An introduction to the people behind Brighter Start
I caught up with Rizwana Rahman to find out a little more about her and her involvement in Brighter Start over the last three years.
We talked about her work, her ideas and hopes for the future - and even her favourite spot in East London.
First things first, Rizwana, what’s one thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
I’m very calm and patient and introverted at first, but I open up once I feel comfortable.
Now for a slightly trickier question – can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I ended up being locked in the library (accidentally) for four hours and have never set foot in there since.
Safe to say I passed the exam I was studying hard for!
Can you say a bit about what brought you to Brighter Start in 2023?
I started out working with the children for seven years at Sheringham Nursery School. I was an Early Years Educator and a Room Leader for a year. It was then time for a career change.
I knew I wanted to stay working in education, and this opportunity popped up just at the right time.
In a nutshell, could you tell us what your role involves?
My role involves working with team members and very closely with my partner Meher who keeps me well balanced.
My working days are split between managing social media; being the first point of contact for the hub; managing data and finances; keeping track of deadlines, upcoming events and more.
So, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy!
Which aspect of your work are you most proud of so far?
Recruiting settings that took part in the Early Years Conversation Project (EYCP). It’s been great to see how far the ShREC approach has spread, especially considering I was working on the ground in the nursery when it all began.
It’s heart-warming and pleasing to see the impact that ShREC is having on settings and so many children.
And, looking forward, what are you most excited about for the next phase of the SPH work?
It’s about time our team of three expanded!
It’s wonderful to have Julian Grenier back and to have new team members join us. I’m looking forward to getting to know them, working as a team and using their strengths to focus on better outcomes for children.
What’s the one difference you hope to make through your work?
I want to support educators in getting the best outcomes possible by sharing my knowledge and pointing them to the right resources to guide them.
If I caught up with you in a year’s time, what would you hope to be telling me about?
I’d hope to be saying that I’ve managed to stay balanced and pushed through challenges and changes whilst staying cool.
Also, I’d like to be telling you that I’d built good bonds with the team members.
And finally, what’s your favourite spot in East London?
That’s a tricky one! I miss being a tourist in my own city since I moved out of London. I’d now say that my favourite place to be is at my parents’ home with my parents, siblings and my fur baby (my cat)!