Being Me, Being Well, Matters
Our speakers

“The need to support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing is greater than ever. The last few years have been hard on everyone amidst a global pandemic and ongoing economic, political, and cultural uncertainty. In 2023 we cannot afford to risk the health and wellbeing of our skilled workforce and we must act with intention to create inclusive environments that protect educators from job stressors and workload pressure. We must acknowledge the additional support early years educators need to tackle these challenges in order to continue the crucial role they play in our society and recognise the benefits that investing in wellbeing can bring to our communities.

Join me for this celebratory approach to educator wellbeing as we champion each other to promote and protect wellbeing and empower communities to prevent ill health so that we can all thrive. We will put wellbeing at the heart of everyday actions, pedagogy and practice, everyone has a part to play in contributing to the overall wellbeing of their community. Let us lead a new agenda for the health and wellbeing of early years educators to increase mental health awareness and promote educator wellbeing.”

Kate Moxley is a consultant and trainer based in the West Midlands and has worked within the early years sector for over two decades, combining a BA (HONS) in Early Childhood Studies with real-life hands-on experience of working with children and families in educational and PVI settings, leading and managing large staff teams.

She is an approved Mental Health First Aid England Instructor and specialises in wellbeing and mental health training, workplace support and working with staff teams to think positively about their health and wellbeing by working together to create mentally healthy nurturing environments.

Kate prides herself on her own unique approach and sharing personal experiences of her hands on, real life, relatable practice as an EY practitioner. She strives to advocate and raise awareness, training and education on mental health and mental health issues for the wellbeing of all staff, children and families.
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Dr Anne McFadyen  and Dr Anna Robson will bring their perspectives on the Infant Pledge and Voice of the Infant Best Practice guidelines in a joint presentation focussing on our very youngest children. Babies and very young children have the same rights as all children and young people but they face challenges unique to their stage of development and sometimes adversities related to their circumstances. They rely on those around them to realise their rights and with the Best Practice Guidelines and Infant Pledge, that supports a more mindful commitment to meeting their needs.

Dr Anne is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. She is Infant Mental Health Advisor at the Scottish Government, and co-chairs its Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Advisory Group. She is passionate about helping wee ones get off to a good start and has worked with colleagues across Scotland to help them set up infant mental health services.

Dr Anna  is a Clinical Psychologist and Lead for Wee Minds Matter the Infant Mental Health Service in Dumfries and Galloway. She has a special interest in trauma and attachment. Prior to setting up Wee Minds Matter she was part of developing the Care Experienced Children and Young People Health and Wellbeing Service in Dumfries and Galloway. She is passionate about raising awareness of infant mental health, helping infants have their voices heard and ensuring all children have the best start in life.

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Patricia Madden and Doreen Watson will deliver and discuss an overview of the work to date around the new shared inspection framework. The framework is a ‘work in progress’ and the content will be relevant and timely for everyone working in the sector.

Tricia currently works for Education Scotland as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HMIE). She is based in the early learning and childcare (ELC) team. Tricia is currently leading on the work to develop a shared inspection framework with colleagues in the Care Inspectorate.
In her spare time Tricia has a focus on her family, holidays and walking with her Newfoundland dog Maddie.

Doreen is a service manager with the Care Inspectorate. One of her main responsibilities at present is to support the delivery a single inspection framework to be used by the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland/HMIe in 2024. When not at work, Doreen is happiest when connecting with nature both at home and further afield through developing her knowledge of wildlife photography.