Leading with Joy
52 inspiring stories from the Early Years
Step into the vibrant world of early years, where curiosity ignites learning, small hands make big discoveries, and every milestone no matter how small is worth celebrating. This is a world shaped daily by dedicated early years professionals, whose care, commitment, and leadership leave a lasting imprint on children and families alike.
Leading with Joy is a heartfelt celebration of you the educators, leaders, and practitioners at the heart of early childhood. Through 52 real stories shared by early years professionals, this book captures the joy, the challenges, and the quiet triumphs that define life in early years settings. Each story offers a moment to pause, reflect, and feel seen in a profession that gives so much of itself every day.
Warm, reassuring, and deeply relatable, Leading with Joy connects you to a community that understands the emotional labour, the responsibility, and the profound impact of your work. It invites you to slow down, honour your growth, and recognise the difference you make, not only to children, but to families, colleagues, and yourself.
This is more than a book.
It is a tribute to your work.
A companion for the journey.
And a gentle reminder that in early years, joy isn’t optional—it leads the way.
Leading with Joy - Leadership Programme
A New Way to Lead in Early Years
Leadership in early years is more than systems, structures, and strategies - it’s about people, purpose, and the children at the very heart of what we do.
Leading with Joy is an inspiring new training programme created especially for early years leaders who want a modern, human-centred approach to leadership that feels energising, reflective, and deeply meaningful.
This programme places your why front and centre, reconnecting leaders with the joy of their role while building the confidence, resilience, and clarity needed to lead thriving teams. Through practical tools, honest reflection, and interactive learning, leaders are supported to grow in ways that feel achievable, uplifting, and sustainable.
Across the programme, we will explore mindfulness, positivity, connection, and purpose, tackling the realities of leadership while nurturing a culture where joy is not an add-on, but a foundation. Leaders leave each session feeling inspired, supported, and equipped to lead with warmth, intention, and impact.
Because when leaders lead with joy, everyone benefits — especially the children.