Nicky Shaw

Early Education Associate

Nicky has worked in early childhood education and care for 30 years. A qualified primary teacher with a first degree in Psychology and an Early Years specialism, she has worked as a play leader, primary teacher, nursery teacher, and children’s centre manager. She has been an LA Early Years Advisor and Outdoor Play Assessor. Nicky has worked across local authority, private, and third sector organisations and is a qualified practitioner trainer and parent group facilitator in The Solihull Approach, Video Interactive Guidance, and Emotion Coaching. Nicky is now a lecturer in Early Years Pedagogy and is the programme lead for the BA Childhood Practice degree at the University of Strathclyde. Her teaching, training, and writing considers practical approaches to emotion regulation with a focus on emotionally intelligent, empathic interactions with children, parents, and staff teams. She has published a book chapter titled “Supporting Social and Emotional Well-being in a Turbulent World” and her MEd research focused on “Emotion Coaching: Moving from Behaviourism to Nurture in a Nursery Class.” She was a contributing writer for Realising the Ambition, the National Practice Guidance for Early Years in Scotland (Education Scotland, 2020). Nicky specialises in facilitating bespoke training online or in person. She has particular expertise in working with large groups or staff teams to provide sessions that engage and inspire, that are interactive and memorable, and that positively impact participants’ professional practice.