This spring, we’re celebrating those who break the mould- community change-makers who inspire others to grow, explore new ideas, and redefine the norm. We spoke to three trailblazers in education and childcare: Ryan James-Williams of Cwtch Childcare, Liz Mullen of Little Fizz, Stuart Ayres, Digital Director at Westbourne School, and Alyn Luker of Sparks Cardiff. From embracing Montessori principles to introducing innovative technology and out-of-the-box teaching methods, they are reshaping how we nurture and educate children.

What makes you stand out from other educators/childcarers?

Cwtch Chilcare: We believe children should be able to choose and take charge of their play and learning. Their development should be through exploring the world around them. Promoting independence, developing problem solving skills, encouraging adventurous play to be taken in a safe environment and allowing imaginations to grow is what Cwtch do.

Little Fizz: Little Fizz stands out by the energy, passion and love that goes into all we do. Each class is meticulously composed of carefully selected developmental activities that are all musical or linked to music. Music is recognised for its awe-inspiring ability to empower learning. I am proud to be an Independent Community Early Years Educator with over 19 years’ experience of creating and refining an educational programme with my own songs, developmental activities and engaging props to inspire learning. This enables me to make meaningful and innovative connections with all my little learners. My 33 years of working with children, 27 years as a parent and 19 years as an SEN mum has taught me so much!

Westbourne School: At Westbourne, we firmly believe that we are innovating and pioneering like no other school, which has been recognised globally over the past few years through a host of prestigious innovation awards. Our trailblazing approach prepares our students not only for today, but for the world of tomorrow, in the careers of STEM and business, on the global stage. Westbourne students are learning more deeply and thinking more broadly, developing future-focused skills that truly set them apart.

Sparks: Sparks specialises in film and media activities for ages 7-14 in Cardiff. We deliver high quality, engaging, creative and, most importantly, fun workshops and events. At the core of our work are five key values: fun, hands-on, fair, inspirational and responsible. These values help to make sure that everything we do is delivered at the highest quality. From day one of any workshop, we think it’s important that kids get their hands on the camera equipment, get stuck in, and make their own films.

Why is inspiring a love of learning so important to young children?

Cwtch Childcare: Children are our future. They can inspire us to push boundaries with their imaginations and curiosity. We want to harness this into opportunities to develop their life skills.

Little Fizz: An early love of learning, a positive initial experience and understanding of learning. The love of learning is already there will all our little ones, we need to nurture it to grow and flourish. I am inspired by the curiosity, exhilaration and awe with which they approach the world- they unleash my inner child!

Westbourne School: Innovation and sparking curiosity run right through our school, inspiring our youngest learners in Little Westbourne Nursery, through our Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form. As well as technology, innovation is seen in the future-focused attributes we encourage; the learning environment here; our dynamic co-curricular programme; and the subjects we offer beyond the traditional- Philosophy, languages and outdoor learning in our Prep School for example, promoting global mindedness and a love of intellectual exploration.

It’s so important for children to be awakened to their own power to transform society. Our mission is to nurture the skills that pupils need to bring about real change in the future, not just in this country but globally. We want to inspire them to take risks and to dream big.

Sparks: From film school to film sets, we’ve constantly been learning- and we still are. They key is to love what you learn, as it makes the process easier. If students discover that passion through creating and telling their own stories, that’s great! It’s something they’ll carry with them for life.

How do you encourage children to discover new things?

Cwtch Childcare: We believe that nurturing children’s curiosity and imagination is essential. We enable this by providing natural resources and real-life experiences for children to independently stimulate their own learning and experiences, and by modelling interests in the world around us to capture children’s interests, attention and imaginations with open ended questions, activities and resources.

Little Fizz: I am a strong believer in child-led learning and aim to facilitate and support this approach. I observe each child’s learning then bring in new elements, gently directing natural learning wherever and whenever possible and in a variety of ways.

Sparks: At Sparks, self-discovering is a key part of our workshops and the film-making process. Whether it’s our weekly classes or our summer camps, the children are encourage and supported to make their own films. From conception to script, storyboarding, production design, camera operating, acting and directing, everyone is encourage to have a go at the different disciplines and to utilise the techniques they learn.

Has technology improved the ways we teach and care for our children?

Cwtch Childcare: Technology is important in our world. Children are introduced to technology such as iPads, photography equipment and laptops with learning programs which can help them develop their skills in use of technology, mathematics and language. However, we still believe in the use of older technologies, and you will see a typewriter being used or a polaroid camera, as we believe it is important for children to understand how technology has developed and has been used.

Little Fizz: Little Fizz uses natural and sustainable learning props wherever possible, although we do use some sensory lighting. Communication technology enables sharing of music, information, experiences and ideas.

Westbourne School: We’re currently developing a powerful AI-driven tutor, KnowVa Coach, which draws on cutting-edge research developed in partnership with INSEAD Business School and Cardiff University’s School of Neuroscience. KnowVa Coach extends and expands the classroom experience, acting as a personalised tutor by tailoring key topics to individual student needs and optimising their learning outcomes.

Our Global Classroom model is also setting the bar for global education. Our Penarth students are now able to access subject specialists and industry leaders from all over the world, who appear as “holographic” teachers in their classrooms here. The holographic presence not only captivates but also deeply engages our students, creating a dynamic learning environment that transcends traditional boundaries.

These initiatives are part of our broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology with compassionate, student-centered education.

Sparks: Technology is certainly helping children practise their film-making more. But it’s important for parents and carers to engage with children and technology together. Children pick up new technology so instinctively, it’s important to be a part of that process of learning with them.

Do you think there is more we can be doing to help children grow into the best versions of themselves?

Cwtch Childcare: Yes! Every child should be treated as an individual, encouraged to explore their curiosity at their own pace, and free to express themselves. In our fast-paced world, where there’s constant urgency to prepare for school or the wider world, we often overlook the little things. Take a moment to see the world through a child’s eyes- you might just learn something new!

Little Fizz: As educators and parents, we can observe how each child learns and use this insight to guide, inspire, and enhance their learning journey.

Sparks: Encourage children to be themselves, and have honest conversations with them about what they want and how they can achieve it. Many children don’t realise that filmmaking- now and in the future, even with AI- remains a genuine career path. Especially in South Wales, where we have a world-class industry right on our doorstep.

Education and childcare are vital, but it’s our willingness to embrace new ideas and spark a love of learning that truly shapes a child’s future. When we nurture curiosity in every aspect of life, we unlock their potential.