Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub – Introducing our new Head of Hub

Following the news that our Early Years partnership has been designated by the Department for Education as an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Cathy Graham (pictured) as our Head of Hub for Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.

Cathy is the Headteacher of Wellfield Infant and Nursery School in Trafford. The school was judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in 2016. Cathy is a system leader in every sense, she supports local authorities, MATs and Teaching School Hubs as a Consultant, providing training and support for trainee teachers as well as experienced practitioners and school leaders.

Cathy has previously worked within Trafford’s School Improvement Service as an EYFS Consultant, working with childminders, playgroups, and day nurseries as well as schools. During her time in this role Cathy helped to launch three Children’s Centres and she played a key role in their delivery plan. Cathy sits on the 0-5’s strategic board in Trafford and on the partnership board for the Bright Futures Teaching School Hubs.

Lisa Fathers, Director of Development, Partnerships and Teaching School Hubs at Bright Futures, said: “We are delighted Cathy is going to lead our Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, she specialises in Early Years and inclusive practice. Cathy is passionate about working collaboratively with others and creating environments for children, young people, and their families where they can be safe and happy and achieve their full potential.”

Cathy Graham added: “I am thrilled to be taking on the Head of Hub role for Bright Futures. I have always been a strong advocate for the Early Years workforce and see this as a wonderful opportunity to help to raise the profile of the sector and make a real difference for children. There has never been a more important time for investment in the sector and the Hub’s work will be at the forefront of the post-COVID early education recovery support package.”