Meet the School Improvement Team
Choose Early Excellence as your specialist school improvement partner and gain access to an unrivalled breadth of expertise in the strategic leadership of EYFS & KS1. Our highly specialist School Improvement Team, all National Leaders or Headteachers, offer high level, challenging professional dialogues to unpick in detail the strengths and areas of development around the quality and impact of your Early Years and Infant Phases.
Offering advice, guidance, support and facilitation whilst undertaking the role of a ‘critical and constructive friend’ – this partnership will drive forward sustainable improvements.
Sarah Carey
Head of Regional Development
Sarah is our Head of Regional Development for the Midlands & East of England. She is a member of the EEx Strategic Leadership Team. 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.
Phil Armstrong
Head of Regional Development
Phil is our Head of Regional Development for the South of England as well as leading on our work with British International Schools. He is a member of the Strategic Leadership Team who shape the work of EEx. 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.
Nikki Walters
Head of Regional Development
Nikki is a member of the Strategic Leadership Team who shape the work of EEX. 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.
Andy Burt
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.
Matthew Sayer
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.
Nova Robinson
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.
Lynda Trueman
Leadership Consultant
Lynda is a highly experienced school leader having spent over 35yrs in school and LA roles. Her expertise in curriculum and pedagogy has developed through her teaching and leadership in both infant and primary schools, culminating in Head of a very successful Nursery and Primary school. Lynda’s LA roles included Early Years Advisor; School Inspector; Head of the School Improvement Partnership team; and Head of the Early Years and Childcare Service. Through her strategic support for settings and schools, Lynda earned a strong reputation for her inspirational leadership and contribution to LA wide improvements in both pupil achievement and inspection outcomes.
