In my work I come across many different areas of child development, some of which are highly specialised. For this reason I work with associates who are experts in their area.

Helen Pretty is highly qualified and experienced in the field of Early Childhood Studies and has extensive experience of working with children with special educational needs. Qualified as a Montessori teacher and also having tutored and assessed students for Montessori Centre International, Helen has been dedicated to using the Montessori philosophy in her childcare business. As part of her commitment to inclusive practice, Helen is able to screen children, from the ages of four to eleven, for dyslexia and other learning difficulties and, where necessary, refer them to a Chartered Educational & Child Psychologist. She also offers specialist teaching and a liaison services within schools, in addition to staff training in the field of Early Years’ and Special Educational Needs.

If you would like further information or an informal chat, please telephone 01625 535805

Gail Ryder Richardson has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and has worked in the Early Years sector for over 25 years in a wide range of roles including advice and support, education inspections and quality assurance. From January 2008 until March 2011 Gail worked for The National Strategies to support and challenge Local Authorities across the South East to improve educational outcomes for children under five years old.

Prior to taking up this position Gail was a Senior Development Officer for Learning through Landscapes, a charity that promotes the value and importance of the outdoor environment for children’s play, learning and development. In this role Gail published a book ‘Creating a Space to Grow’, wrote articles on outdoor play for Nursery World magazine, and contributed to the development of the materials for the Enabling Environment theme within the Early Years Foundation Stage.

In her current role as an independent trainer and consultant she works with organisations, schools and settings to improve the quality of education for children under five through projects, training and advisory visits.

In addition to delivering early years training on a wide range of topics Gail continues to promote the message that Outdoor Matters through her website www.outdoormatters.co.uk

What do delegates think of Gail’s training and consultancy?

‘Very useful with practical ideas on how to make changes and improvements’

‘Interesting session which has provoked ideas for future directions’

‘Good pace and enjoyed the activities’

Kate Muddiman has many years experience running and working in nurseries. She is an NVQ assessor, working in the Cheshire area and a highly experienced trainer, particularly in team work. For information about how Kate can assessor your practitioners during their NVQs, please contact her at kjmuddiman@btinternet.com

Gwyneth McCormack runs Positive Eye, and educational consultancy and training service for professionals who work with children, young people and adults with a visual impairment. Gwyneth can be contacted at www.positiveeye.co.uk