Our Trainers

Head of Regional Development

Nikki is a director of Early Excellence and a key member of our Strategic Leadership Team. She connects with LA, MATs, schools and settings to discuss and shape bespoke programmes of support, and she co-ordinates the work of the Curriculum Team who deliver onsite consultancy and training. Nikki brings with her over 20yrs experience of supporting school improvement, helping to develop quality EYFS and KS1 practice in schools. Previously Nikki taught for 10yrs in both the EYFS and KS1 and worked for Leicestershire County Council as a Senior Improvement Advisor providing support and challenge to childminders, settings and schools. She also led the Early Learning and Childcare Service where she worked strategically to support leaders and managers in Teaching Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.

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Senior Education Lead

With a keen eye on the national agenda, policy developments, research and practice, Phil is a key member of our Strategic Leadership Team. He leads on educational developments and their implications for schools, offering consultancy and training to schools across England and internationally, focused on school improvement priorities. Previously Phil has worked for over 20yrs across the early years and primary sector, including teacher, leader and headship positions. Phil was also the Head of an integrated early years centre. With a passion for collaborative practice and professional development; Phil has worked in partnership with early years settings, schools, teaching schools and local authorities to develop and deliver personalised programmes to meet their needs.

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School Improvement Lead

Sarah is a key member of our Strategic Leadership Team. Focused on designing, developing and delivering School Improvement Services, she offers expert support to senior leaders who need help in driving forward their improvement priorities in EYFS & KS1. Sarah brings over 20yrs experience in school improvement having been an EYFS Leader, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and Headteacher. She places high-value on quality CPD, collaboration and support and is highly-experienced at strategic planning for sustained school improvements. During her career, Sarah held many leadership posts in a wide range of subjects including Literacy and Maths and, as an Infant School Head for 7yrs, she led sustained development of teaching and learning, pedagogy and provision achieving significant improvements in outcomes.

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Curriculum Consultant & EYFS Trainer

Andy Burt is a highly experienced EYFS Trainer and a member of the EEX Curriculum Team. Previously an EYFS teacher and school leader, Andy has explored open-ended, creative and innovative approaches to learning over a number of years. Research done in collaboration with Professor Pat Broadhead focusing on Andy’s work in the classroom, led to the exploration of the importance of open-ended role play and the development of ‘whatever you want it to be’ role play areas.

Curriculum Consultant & EYFS Trainer

Matthew Sayer is a highly experienced EYFS Trainer and a member of the EEX Curriculum Team, having worked in early education for many years. Matthew has taught and led the EYFS and lectured in Early Years at Canterbury Christchurch University. He also has experience as an Early Years Adviser providing advice, support and challenge to local settings and schools across Kent County Council.

Curriculum Consultant & KS1 Trainer

Nova Robinson is a highly experienced KS1 Trainer and a member of the EEX Curriculum Team. Nova has taught children from YR to Y6 with roles including Deputy Head and Assistant Head holding responsibility for EYFS and KS1. Her expertise lies in developing a broad and balanced curriculum supported by an effective learning environment that enables children to acquire and apply knowledge through independent work and enquiry. Nova is experienced in peer to peer support and delivering KS1 CPD and training.

Curriculum Consultant & EYFS Trainer

Clare is a highly accomplished teacher and leader, who has been at the forefront of school improvement and leadership in both Kent and Cambridgeshire. Clare has held senior roles including Head of Early Years and  Children’s Centre Strategic Manager as well as Assistant and Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher.  She has worked with Local Authorities, MAT’s and schools using her passion and Early Years specialism to drive school improvement and pupil outcomes. Clare is a highly regarded leader in school improvement, curriculum development and high quality learning environments with proven knowledge of early childhood development 3-7yrs.

Associate Curriculum Consultant

Helen Tate is a highly dynamic school leader and trainer whose experiences include teaching in Early Years and Key Stage 1, being part of a school leadership team and a deputy head teacher of a Teaching School. As part of her role as trainer and consultant within the Early Years Sector, she works closely with head teachers, senior leaders and practitioners across a variety of pre-school and school settings, supporting the development of high quality Early Years provision within the Foundation Stage.

Associate Curriculum Consultant

Jude is a highly talented early years consultant and trainer. She has a background steeped in Early Years having held a range of roles, first as a YR Teacher and then later as an Early Years Consultant and Children’s Centre Teacher. A trained NVQ Assessor and Ofsted Inspector, Jude has delivered training with BEAM on early years maths and collaborated with Michael Jones as co-author of Let’s Talk About Maths.

Curriculum Consultant & EYFS Trainer

Llewella is an experienced teacher and school leader specialising in the Early Years and KS1. She has held roles such as EYFS Lead, Assistant Headteacher and been the Early Years Advisor for a large MAT. Before joining Early Excellence, Llewella worked for Coventry City Council as their Early Years Learning and Development Advisor where she supported a wide variety of schools, settings and MATs to improve quality and outcomes for children. Llewella’s expertise lies in teacher development and quality improvement, including the delivery of CPD, coaching and supporting teachers and leaders to improve their practice and pedagogy.