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Dr Nazish Usman, Head of Safeguarding and Compliance EYFS

With a foundation as a Child Psychologist and over 16 years of experience in Early Years education, I have dedicated my career to understanding and nurturing the emotional worlds of young children. My deep interest in how emotional intelligence shapes character development led me to pursue a PhD focused on emotional intelligence in early childhood, allowing me to explore how early emotional awareness can positively influence lifelong outcomes.

Throughout my career, I’ve held a variety of roles across the Early Years sector—from teaching children in classroom settings, to leading teams, to now taking a pivotal role in safeguarding and compliance. Each step has strengthened my conviction that children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and valued.

Being a mother of two boys myself , I am passionate about creating emotionally rich and safe environments where children can grow, explore, and build the foundations of their future selves. Safeguarding is not just a responsibility for me—it is a calling. As a Safeguarding Champion and advocate, I lead with confidence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care.

At the heart of everything I do is one simple belief:
Children deserve the very best—safe spaces, nurturing adults, and environments where their needs are at the centre.
This belief guides my practice, my leadership, and my ongoing dedication to shaping positive, meaningful Early Years experiences.

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