I caught up with Alice Greenwood to find out a little more about her: what brought her to Brighter Start and what she’s looking forward to in her new role.
We talked about her ideas, her hopes, and even her favourite spot in East London.
First things first, Alice, what’s one thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
I’m passionate about making sure every child gets the best possible start. I’m also a real ‘people person’: I love working with others, sharing ideas and finding practical solutions together.
Now for a slightly trickier question – can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that I spent six months living on a ranch in America, training horses and teaching children to ride. Quite a different experience from the classroom!
It’s lovely to have you on the team at ‘Brighter Start’ – what brought you here?
After many years working in school leadership, I’m ready for a new challenge where I can use my experience beyond one school. I love the idea of working across lots of different settings.
I’m also keen to work alongside others, sharing what I know and learning from them too.
In a nutshell, could you tell us a little about what your role involves?
I’m the Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor.
A big part of my work is getting out into schools and settings, meeting educators and leaders and understanding what’s already working well. It’s then about looking at where we can share evidence-informed approaches, offer practical support and help settings learn from one another.
So, in all, it’s very much about working alongside people rather than coming in with the answers.
It’s early days, but is there a particular piece of work or idea that you’re already excited about?’
I’m really looking forward to getting out into settings.
One of the things I enjoy most is seeing how different people do things - there’s always something new to learn and an idea you can take away and share with someone else.
What do you think - or hope - you’ll enjoy most about your role?
Definitely the variety and the people. No two settings are the same.
I’m really looking forward to meeting educators and leaders across Northeast London, seeing the brilliant practice that’s already happening and finding ways to share ideas and learn from one another.
What’s the one difference you’d really like to make through your work?
I’d like to help make sure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, whatever their starting point or individual needs.
I’ll be sneaky and add a second - I’d also like the educators and leaders I work with to feel genuinely supported, and for the changes we make together to be realistic, useful and lasting.
If I caught up with you in a year’s time, what would you hope to be telling me about?
I’d hope I’d be telling you about some brilliant settings and people I’ve had the chance to work with, and about the relationships I’ve built along the way.
I’d also love to have some real examples of things we’ve worked on together that have made a noticeable difference for children.
And finally, what’s your favourite spot in East London?
Victoria Park. I love spending time there with my husband and children, as well as catching up with friends. It’s definitely one of my favourite places to spend a weekend!