Alison Dyke Email and Phone Number

I launched my own business in 2004 running a successful and expanding day nursery having gained experience in the public sector for many years. I have worked as a Registered Nurse, Health Visitor and ultimately a University Lecturer in subjects relating to Human Psychology and Development, Child and Family Health and Child Care. Since specialising in Early Years Child Care I lectured with the Open University for 4 years and have spoken at local, national and international conferences on subjects including: "Mentoring and Training of the Early Years Workforce" (Joint Local Authorities Conference, Coventry 2009) and "Storytelling and Communicating with Children in Outdoor Learning Environments" (Happy Talk Conference, Nottingham in May 2012). In 2012, I participated in focus group research on "Parental Engagement in Early Years Settings" and presented the practice perspective alongside Professor Kathy Sylva (Oxford University) at the EECERA conference in Oporto. Following this I spoke at a Capita Conference in London on "Developing Successful Partnerships With Parents in Early Years Settings", using our experiences and successes at Nature Trails as examples of how to engage parents that lead busy lives. As the National Day Nurseries Association "Network Chair" for Warwickshire, I organise local conferences and training for members; the most recent being a presentation on supporting children's emotional development and behaviour, with special guest speaker: Anne Barnes from "Thrive". I am an Early Years Professional, a "Thrive" accredited practitioner, a Forest School Leader and a registered (NDNA) Ambassador for Careers with Children and Young People. I regularly write and deliver various courses as part of in-house training for practitioners in my own organisation as I am a strong believer in the value and importance for children of a well-qualified and knowledgeable Early Years workforce.