Who is this for?
Early Years leaders at all levels, including room leaders, deputy managers, and setting leaders who are responsible for leading others and shaping team culture.
Especially those who:
- Find themselves reacting in the moment rather than choosing how to respond
- Feel stretched, under pressure, or pulled in multiple directions
- Want to support others without always stepping in
Is beginning to see themselves as a leader (formally or informally)
What will you do?
- Notice your default leadership patterns
- Reflect on how these show up in everyday moments
- Practise small shifts to move from reacting to responding
- Try out simple strategies in real situations
What are the benefits?
- Greater self-awareness as a leader
- Reduced pressure from “holding everything”
- Stronger, more empowered teams
- A more intentional and sustainable approach to leadership
How can you seek help?
Email info@alwaysgrowing.co.uk with all of your questions and if you would like tailored support in your setting from one of our team. Also, keep the following points in mind when you need support:
- Seek support through supervision or sharing reflections with a colleague you trust
- Observe others and notice different approaches
- Gain feedback from others, eg “What do you notice about how I respond in busy or pressured moments?”
Sharing what we know – Meet our first guest Course Contributor: Jenny Weidner
Jenny is an executive coach, author and education consultant with over 20 years’ experience across the early years and wider education system. She works with leaders and teams to embed evidence‑informed approaches that strengthen practice, decision‑making, and outcomes for children and families.
A former Nursery Director and Deputy Headteacher, Jenny brings practical insight and understands the challenges leaders face in translating strategy into everyday practice. She holds Level 7 coaching qualifications and is a Chartered Manager, with a strong focus on leadership development and organisational culture.
Jenny has worked with local authorities, nursery groups, multi-academy trusts and national organisations through coaching and strategic consultancy. She is particularly interested in how leaders translate insight into everyday practice in ways that are relational, inclusive, and achievable for the workforce. She is the author of a forthcoming Routledge book, Coaching for Effective Leadership in the Early Years.
If you are interested in contributing something you are passionate and knowledgeable about to this platform, please reach out to Lewis@alwaysgrowing.co.uk.