Early Years Consultant • Leadership Coach • Deputy Manager
As Deputy Manager of Abbotswood Forest Nursery, 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.
Helping nursery leaders grow confident teams, nurture positive cultures and create lasting change from the inside out
Jess has spent over ten years working in early years, progressing from apprentice to Deputy Manager while achieving a First Class Honours Degree in Childhood, Youth and Community Studies and Early Years Teacher Status (EYT).
Known for her calm and encouraging approach, Jess helps practitioners and leaders build confidence, embrace change and create positive team cultures. Because she continues to lead within a thriving nursery every day, her support is always practical, relatable and grounded in real experience.
“The strongest nurseries aren’t built by one person. They’re built by leaders who believe in their team, inspire confidence and create a shared vision for the future.”
-Jess Maynard
Supporting new and experienced leaders to build confidence, resilience and effective communication.
Developing nurturing approaches that strengthen children's emotional wellbeing.
Helping practitioners grow through coaching, mentoring and reflective practice.
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.
Helping settings create environments where children, families and teams flourish together.
Jess continues to lead 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 nursery is unique. Jess works alongside your team to understand your vision before creating practical, sustainable solutions that fit your setting.
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 developing future leaders, strengthening your nursery culture or preparing for your next chapter, Jess would love to help.
