I am asking because today I have been thinking about my unique selling point (USP). If I am really going to build this business from scratch then I am going to have to ask myself a few challenging questions.
I have created myself a massive reading list (as if I am ever going to have time to trawl through it all) in attempt to keep abreast with what is going on in the EYFS sector. The tweeters have flooded in with tasty tidbits asking 'have I read this' or 'have i seen that?' - all very interesting I am sure but in a practical sense there is just too much bird seed to digest at one sitting.
This is a strength and a weakness of the Early Years sector. It is no wonder the practitioners and teachers at grass roots level are in a state of confusion. The information on hand is awash with commentators, politicians, experts and researchers who upload their opinions, points of view, studies and rants with enthusiasm, which on one level can be admired but on another be overwhelming.
At the core of all of this information are children. Children who need caring for, educating and nurturing through the earliest stages of their life. I can't help but think that we should be doing more to help busy teachers and practitioners through the quagmire of opinions and advice and instead be on hand to help them reflect on their own practice and the impact it is having on raising the standard of early education and care in this country.
Information is good and knowledge is very powerful. As I have said before, the EYFS sector must continue to build a powerful, knowledgeable and resilient army if it is to hang on to what we all know is right for young children. But information and training is not enough. We must build strong networks of professionals where we can reflect, debate and decide together what is right. This army must of course include parents, governors and senior leaders.
Investing in a good consultant means that you will have a critical friend by your side to help and support you through the changes ahead. A good consultant will offer objective opinions when they are sought and listen to your concerns with sensitivity and understanding. Academic papers, articles and commentary are too often one way traffic. As a consultant I help practitioners unpick information that they have heard or found - it is part of an important learning process for us both.
My USP (Unique Selling Point)
- I offer some time and space for settings and staff to reflect, evaluate and improve their practice through coaching and offering them key questions to guide them to be the best they can be.
- I can offer solid, practical and sound advice if it is asked for and I am happy to contribute with creative and energetic ideas about how to move practice on.
- I talk in plain English and where possible am committed to be jargon free. Where there are terms which need to be understood, then I take the time and effort to explain them and encourage questions.
I haven't been away from schools and children for too long. I am fresh out of an associate deputy headship and I know the pressures that schools have upon them in this climate. Money and time is tight but time for children is even tighter.
When professionals in the sector finish at the end of the year, they can regroup and start all over again. But a child doesn't have that privilege - after all, you are only four years old once in your life!
