Having worked in the Education sector in England for over 20 years, I became a professional and expert in early years. Holding a BA Honours Degree and Masters Degree in Education Studies, I have dedicated 14 years of studies and research to the development of the field.

I gained valuable experiences from my 20 years in education, working in the independent sector, public schools and nursery settings in England. I had my first child in 2008, and felt that I needed a change from working in a small, private, independent nursery. This is where I began my BA Hons Degree in Education and Professional Development, which led me to teaching my first class in Further Education back in 2009. 

Not stopping there, I continued to expand my expertise in a range of roles, leading nursery teams and dipping in and out of teaching. I felt this was a great balance to keep my knowledge current in both the teaching profession and the early years, whilst keeping my sanity as a mother, working with other children and working a full time job. The adaptable skills I had, gave me flexibility in my work preferences. Eventually, I began teaching in Higher Education, where I led Foundation Degree programmes. I found myself providing a lot of mentoring and coaching support, alongside academic writing skills during tutorials with my students. This extended to more personal coaching support during visits to my students' workplaces. This made me question the levels of support, or indeed lack of support, Early Years Practitioner's are receiving in order to maintain their happiness in their roles.

In recent years, I expanded my reach in supporting early years practitioners and delivered online CPD courses funded by the UK government, which aimed to support speech, language and communication in early years settings. Alongside this, I started providing freelance English lessons to individuals, offering these internationally. Within these services upon building relationships with practitioners, it was still evident that the practitioners still needed more focus and support, not only in their careers but also their mental health and wellbeing. This led me to start up Practitioner's Platform. 

Upon reflection of my 20 years working within the early years sector, so much focus was on the outcomes and development of the children, but there was very little emphasis on the practitioners who actually support them. Whilst I support the narrative of developing and improving children's outcomes, I am also a strong believer that this can only be done most effectively, when you have a happy workforce who is willing and able to provide those opportunities. Therefore, it was important for me to keep this narrative but bring an emphasis onto supporting the workforce. It was time to give the practitioners a platform. A platform where Practitioners can feel safe and supported, a platform where Practitioners can openly discuss challenges and sector debates in a confidential space with like-minded professionals, a platform where Practitioners can explore online CPD opportunities and find the support to enhance their career goals and confidence in themselves. 

To all the EYP's out there, I truly hope you find all that you need to elevate your skills and your confidence here on Practitioners Platform. I hear you, I see you. You are a workforce to be reckoned with.

Much love, Becca

Founder and CEO