Chief executive Steve Alexander used his speech to attack the 'sensational' reporting in the mainstream media, both in print and on television, such as the BBC 'Whistleblower' programme earlier this year, which he said 'painted a picture of childcare in Britain today that is not representative'.
He said, 'Of course, it is right to raise questions, but we should not allow beleagured parents to get caught in the crossfire of debate, nor should we thrust ill-founded opinion on them that may cloud their understanding.'
In her speech, Sheila Scales, early years director at the DCSF, also sought to dispel 'myths' about the EYFS.
'Play has been a constant theme. It's unfortunate that message has not got through to some sections of the national press and has been seen as something that we're trying to stamp out in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Nothing could be less true.'
Conference delegates were shown a recorded message from children's minister Beverley Hughes who, acknowledging that the EYFS had had a difficult birth, said she wanted to explode 'those misconceptions which spread uncertainty and concern among parents, and undermine the goal to build confidence and trust.'
Ms Hughes challenged the view that the EYFS was 'a prescriptive curriculum' and said that claims that the EYFS is an attack on play-based learning were 'deeply ironic, because the EYFS is the strongest guarantor of play-based learning that we could possible have.'
She said, 'We can be introspective and passive, standing by as the sector is spuriously attacked. Or we can take a stand - shout about our achievements and future potential.'