In this energising and thought-provoking episode, we explore what it really means to lead with intention in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At a time when the role of early years leadership is becoming increasingly visible in both research and practice, we ask: what does great leadership actually look like through the lens of early childhood?

We consider the idea of the leader as connector - not just managing provision, but weaving together people, pedagogy and purpose. From shaping school-wide culture to nurturing the professional growth of early years teams, intentional leadership is more than a role - it's a responsibility rooted in relationships.

As the field of early childhood leadership research begins to expand, we're seeing just how essential this kind of thoughtful, responsive leadership is to high-quality provision. Whether you're a headteacher, EYFS lead or passionate classroom practitioner, this episode invites you to reflect, reconnect, and lead with clarity and care.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why intentional leadership is a game-changer for early years settings and what it looks like in real life

• The vital role of leaders as connectors: linking children, teams, families and the wider school vision

• How early years leadership is emerging as a distinct and powerful field of research

• What research tells us about the link between early childhood leadership and whole-school outcomes

• Why leadership in early years must be shaped by a child development lens, not borrowed from other phases

• How to navigate the complexity of early childhood with confidence, flexibility and purpose

• What’s shaping and influencing the people leading our youngest learners and who’s leading them?

• The impact of targeted, intentional leadership on team growth, staff wellbeing and child outcomes

• How to move from managing to meaning-making: leading with vision, values and voice.

This episode is a reminder that in early childhood, leadership isn't about hierarchy - it’s about connection, influence and intention. And when we lead well, with the right mindset and methods, everyone in our setting thrives from the tiniest learners to the most experienced educators.

I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact Podcast. Got thoughts, questions, or want to connect? Drop me a message: [email protected] or visit heyd.co.uk.

Dr Amie Fabry has multifaceted experience as an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant and professional development facilitator. Her PhD research revealed the critical role early childhood leaders play in school settings to support educators to embed quality practices for children as they transition into and through the early years of school. As Director of Early Childhood at The Learning future, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children can thrive. She is the author of Lead with Intention, the first framework for leading the early years of school.

Linked In- Amie Fabry PhD

Instagram- amiefabry_earlyyears

Website thelearningfuture.com