Services
I work as an early years and play consultant in the UK and internationally. My support includes consultancy, training and conference keynotes or workshops - delivered in person or online.
UK schools & settings
Although my work is mainly based in England, I support schools and settings in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re a headteacher wanting to strengthen writing outcomes in your school, a nursery manager looking for support with under-threes, or a Local Authority wanting to provide leadership training, my focus is always on understanding your context and helping you build approaches that make a real and lasting difference for both educators and children. Support can be in person, online, or a blend of both.
Consultancy
Over the past 25 years, I’ve built a strong track record of helping schools and settings enhance the quality of their provision for young learners. I work in partnership with leaders and teams to review current practice, agree clear priorities, and embed changes that truly last. Those I work with frequently share that they feel empowered and inspired by the process, and they see this reflected in improved staff confidence, stronger engagement, and better outcomes for children.
Sample areas of focus
- Raising the quality of learning in play - environments and interactions
- Leadership development in the early years and KS1
- Improving the teaching of early literacy and mathematics
- Supporting children with a diverse range of needs
- Enhancing outdoor learning and play opportunities
Training
I provide training for organisations such as local authorities and academy trusts, as well as for individual schools and early years settings. I take time to understand the context and desired outcomes and to craft interactive and engaging sessions, blending theory with practical strategies and exemplifying these with photos and videos of real practice. Feedback consistently highlights the inspiring and reinvigorating nature of my training, and the tangible impact it has on practice.
Most requested topics
- Ensuring challenge through play
- Supporting language through quality interactions
- Inspiring young writers
- Making play and playful learning work in KS1
- A relational approach to supporting positive behaviour
- Developing stimulating play spaces
Keynotes & workshops
I regularly speak at conferences, delivering keynote speeches alongside follow-up workshops designed to deepen the learning. With over 25 years of public speaking experience in early years education, I bring expertise and credibility to every event. My talks are always current and evidence-informed, combining clarity with energy and warmth. Delegates consistently describe my sessions as engaging and memorable, with clear messages that resonate long afterwards and inspire real change in practice.
Popular keynote titles
- The Power of Play
- Interactions Matter
- What Every Headteacher Needs to Know About The Early Years
- Becoming a Reader
- Making Maths Matter
- Supporting Young Autistic Learners
International Work
I work with international schools across different curricula and contexts. Support mirrors my UK offer - consultancy, CPD and keynotes, with a strong focus on play-based pedagogy, leadership, and adapting practice for diverse settings. Delivery can be in person or online.
Current international events and programmes include: Leadership Coaching Retreat (Thailand), EYs & KS1 Conference (Malaysia), EYs & Primary Writing Conference (Thailand) and EYs Writing Conference (China). Partners in Play Learning Programme for International Teaching ssistants (online) See Events for dates and details.
Enquire about international support
On-demand professional learning
Alongside live work, I offer on-demand CPD through The Place to Learn — a growing library of short training films and webinars for whole teams or individuals. Members get unlimited access to 100+ hours of input, with reflection tasks, action planning, certificates and the option to learn together or at your own pace.
How I work
Listen
I clarify what you need and agree outcomes.
Plan
I create a proposal for you to review
Deliver
Consultancy,
coaching, course
or conference
Follow up.
I share tools and materials to support impact
Ready to chat?
Tell me a bit about your context and what you’d like to achieve, and I’ll suggest a simple plan and dates.
Contact Me