LEYF Margaret Horn Debate 2026

Margaret Horn Debate 2026: Are We Pushing Children into School Before Their Bodies Are Ready?

Thursday 12 November 2026 | 6pm–8pm | Walworth Town Hall, London SE17

Free event | Everyone welcome

Are we expecting too much of young children when they start school? Or are changes in childhood affecting their physical development and independence?

More children are reportedly arriving in Reception struggling with everyday tasks such as dressing themselves, using cutlery, sitting comfortably, balancing, coordinating their movements and managing their emotions.

But why is this happening? Are children spending less time climbing trees, running, jumping, playing outdoors and taking risks? Are screens and increasingly structured childhoods affecting their development? Or have our expectations of what four and five-year-olds should be able to do simply become unrealistic?

And perhaps the biggest question of all: Should children be ready for school, or should schools be ready for children?

Join the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) for its 20th annual Margaret Horn Debate, bringing together educators, experts, parents and commentators for a lively and thought-provoking discussion about children's physical development, independence and school readiness.

This year’s debate will coincide with the launch of Ready, Steady, Go! the new book by LEYF CEO Dr June O’Sullivan, and will centre on a deliberately provocative question - Are we pushing children into school before their bodies are ready?

Meet our speakers

• Chair: Catherine Gaunt, editor of Nursery World
• Lala Manners, co-author of Ready, Steady, Go!
• Felicity Gillespie, CEO of Kindred squared
• Jim Blakemore, founding partner of Bikeworks
• Cath Prisk, Chief Explorer at Outdoor People
• Taylan Gercek, Parent at LEYF Nursery

More exciting panellists will be announced shortly.

Why attend?

We'll explore some of the big questions facing parents, educators and schools:

• Are children becoming less physically confident and independent?
• What impact are screens, reduced outdoor play and more structured childhoods having?
• Are parents and Early Years settings doing enough to encourage movement and independence?
• Are schools expecting children to sit still and concentrate before they are developmentally ready?
• What needs to change to give every child the best possible start?

Event details

Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 6pm–8pm
Venue: Walworth Town Hall, London SE17
Admission: Free, but booking is essential.

Reserve your free place today and join the debate.

Places are limited and advance registration is recommended.