PROVIDING early years EXPERTISE SINCE 2018

I can speak, join panels, host, train, coach, or consult on various topics.

Schedule an appointment with me.

SPEAKING

I am available as a speaker, panellist, host, trainer, coach, or consultant on a variety of subjects. I have experience speaking at events, schools, companies, and on TV, radio, and podcasts.

EXPERTISE

I can cover a variety of early years subjects including gender and LGBT+ inclusive practive, equality and inclusion, race and racism, issues of social justice, my own experience as a practitioner, and topics on request.

dELIVERY

Expertise can be delivered in individual or group settings, in person or online. All content can be pre-recorded for CPD training with built in activities and discussion points.

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  • I deliver keynotes that inspire and educate audiences on the critical aspects of early childhood education, equality, and inclusion.

    With my experience and understanding of the field, my presentations aim to be thought-provoking and engaging and make complex topics accessible and relevant to educators.

    Drawing on research and my personal insights, I provide an alternative perspective that challenges and motivates audiences to think differently about early childhood education.

  • I offer interactive workshops designed to empower educators and professionals. These sessions focus on practical strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational settings. Participants leave with actionable insights and tools that they can implement in their practice. My workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of each audience, ensuring that every participant benefits from the experience.

  • I provide consultancy services to early years settings and educational organisations. My consultancy work includes strategic planning, policy development, and program evaluation, with a particular focus on enhancing equity and inclusion.

    I work collaboratively with clients to identify challenges and develop tailored solutions that drive positive change and improve outcomes for all children. My consultancy services are grounded in evidence-based practices and informed by my extensive experience in the field.

  • As a host, I bring a professional and dynamic presence to conferences, seminars, and educational events. My ability to connect with diverse audiences and facilitate meaningful discussions ensures that events run smoothly and effectively. My hosting services include moderating panels, leading Q&A sessions, and providing insightful commentary that enhances the overall experience for participants.

  • I am available for interviews on a wide range of topics related to early childhood education. Whether discussing my latest research, sharing insights on current educational issues, or offering commentary on policy developments, I provide valuable perspectives that contribute to informed public discourse.Item description

Who I’ve worked with

Past engagements

  • July 2024 - Speaker on Nurturing Diversity: Embedding Anti-Discriminatory Practice in Education'. For The Education People (TEP) Kent. Delivered onlien.

    July 2024 - Guest Lecture on EYITT Training : inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination training. Delivered online.

    June 2024 - Speaker for Nesta Talks. Delivered online.

    June 2024 - Conference Presentation on 'Diversity in Unity: nurturing de/colonial habits in play through Froebelian pedagogies.'. For Philosophy at Play Conference. Madrid, Spain.

    June 2024 - Workshop Lead on 'Embedding Anti-Racist practice into the Early Years'. For BAND. Delivered in person. Bristol England.

    May 2024 - Workshop Lead ‘Embedding Anti-Racist practice into the Early Years’. For London Early Years Music Network . Delivered online. .

    May 2024 - Workshop Lead on ‘EYITT Training Day 11: inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination training’. For E-Qualitas EYITT. Delivered online.

    April 2024 - Keynote on ‘Anti-Racism in the Early Years: Reflect and Connect’. For NannyCon 2024. Delivered in person in Farringdon, England.

    March 2024 - Workshop lead on ‘Anti-discriminatory practice - putting theory into action’. For Feltham Early Years Network Delivered in-person, Reach Children's Hub. Feltham, England

    March 2024 - Speaker on Promoting anti-discriminatory practice in the early years. For Knowsley Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2024. Delivered online.

    February 2024 - Speaker on Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Practice in Early Years Settings. For Early Years Inspections Digital Conference. Westminster Insight. Delivered online.

    February 2024 - Workshop Lead on ‘Promoting anti-discriminatory practice in the early years’. For The Nursery World Show 2024. London, England.

    January 2024 - Panellist on ‘Workforce Wellbeing in the Early Years’. For For ‘Early Years in Mind’ Network. Anna Freud. Delivered online.

    January 2024 - Guest Lecture on ‘Black educators in (white) settings: Making racial identity visible in Early Childhood Education and Care in England, UK’. For Lancaster University, ‘Promoting Social Justice through Education’ postgraduate module. Online.

