I caught up with Julian Grenier to find out a little more about him: what brought him to Brighter Start and what he’s looking forward to in his new role.
We talked about his ideas, his hopes, and even his favourite spot in East London.
First things first, Julian, what’s one thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
My first job in early years was in Sheffield, over 30 years ago. I was a young teacher put in charge of a nursery class – thankfully there was a brilliant team of nursery nurses to look after me and show me the ropes. I learnt so much from them. I’ve been hooked on early years ever since.
Now for a slightly trickier question – can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
Many years ago, I gave a visitor from Prague a lift to the airport, pointing out various landmarks on the way. “There’s Westminster Abbey, of course.” She replied, “Well, I know very little about London, but I’m certain it’s not.”
It was the Natural History Museum.
It’s lovely to have you on the team at Brighter Start – what brought you here?
I actually set up Brighter Start Stronger Practice Hub originally before I moved on from the headship at Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre. In the last couple of years, I’ve been working at the Education Endowment Foundation on resources to support educators put evidence into action.
So, when the job came up to lead the expanded Hub team it seemed like a great opportunity to get back onto the frontline and work directly with settings, schools and childminders in East London again.
In a nutshell, could you tell us a little about what your role involves?
There are two things I'm particularly focused on. The first is bringing people together. We have incredible expertise across our eight boroughs. I want the Hub to help educators learn from one another and access high-quality support. The second is making sure equity runs through everything we do, especially for children and families facing the greatest barriers.
Day to day, that means working with local authorities, childminders, settings and schools on a range of professional development opportunities to achieve those outcomes. We have a newly expanded team of staff who are experts in early years, and who can deliver free high-quality training and provide face to face support and coaching. My job is to bring it all together and make it happen.
It’s early days, but is there a particular piece of work or idea that you’re already excited about?
I’m really excited about the Language, Maths and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) programmes which we will be offering shortly.
Programme like these really matter. I remember years ago a mother telling me at the end of her child’s time in nursery that we’d ‘changed his life’. We did that through lots of patient emotional support, helping them both to feel stronger and more confident, and by working collaboratively to help him develop his communication. Without support and professional development for the team, we’d never have done that.
What do you think - or hope - you’ll enjoy most about your role?
I hugely admire the work that’s going on across our region – there are so many dedicated people working in the sector. I’ll enjoy working with them, supporting them, learning from them, and seeing the difference it makes to the children.
What’s the one difference you’d really like to make through your work?
I'd like every child, whatever their needs or background, to feel included, valued and able to succeed in their early years and beyond. If the Hub can help everyone who works in early years feel more confident in supporting every child, we'll know we're making a difference.
If I caught up with you in a year’s time, what would you hope to be telling me about?
The impact we’ve had to keep improving provision for children with emerging needs. So many of us feel pressured, even overwhelmed, by the challenges we’re facing – but we have huge strengths across East London, too, and when we come together and support each other, we can do even greater things.
And finally, what’s your favourite spot in East London?
There are too many to choose from. But I’m just about to head to Quarantacinque café in Roman Road, near Bethnal Green Tube – I think they do the best coffee in London! So, I’m giving my favourite little Italian café the prize.