To my friends here and across the world
To my friends here and across the world — those who care deeply about children…
Many of you I have known for years.
Many I have visited.
Some I have argued with, learned from, been inspired by.
All of us share something important: a belief that children are more capable than we often allow.
We know what we’re doing.
Owners who react to the child, not the timetable.
Managers who fiercely protect outdoor time — whatever the weather.
Helping practitioners to pause, not direct.
We who trust professional judgement and flexibility over rigid systems.
You may not call it a movement.
You may simply call it good practice.
But it is something more.
I am seeing more settings where children negotiate instead of queue.
Where time stretches around deep engagement.
Where adults describe not prescribe.
Where choice is not offered — it is owned.
Where children practise being capable.
This is not rebellion.
It is responsibility.
It is not anti-system.
It is pro-child.
Child First is one example among a growing number.
Not unique.
And that is hopeful.
But we need more.
More settings built on Owned Choice.
More leaders willing to hold their nerve.
More environments where children are trusted with themselves.
And now — clearly and practically.
I am actively seeking to acquire nurseries — or secure suitable sites — capable of accommodating 60+ children each day.
This is not exploratory. It is intentional growth.
We have structure to act decisively when the right opportunity aligns.
Building a group of exceptional settings.
Supported from the centre.
Not controlled by it.
If you are considering succession, sale, or transition — and want your setting to move from acceptable to exceptional — I would welcome a confidential conversation.
The shift is happening.
Let’s make it stronger.
Tom Shea
+44 7831 635802
tom@tomshea.co.uk