Spotlight on Educational Leader, Sarah, from Kool Kidz Merrifield

 

 

How do you support your staff to create engaging environments?

I support my team to create engaging environments by working alongside them and really getting to know what motivates and inspires them. Having been part of the journey since 2018, I have learned that strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

For my team, learning works best when it feels fun, creative, and meaningful. It definitely took some trial and error, but together we found a rhythm that works for us. The staff are more open when we take time to appreciate the work they do. I love setting challenges, especially around environments, as a way to spark curiosity creativity and a bit of excitement within the rooms.

I spend time in each space weekly, noticing the small details and identifying opportunities for growth. From there, we come together to share ideas, reflect, and build on each other’s thinking. Our team forum message board becomes a positive space where educators inspire one another and celebrate their successes.

For me, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and confident to try new things. When educators feel inspired, that energy flows directly into the environments they create and ultimately into the experiences we provide for children.

What is your process for ensuring all rooms have the same high standard of clean and inviting play spaces?

Together, we take a shared approach to identifying areas within the classroom that could be strengthened. Recently, we introduced a Zen challenge focusing on creating calm, welcoming environments. The goal was simple when a family walks into the room, they should immediately feel a sense of relaxation and belonging. We use mind maps and talk, and we encourage educators to view their spaces through the lens of a family, which often sparks meaningful reflection and fresh ideas. When this becomes a team challenge, something shifts – educators begin sharing ideas through mind maps, building on each other’s thinking, and that sense of ownership grows. Before long, those practices become embedded across all rooms.

It is about creating a culture where continuous improvement feels collaborative, achievable, and inspiring and where everyone feels part of the journey.

How often are you supplying new resources to the rooms?

We don’t focus solely on how often we supply new resources, but rather on how intentionally we use what we already have around the service. I always encourage educators to think outside the box and utilise materials within our service in creative ways. There is a strong focus on incorporating natural elements and sustainable practices wherever possible.

If we identify that resources are limited, we turn this into an opportunity by creating challenges for the team to embed more open-ended, natural, and sustainable materials into their environments. This not only builds creativity but also supports educators to be more resourceful and intentional in their practice.

How do you show your appreciation for the staff and their efforts for ensuring their classrooms are engaging?

We work together. How we show appreciation for our team is by recognising the unique strengths each individual brings, and creating opportunities for those strengths to shine. I believe as an Educational Leader, it’s important to work with the team you have and truly value their contributions. My team is open to feedback and motivated to grow, and I make a conscious effort to acknowledge their efforts and progress daily.

I take a positive and intentional approach celebrating achievements, no matter how small, and ensuring educators feel seen and valued each day in practice. This might be just walking through and environment and if I see something to celebrate I will capture it and share it within the forum so other staff can be as inspired as I was. I also encourage them to share their strengths and ideas, whether through team discussions or message board posts, or shoutouts for the little things we notice when in their classrooms, which helps build confidence and a strong sense of collaboration.

How do you support your staff in understand children’s diverse needs and how to create a space that is inclusive?

We have been incredibly fortunate to have SRF mentoring with a psychologist, alongside professional development focused on creating truly inclusive environments. These experiences have deepened our understanding of children’s diverse needs and the importance the environment plays in supporting each child’s growth.

Creating calm and relaxed spaces has been a key focus. We know that chaotic or rigid environments can be overwhelming for some children, so we intentionally design classrooms that offer a range of learning opportunities tailored to individual needs. This includes calm corners, sensory activities, weighted blankets, and other support allowing the children the choice and freedom to engage in ways that suit them best.

I also remind my team that the classroom must be a safe and welcoming space for every child. Loud or chaotic environments can be overstimulating, even for adults – imagine how the children feel, so it’s essential to provide areas where children can feel grounded and supported. Not all children need to do the same thing at the same time and that is perfectly okay. Respecting each child’s pace, interests, and needs allows them to flourish in their own way.

By embedding these approaches into daily practice, we create classrooms where children feel seen, valued, and empowered. Every decision we make from the layout of the space to the activities we offer are intentional, helping children regulate, explore, and engage with confidence. As a team, we work collaboratively to ensure that all children have access to the support, inspiration, and opportunities they need. Sometimes this takes trial and error.

If you had one piece of advice for an Educational Leader, what would it be?

If I had one piece of advice for an Educational Leader, it would be to lead with intention, support your team. Take the time to understand each educator’s strengths, areas for growth, and aspirations. Use their strengths to empower more leadership. Provide opportunities for them to share their skills, recognise and celebrate their efforts, and create a culture where staff feel positive, valued and empowered because the work we do is hard. Empowering strong, supported educators creates stronger learning environments, and investing in your team ultimately benefits the children and the service as a whole.

If you had one piece of advice for a Room Leader or Early Childhood Teacher, what would it be?

If I had one piece of advice for a Room Leader or ECT; it’s natural to feel nervous at first, the responsibilities, documentation, and expectations can feel overwhelming but with a strong support system and a collaborative team the role is incredibly rewarding.

This position gives you the opportunity to be a role model for your team, guiding, mentoring, and empowering educators to grow professionally. By sharing your knowledge, fostering a positive open and reflective environment, and leading with confidence and creativity, you can inspire both your team and the children in your care. A great Room Leader/ ECT does more than manage the room, they build a culture of learning, curiosity, and continuous improvement that positively impact/ influences the whole service.