    January 2024- Workshop Lead on ‘Anti-discriminatory practice - putting theory into action Session’. For Feltham Early Years Network. London, England.

    January 2024 - Speaker on ‘Anti-discriminatory practice with a focus on Communication and Language’. For Connections and Conversations: High Quality Interactions In The Early Years, Newham Nursery Schools Conference 2024. London, England.

  • November 2023 Speaker on ‘Anti-discriminatory practice in the early years’. For Early Education AGM. Delivered online.

    October 2023 - Workshop Lead on ‘LGBTQ+ Visibility ‘. For Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare Ltd.(BAND), Delivered online.

    September 2023 - Panellist on ‘Gender Diversity in Early Childhood’. For We Play Festival. Edinburgh, Scotland.

    September 2023 - Research Presentation on Diversity in Unity: nurturing anti-racist habits in play through Froebelian pedagogies. BERA Conference 2023. Birmingham, England.

    September 2023 - Speaker on ‘Pecha Kucha - Provoking play’. For We Play Festival. Edinburgh, Scotland.

    September 2023 - Workshop Lead on ‘Promoting Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice’. For Exploring the Power of Play 2023. Hampshire, England.

    September 2023 ‘ Speaker’ on ‘Equality, inclusion and Anti-Racism approaches in the Early Years’. For Hackney Children and Family Hubs Away Day. London, England.

    August 2023 - Workshop lead ‘'Embedding Anti-Racism in the Early Years - full day course’. For private nursery. Wiltshire, England.

    August 2023 - Speaker on ‘Reimagining Equality and Inclusion’. For Monkey Puzzle Festi 2023. Woking England.

    July 2023 - Speaker on ‘Bringing our Full Selves to Work: Reflections on staff diversity’. For The Voice of Early Childhood Conference. Nottingham, England.

    June 2023 - Research Presentation on ‘Examining the value of beach schools for children through photo-elicitation methods.’ For School of Education Research Day, Bath Spa University. Bath, England.

    June 2023 Workshop Lead on ‘Embedding Anti-Racism in the Early Years - short course’. For Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND). Delivered online.

    June 2023 - Speaker on ‘Supporting Inclusion through Social Justice in the Early Years’. For UHI Inverness ‘Gender and Inclusion in Early Years Practice: Challenges and Opportunities’ Conference. Inverness, Scotland.

    March 2023 - Speaker on ‘Conversations about Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusion’. For City of London ‘Early Years Speech Language and Communication Conference' 2023’. London, England.

    March 2023 - Workshop lead on ‘How to create an anti-racist EY curriculum’. For HfL 2023 National Race Equity Conference: Time to Act. Delivered online.

    March 2023 - Research presentation on ‘Diversity in Unity’. For Froebel Trust Online Conference 2023. Delivered online (pre-recorded).

    March 2023 - Workshop lead on ‘No Limits: Supporting Gender-Inclusive Practice in the Early Years’. For EYFS: Brent Early Years Conference 2023 - Back to Basics. London, England.

    February 2023 - Speaker on ‘Supporting social justice in the early years, maintaining equity and inclusion on a daily basis’. For Early Education Edinburgh & The Lothians Branch. Delivered online.

    February 2023 - Workshop Lead on ‘Keeping gender on the agenda: Men in the early years’. For The Nursery World Show 2023. London, England.

    January 2023 - Guest Lecture on ‘Black educators in (white) settings: Making racial identity visible in Early Childhood Education and Care in England, UK’. For Lancaster University, ‘Promoting Social Justice through Education’ postgraduate module. Online.

  • December 2022 - Podcast feature for Edge Hill University Early Years Education B-Vlog. Online.

    November 2022 - Respondent for ‘Ethnicity & the early years workforce: A census of staff in maintained nursery schools in England’. BERA. Online. (recorded, member access only).

    October 2022 - Workshop Lead on 'Affirm and Celebrate: Supporting Gender and LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practice in Early Childhood’. Wirral Borough Council Early Years Conference. Online.

    September 2022 - Workshop lead on ‘Anti-Racist Pedagogy in the Early Years’. For EPOP 2022 Festival. Hampshire, England.

