Early Years Trainer • Outdoor Learning Specialist • Nursery & Training Manager
Jess combines over a decade of hands-on leadership with academic excellence to help nursery teams grow in confidence, strengthen their practice and create environments where children and practitioners flourish together.
Empowering practitioners to inspire exceptional learning and create lasting change in children & early years.
Jess has spent over ten years working in early years, progressing from apprentice to Nursery & Training Manager while achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Childhood, Youth and Community Studies and Qualified Teacher Status.
Known for her calm and encouraging approach, Jess helps practitioners and leaders build confidence, embrace change and create exceptional learning experiences for children. She continues to lead within a thriving nursery every day; her support is always practical, relatable and grounded in real experience.
“Exceptional outcomes for children begin with confident practitioners who never stop learning”
-Jess Maynard
Helping educators feel inspired, creative and confident in their everyday practice.
Helping practitioners recognise and build on children's ideas, interests and strengths.
Empowering leaders with the knowledge, confidence and clarity to showcase the exceptional practice happening within their setting.
Creating positive working cultures where practitioners feel supported and motivated.
Supporting confident, child-centred approaches to inclusion and EHCP development.
Embedding meaningful outdoor experiences that become part of everyday practice.
Supporting apprentices to become confident and capable early years professionals.
Creating spaces that encourage curiosity, independence and meaningful play.
Jess also leads within a thriving nursery every day, meaning every recommendation is grounded in real-life experience rather than theory alone.
Known for her approachable and thoughtful nature, Jess helps practitioners feel supported while challenging them to grow with confidence.
Every recommendation begins with one question: “What’s best for the child?”
One of the things that makes Abbotswood Academy different is that our team doesn’t simply talk about best practice, we live it every day.
Everything Jess shares has been shaped through real experiences, real challenges and real successes within our own nursery.
That means practical advice, honest conversations and meaningful support that makes a genuine difference.
Whether you’re looking to inspire practice, ignite fresh ideas or create something truly special within your setting, Jess would love to help.
