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Case Studies

Helen Dummet

Helen has enjoyed a varied career with over 30 years’ experience as a primary school teacher, specialising primarily, but not exclusively, in early years education and special educational needs. She is  committed to ‘valuing and respecting the diversity of individuals, families and communities and believes that they must sit at the heart of early years practice’ (p.24, Birth to 5 Matters).

From early beginnings Helen began her career as a nursery teacher in a maintained nursery, moving on to set up a nursery class in an independent school for girls from 3-18 years, before going to teach at West Park Academy. During this time, she enjoyed increasing levels of responsibility that shaped her pedagogy and professional practice, as well as becoming mother to two boys. In 2018, Helen’s ambition to become a headteacher of a maintained nursery school was achieved.