Talking Early Years: In Conversation with Howard Roberts
The Curiosity Code What makes people tick? Why do we care about certain brands—or causes—more than others? And how do we spark genuine emotional connection, not just polite head-nods?…
LEYF News and CEO Blog
Read the latest news and updates from our CEO and the wider LEYF team.
Strengthening Practice Through Research – EECERA
LEYF at EECERA 2025 Wrapped up with a Bow for You! Attending an EECERA conference established by the wonderful Chris Pascal and Tony Bertram has become a LEYF ritual. …
Escape to Baku
One way to avoid the election debates and opinion poll overload is to travel somewhere different. So taking a leaf out of Pierce Brosnan’s book (minus the James Bond car) I…
(Mini Blog) London Ofsted Big Conversation
Welcome to the London #OfstedBigConversation. We are delighted to be able to confirm that we shall be meeting again on 24th June from 12:00pm – 5pm. From Ofsted we…
Welcome to the House of Fun
Last week I met colleagues from the EarlyArts and www.telltalehearts.co.uk. It’s always fun to explore elements of good practice with lively people and we…
The Leader or the Manifesto; is there a Choice?
‘Who are you going to vote for, June?’ – This is the question I am regularly being asked by friends and colleagues. But what is the option? Do I vote…
Nets, Networks and Networking to Create Collective Impact
This week I visited the West Country to speak to a group of people working or interested in working in social enterprise. I really wanted to have a day at…
Wanted: Nursery staff in London – Required: A love of commuting
I have been looking for a house since we sold ours last November and so the issue of housing in London is very real to me. I have been shocked…
A Shout Out for the Childcare Apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week
This National Apprenticeship Week it is time to celebrate the joy and enthusiasm good apprentices bring into an organisation. I have been a supporter of trainees and…
The W Factor: In Praise of the Nursery Practitioner; Ordinary Women doing Extraordinary Things
On the 8th of March we celebrate International Women’s Day which is increasingly turning into a month. In London, the WOW (Women of the World) festival shines…
Coaching us into the Year of the Sheep
Popping into our nursery in Soho which neighbours Chinatown I couldn’t help but notice the preparations to welcome the Chinese Year of the Sheep. Since my…
International Random Acts of Kindness Week
I just came across The International Random Acts of Kindness Week and was rather intrigued by the campaign. It stuck a chord for two reasons: Firstly, LEYF recently…
A Trip to Ireland to Meet a New Baby
On St Brigid’s Day, I took to the skies courtesy of Aer Lingus (under threat of being sold at the moment, another icon in…
A celebration fit of a Queen… or at least Her Majesty’s representative
On Friday the 23rd of January, a date that will now be forever embedded in my memory, I received my MBE from Her Majesty’s Representative The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer…