environments where children can flourish. They also discuss what it means to move beyond being simply family-friendly towards genuinely family-centred, and the powerful impact that trust between children, families and educators can have.
The conversation also turns to one of the big challenges facing our sector: how do we ensure strong policy and safeguards for children without losing the diversity, professional judgement and rich local experiences that make early learning so valuable? And what do leaders and providers need to do to build cultures that continually learn, grow and improve?
It’s a thoughtful discussion that brings research, practice and policy back to what matters most – creating the conditions for every child to thrive.
To hear the full conversation between Paul Mondo and Rod Soper, watch the latest episode of ACA’s Early Years Dialogue here.
About Early Years Dialogue
ACA’s Early Years Dialogue brings together sector leaders, experts and those working across early learning to explore the issues, experiences and conversations shaping our sector and its future.
Through the series, ACA is investing in new ways to keep important sector conversations going, bring different perspectives together and ensure the experiences of those working in early learning are part of the national conversation.
You can watch previous episodes of Early Years Dialogue here.
