Conference Overview:
Date: Wednesday, 17 February
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Delivered by Estyn and Dysgu, this conference will bring together education professionals from across Wales to explore effective approaches to improving reading standards and developing whole-school reading strategies.
The day will include keynote presentations, professional learning sessions and a choice of practical workshops focused on supporting reading progression across Primary, Secondary, Special Schools and PRUs. Topics will include early reading development, advanced reading skills, literacy leadership, reducing inequality through reading and supporting a love of reading for all learners.
Please Note:
-
Schools and PRUs are asked to register no more than two representatives from each setting.
-
We understand that in smaller schools, literacy leads may be a senior leader but the conference is predominantly aimed at middle leaders with a responsibility for literacy across a setting.
-
Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
-
Registration will open on Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Deadline to register: Friday, 15 January 2027
Conference Programme:
Delegates will have the opportunity to hear about Estyn’s enhanced focus on reading, engage with Dysgu’s national approach to professional learning, supporting whole-school approaches to literacy improvement, learn from effective practice and take part in a range of workshops tailored to different phases and sectors.
This includes:
-
Maintained schools and PRUs (Primary, Secondary, All-age, Special and PRUs)
-
Primary literacy leads and phase leaders
-
Secondary English subject leaders
-
Curriculum leaders with responsibility for literacy
CAL:ON Cymru – a programme delivered by Bangor University and funded by Dysgu - will also provide an overview of its national, evidence-informed literacy work, alongside its bilingual approach to supporting Year 7 readers at a key stage of transition. Their input will focus on practical strategies and professional learning to strengthen reading outcomes and build confident, motivated readers.
Breakout Sessions
When registering for this event attendees will have the opportunity to select one workshop from each of the breakout sessions detailed below. Please select 2 preferred workshops in order of priority from session 1 and 2 from session 2. You will be allocated one for each session based on availability. Spaces will be limited so early booking is advised.
Details of the breakout sessions can be found here.
Contact Us:
We welcome correspondence in both English and Welsh. Correspondence received in either language will be given equal priority.
