I caught up with Ruth Mercer 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, Ruth, what’s one thing you’d like our readers to know about you?
I have worked in various roles, with a range of providers in the maintained and PVI sectors. I appreciate how every setting is different, with its own strengths and challenges.
Now for a slightly trickier question – can you tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
I am still practising the art of smooth freestyle swimming! It’s been an ongoing quest for a few years.
It’s lovely to have you on the team at Brighter Start – what brought you here?
A good friend and colleague signposted me to the advert for the post. I thought it could potentially bring my experiences and skills together into one role.
I feel very fortunate to have been offered the post. It will be great to build on my own learning with this particular focus on PSED development for 2–4-year-olds.
In a nutshell, could you tell us a little about what your role involves?
As an Early Years Learning Lead (EYLL) for Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), I aim to strengthen PSED provision across the early years settings we work with. This involves providing high-quality professional development across settings in eight local authorities.
It’s early days, but is there a particular piece of work or idea that you’re already excited about?
I am keen to further my own learning and knowledge of evidence-based practice in PSED and make this accessible to colleagues so that they can embed it into their practice.
What do you think - or hope - you’ll enjoy most about your role?
Meeting some great people along the way: in settings, local authorities and other agencies.
I’m glad to be working as part of a newly created team where I hope to build on my expertise and share it effectively.
What’s the one difference you’d really like to make through your work?
To enable educators in the early years to practise reflectively and find out more about how young children learn. I’d love to inspire them to want to deepen their knowledge and skills so that they can make a difference to the lives of young children.
If I caught up with you in a year’s time, what would you hope to be telling me about?
Some success stories of inroads with evidence-based practice … and that I have mastered my swimming technique!
And finally, what’s your favourite spot in East London?
Epping Forest is my place to be - for gentle weekend runs, deep breathing and restoration.