    September 2022 - Speaker on ‘Reflections on Social Justice in the Early Years’. For Early Years Scotland Annual National Conference: Diversity and Distinction in Early Learning and Childcare. Glasgow. Scotland.

    September 2022 Speaker on ‘Supporting inclusive practice through social justice in the early years’. For Achieving for Children Annual Early Years Conference 2022 - One life…one chance. Online.

    August 2022 - Research Presentation on ‘Liminal Relationalities: On collaborative writing with/in and against race in the study of early childhood’. For EECERA 2022. Glasgow, Scotland.

    August 2022 Presentation on ‘Liminal Relationalities’ (delivered ‘Petcha Kucha’ style)’ for FLOW Children's Biennial as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Online.

    July 2022 Speaker for The International Montessori Institute Conference - Advancing Social Justice Through Education.

    July 2022 Speaker for ‘Ethnicity and the Early Years Workforce in Maintained Nursery Schools across England’. For BERA Early Childhood Education and Care SIG. Online.

    June 2022 - Speaker on ‘Reflections on social justice in Early Years’. For Childcare & Education Expo. Bolton, England.

    June 2022 - Speaker for ‘National Early Years Debate: A convergence of minds about the status of play’. Online.

    May 2022 Co-Chair for SERA Early Years Network event: ‘Exploring language and emotions with storytelling and puppets’ Online.

    April 2022 - Q&A Host for Froebel Spring Webinar: Children & Nature. Online here..

    April 2022 - Research Presentation on ‘Liminal Relationalities: On collaborative writing with/in and against race in the study of early childhood’. For BSA Virtual Annual Conference 2022. Online.

    April 2022 - Workshop lead on ‘The role of gender in the early years’. For Best Practice Network, The Virtual Staff Room. Online.

    March 2022 - Workshop lead on Supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive practice for Birth to 5 Matters Online Spring Festival. Online.

    March 2022 - Speaker on ‘Keeping Childhood Political: Reflections on social justice in the early years’. For North West Ofsted Big Conversation. Online.

    March 2022 - Speaker on ‘Race Equity within the Early Years’. For London Borough of Ealing Early Years Conference.

    March 2022 - Workshop lead on ‘Boys and girls unlimited: Promoting a gender diverse curriculum in the early years’. For Herts for Learning National Early Years Conference 2022. Online

    February 2022 - Workshop lead on ‘Not Being Neutral: Foregrounding social justice in the early years’. For St Helens Early Years Hub Summit Event. Online.

    February 2022 - Training on ‘Race and racism in the early years’. For East Renfrewshire Council. Online.

    February 2022 - Training on ‘Boys and girls unlimited: Promoting a gender diverse curriculum in the early years’. For East Renfrewshire Council. Online.

    February 2022 - Research Presentation on ‘Liminal Relationalities: On collaborative writing with/in and against race in the study of early childhood’. For European Congress of Qualitative Inquiry 2022. Online.

  • December 2021 - Podcast feature for Herts for Learning. Available here and on Spotify here.

    November 2021 - Q&A Host for ‘Urgency of Slow’ Webinar. Froebel Trust. Online here.

    November 2021 - Speaker on ‘A Career in the Early Years?’. For Business in the Community NI and Speakers for Schools. Online.

    October 2021 - Research Presentation on ‘Making Racial Identity Visible in Early Childhood Education’. For Early Childhood Forum. Online, recording available.

    September 2021 - Roundtable Speaker on ‘Birth to 5 Matters – the Curriculum Discussion’. For Birth to 5 Matters. Online.

    September 2021 - Panellist on ‘Effective Delivery of the EYFS 2021 – Supported by Birth to 5 Matters’. For Childcare and Education Expo. Coventry, England.

    July 2021 - Workshop Lead on ‘Understanding race and racism: A primer for early years practitioners’. For Kinderly Learn. Online.

    June 2021 - Panellist on BBC Radios 4’s Rethink series. Available here.

    May 2021 - Speaker on ‘Toward Political Childhoods’. For Upstart’s Play is the Way – Book Group 7 – Inclusion, Equality & Diversity. Online, recorded .

