I caught up with Kate Purbrick 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, Kate, what’s one thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
From a very young age, I always knew I wanted to work with young children - I even have a video of my mum interviewing me when I was six, asking what I wanted to be when I grew up. I answered, “a teacher working with young children!”
Now for a slightly trickier question – can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I’m secretly very competitive when it comes to board games!
It’s lovely to have you on the team at Brighter Start – what brought you here?
I’ve always been passionate about giving young children the best possible start, so this is what drew me to Brighter Start. I’m someone who genuinely enjoys learning more about the early years. I’m often seen reading about the EYFS and children's development in my own time!
I love it that Brighter Start is focused on evidence-informed practice and sharing this with educators: it reflects how I like to learn, develop and share ideas with others.
In a nutshell, could you tell us a little about what your role involves?
I’m the hub’s Early Years Learning Lead (EYLL) for Maths. My work is all about supporting educators in the early years to build their confidence, knowledge and practice in early maths.
A big part of this is sharing evidence along with practical approaches that will help maths become part of children’s everyday lives.
It’s early days, but is there a particular piece of work or idea that you’re already excited about?
I’m excited about finding more creative ways for early maths to feel playful and achievable, and supporting educators to recognise and extend the maths that is already happening in children’s everyday play and activities.
What do you think - or hope - you’ll enjoy most about your role?
Definitely working with colleagues who are passionate about the early years!
Also (I hope!) seeing those lightbulb moments when someone thinks, “Oh, I can actually do this.”
I love seeing that transition from theory into practice, and after nearly 20 years as an EYFS teacher, I’m excited to help others turn evidence and ideas into meaningful practice.
What’s the one difference you’d really like to make through your work?
I’d love to help build a culture where every educator feels confident talking about and supporting early maths, and where every child has positive experiences of maths from the very beginning.
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 telling you that I’ve helped lots of educators feel more confident and excited about early maths, and that I’ve seen some positive changes in practice.
Most importantly, I’d love to know that we’ve helped make maths a little more playful, purposeful and enjoyable for young children.
And finally, what’s your favourite spot in East London?
Victoria Park – it’s the perfect place for a wander, a coffee and great food.