I became Lead Practitioner for EYFS in September 2023, when I joined the school. Prior to this, I taught in a EYFS department in another school for learners with SEND. I worked at Perseid when I was a Newly Qualified Teacher (many years ago!) and returned when I saw the role of Lead Practitioner - EYFS. 

I have a strong passion for the EYFS, particularly with regard to children learning through play and engaging in child-initiated learning. I am very passionate about developing the inclusivity of our EYFS setting, to ensure that learners with SEND have access to a high quality, play based provision that research has shown supports young children to make maximum progress – this motivated my decision to apply for the role.

To support my role, I am currently undertaking a Masters with a particular focus on high quality play in a SEND setting such as Perseid. 

Within the role and my career at Perseid, I am responsible for the EYFS (Ladybird Department). This includes coordinating pupils’ transitions into Perseid as new starters, leading the large team of support staff, ensuring pupils assessments are completed and modelling excellent practice as class teacher. Since joining I have worked alongside the Ladybird team to implement high quality play, with a focus on child-initiated learning. We have worked hard to develop our Continuous Provision (the 'freeflow' element) to ensure that children's EYFS and EHCP outcomes are well met. 

Children in the EYFS department are able to have increased autonomy and work towards deep engagement on their highly motivating activities. Children develop their executive functioning skills and are able to problem solve and risk assess more ably through this play-based approach. Play supports children's communication skills as language modelling can happen in the moment, with adults joining children in their play sensitively in order to increase opportunities for learning. 

Whilst in the role, both I, and the whole team at Perseid, hope to continue to develop our EYFS provision to ensure that learners continue to make excellent progress. We hope to continue to research best practice in the EYFS and use this to continue to develop our excellent provision. With the lower school expansion taking place, we are excited to support more children to make excellent progress.