    March 2021 - Speaker on ‘Race and Racism in the Early Years’. For The Tapestry Education Conference: Reflecting on Anti-racism in the Early Years. Online.

    March 2021 - Speaker on ‘Promoting Gender Diversity among the Profession #MMOAKITEY’. For Men in Childcare. Edinburgh College. Online.

    March 2021 - Speaker on ‘Promoting Gender Diversity among the Profession #MMOAKITEY’. For UWS Early Years Professional Practice Learning week. Online.

    March 2021 - Guest Speaker for ‘Scottish Government CPL: Gender and Language Webinar’. Online

    February 2021 – Panellist at ‘Birth to Five Matters: Have Your Say’. For Childcare & Education Virtual Summit. Online.

    February 2021 – Chair for ‘#SERAconnects Early Years: Racism and Wellbeing in the Early Years. For SERA Early Years Network. Online.

    February 2021 – Speaker on ‘Inclusive Practice’ for Birth to Five Matters – a KEYU event. Online.

    January 2021 - Workshop Lead on 'Boys and Girls Unlimited: Promoting Gender Diversity In Early Childhood'. Presented to St Helen's EYHUB Virtual Summit 2021. Online.

  • December 2020 - Roundtable Speaker on 'National curriculum: knowledge vs child-centred practise, inclusive pedagogy' for The Black Policy Institute. Online.

    November 2020 - Research Presentation on 'Race and Racisms in Early Childhood'. Presented to The University of Manchester Childhood Research Group. Online.

    September 2020 - Workshop Lead on 'Race and Racisms in Early Childhood'. Presented to Childcare & Education Virtual Summit. Online.

    July 2020 - Workshop Lead on 'No Well-being Until All Black Children are Well: Addressing Race and Racism in Educational Spaces'. Presented to 'NQT in a Recovery Curriculum: Supporting Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference'. Video here. Online.

    June 2020 - Research Presentation* on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood: Identifying how heteronormative practices are maintained, constrained, and can be disrupted in early childhood in Scotland, UK'. Presented to Gender and Education Conference 2020: Gender Complexity, Collaboration, Connectedness (GC3). Calgary, Canada.*Cancelled due to coronavirus.

    May 2020 - Research Presentation on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood: Identifying how heteronormative practices are maintained, constrained, and can be disrupted in early childhood in Scotland, UK'. Presented to ATGender Spring Conference. London, England.*Cancelled due to coronavirus.

    April 2020 - Research Presentation* on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood: Identifying how heteronormative practices are maintained, constrained, and can be disrupted in early childhood in Scotland, UK'. Presented to BSA Annual Conference 2020: Reimagining Social Bodies: Self, Institutions and Societies. Birmingham, England. *Cancelled due to coronavirus.

    February 2020 - Research Presentation on 'Gender and Heteronormativity in Early Learning and Childcare’. Presented at SERA Early Years Network: Spring Event “Evolving practitioner identities". Glasgow, Scotland.

    February 2020 - Guest Lecture on 'Decent and Fair Work'. Presented to The Contemporary Labour Market module, as part of the MSc Career Guidance and Development course. Paisley, Scotland.

    February 2020 - Workshop Co-Lead on 'Not Just For Women! Untapping Rich Career Choices'. Presented at Early Years Needs You! Regional Showcase Event. Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock, Scotland.

    January 2020 - Research Presentation on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood: Identifying how heteronormative practices are maintained, constrained, and can be disrupted in early childhood in Scotland, UK' - at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Transfer Event. Paisley, Scotland.

  • November 2019 - Presentation on 'Reflections on Gender and LGBT+ Inclusive Education in Early Learning and Childcare'. Presented to Gender Commission (Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board) at Early Years Scotland, Professional Learning Academy in Glasgow, Scotland.

    November 2019 - Research Presentation on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood: Identifying how heteronormative practices are maintained, constrained, and can be disrupted in early childhood in Scotland, UK' - at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Research Colloquium, Division of Education. Paisley, Scotland.

    September 2019 - Speaker, Panelist and Workshop Co-Lead at 'Men in Early Years Seminar', a joint Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland event in Stirling, Scotland.

