Alliance cancels annual conference
The Early Years Alliance has announced that it is cancelling its 2020 Annual Conference, due to be held on Friday 12 June, in light of the worsening coronavirus outbreak.
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, said: "While the government has yet to make a specific announcement about the rules on large gatherings in England, we know that the level of incidence of coronavirus is predicted to be at its peak in late spring or early summer. As such, we have come to the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Alliance annual conference.
"We are of course incredibly disappointed to have to do so, especially given this year's very timely theme and excellent line-up of speakers and presenters. However, the safety and wellbeing of everyone who joins us at the conference is our priority – and we could not in all good conscience hold the event at a time of such uncertainty.
"We wanted to confirm our decision sooner rather than later to avoid any inconvenience for attendees who we know like to plan ahead, so they do not spend time booking and arranging travel and accommodation unnecessarily. All those delegates who have already purchased tickets to the event will of course receive a full refund.
"We very much look forward to holding our annual conference next year as the Alliance celebrates its 60th anniversary, and will release details of that event in due course."