Early Years speakers and trainers

Tracey Dawson is an Early Year’s consultant for HFL Education working with PVI providers providing care and education to children between the ages of 0-5yrs. Tracey holds a Master's degree in Early Years education and has experience as an Early Years Ofsted inspector. She is currently a mentor for the childminding DFE programme. During her time at HFL - Tracey has also played a key role in developing the Terrific Talkers programme. Tracey has a passion for working with children aged 2 years and under, in particular embedding the key person approach effectively and providing rich sensory experiences that captivate young children’s curiosity.  

Jo Watkins is an Early Years Consultant for HFL Education working daily with PVI providers providing care and education to children aged 0-5years. Jo also works for the DfE as part of the Covid recovery programme mentoring settings, leaders and practitioners in settings further afield. As an experienced practitioner, manager, mentor and consultant in Early Years, Jo has a passion for promoting quality of care for children under the age of two. A belief that laying the foundations of children’s educational development starts in infancy drives Jo to educate others on the importance of the role that practitioners in the baby room have, to begin to shape little minds.  

Jo’s training and passion for working with under twos explores the possibilities that are available to discover in the baby room and how to unlock the potential awe and wonder. Jo unpicks some of the common misconceptions of working with babies and discusses the magic of providing care, professional love and play for the youngest children in settings.

Louise is passionate about the importance of warm relationships and high-quality interactions to improve children’s outcomes and close the disadvantaged gap. She is also interested in Early Years’ research and holds an MSc from the University of Oxford looking at how role-play within Early Years’ provision can develop children’s aspirations and enhance their experiences.

Louise also works with the DfE Covid Recovery Program as an Area Lead, and she is an Early Years Ofsted Inspector for the East Region.
 

Emma Wild is a Senior Early Years Consultant for HFL Education and works across the PVI sector and  schools. Emma holds a post graduate certificate in Early Years. Emma has a wealth of experience in working with family centres and operated her own company for ten years working directly with families. During Emma’s time at HFL she has led the launch of ‘50 Things to Do in Hertfordshire’ and continues to promote the importance of collaborative working between communities, families, schools, and Early Years settings. Emma’s passion lies with helping parents to support their children to reach their potential, working in partnership with schools and settings. Emma has written blogs on this subject. 

Jennie Ferguson is an Early Years Adviser for HFL Education working directly with schools, EYFS leaders and practitioners. During Jennie’s time as HFL she has been instrumental in developing and successfully rolling out the Smooth Transitions Toolkit. Jennie is passionate about supporting the most vulnerable children in each class or setting cohort. Jennie regularly writes blogs and delivers training on addressing the disadvantage gap.

Shardi Vaziri is an Early Years Adviser for HFL Education working directly with schools, EYFS leaders and practitioners and is also an Early Years Ofsted inspector. Shardi has a particular passion for loose parts and creating sustainable provision. She has written many blogs covering topics such as quality Early Years teaching, classroom practice and provision. She has a love of outdoor learning, and neutral and natural classrooms, which promote an inclusive environment as well as supporting wellbeing and mental health.