    September 2019 - Panelist at the Fourth National Men in The Early Years (MITEY) Conference: Bringing Men into the Early Years - The Why and The How 2019, Westminster, London.

    June 2019 - Research Presentation on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood Practice' as part of 'Feminist New Materialist Encounters with Gender in Early Childhood Contexts' symposium at Gender and Education Conference 2019, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.

    June 2019 - Speaker on 'Heteronormativity in Early Childhood Practice' at Childhood Practice Conference, University of Glasgow.

    March 2019 – Workshop Lead on ‘Race and Racism in the Early Years’ at Firm Foundations Conference 2, Bath Spa University.

    January 2019 - Panelist at ‘A Career in Early Years is waiting for You!’ event, Glasgow.

  • December 2018 - Published article in Early Years Educator titled ‘We need to talk about racism’

    October 2018 - Keynote PM on ‘Boys, Men and Gender in the Early Years’ at Equal Play conference, City Hall, London.

    July 2018 – Oversaw 3rd National Gender in the Early Years Conference with Bristol Men in Early Years Network, Bristol.

    May 2018 – Speaker at Tiger Gender Equality Community Exhibition. Bristol.

    March 2018 – Guest on the The Victoria Derbyshire show, BBC2, to discuss how diversity in the Early Years profession can be improved.

    February 2018 - Workshop Lead on "More men in the early years?" For Best Practice Network, Bristol.

    February 2018 – Guest on the Gender Knot podcast to discuss the difference between sex and gender, why we should be challenging the imbalance in the Early Years and the issue of status and professionalism in the workforce.

  • October 2017 – Workshop Lead on ‘How to Build your own local network’ at the national Men in The Early Years (MITEY) conference, Bradford.

    March 2017 – Speaker on “The implications of Gender Stereotyping” at Zero Tolerance: Making Respectful Men conference, Bristol.

  • "You say it is better to try and get it wrong than not try at all, this has stuck in my head since seeing you, and I would like the staff and I to try to do our best for the children we take care of."

  • "I really liked how you emphasised the self-care needed in anti-racist work while also not letting us off the hook - gently pushing us to confront our roles and privileges in racist structures."

  • "I was captivated by your words and your goal to champion diversity in early years and directly face discrimination and how it can be dealt with."

  • "Listening to Shaddai carefully explain key concepts with examples was brilliant. The openness of everyone taking part, including shaddai, made the course a safe place to discuss racism."

  • "It was so great to have you on the panel and you really seamlessly move through the different layers of your content in a nuanced yet accessible way."

  • "Sharing your research and personal experiences added a unique depth and perspective to the discussion, making it a remarkable learning experience for everyone involved."

  • "I firstly wanted to say how amazing and inspirational you are. I am a class teacher at X School and I came away so inspired. I have been sharing lots of the messages from the day with staff since being back in school."

  • "I like the interactive style and the way in which the presenter makes the session accessible. Really thought provoking and interactive."

  • "made me think about how important it is to have conversations with children and staff within my setting. Feel empowered by new knowledge to be confident with challenging adaptations to practice."

  • "You have inspired the students by acting as a role model for resilience and dedication as well as demonstrating first hand alternative routes into the sector."

  • "Speaking from own background and practitioner experience, very informative on social issues. Really thought-provoking, really enjoyed the handouts to take away and focus on in more detail."

  • "Shaddai’s warmth and openness, the way he kindly challenged us to look both inward and outward so as we could reflect as individuals and take practical steps in interactions with the children in setting."

  • "The training was so well-structured and tailored to our work specifically, and it felt like you provided a really open and caring space for talking and thinking about such complicated and difficult things."

  • "I think the mix of talking from our personal experiences, the historical and theoretical context, and practical exercises and discussion was really brilliant."

  • "I definitely feel more comfortable talking about anti-racism and taking action to identify, react to and work against racism in my working life and my personal life as a result of this training."

  • "Specifically, I am coming away from this training with a clear understanding of where and how racism exists for children under 5 and the adults that interact in their learning environment."

  • "I felt expertly facilitated to contribute to conversations and particularly appreciated Shaddai’s promotion of the importance of “listening spaces” as well as conversation spaces."