Investing in YOur Teams

Some days at work are about getting things done. Others leave you feeling inspired, energised and ready to do things a little differently.

The Early Years Academy’s first 3B Festival was definitely the latter.

Held on 8 August, the event brought the EYA teams together for a day centred around growth, learning, wellbeing and inspiration, with a brilliant line-up of guest speakers and plenty of opportunities to step away from the everyday and think differently.


A Day Full of Ideas

The festival welcomed three guest speakers, each bringing a completely different perspective to the day.

Alice Sharp opened the event by exploring the power of awe and wonder, encouraging the team to think about how curiosity, imagination and possibility can transform children's learning experiences.

Then came Ben Kingston-Hughes, who challenged everyone to look at children's behaviour through a different lens. His session explored neuroscience, neurodiversity and SEND, encouraging educators to become compassionate “behaviour detectives” and look beyond what a child is doing to understand what they might actually be communicating.

And then there was Nicola Burke, who brought plenty of energy to a hands-on session exploring the role of music in the early years—from movement and creativity to communication and connection.


Inspiration to Take Back to the Nursery

The real success of a professional development day isn't simply how good the day feels.

It's what happens afterwards.

The EYA teams left with fresh ideas, new perspectives and plenty to think about as they returned to their nurseries.

Because investing in educators means investing in the children they care for every day.


Capturing the Moments

Of course, a day this special deserved to be remembered.

Starstruck Studio was there to capture the conversations, energy, learning and little moments that made the first 3B Festival what it was.

From engaged faces during the talks to the quieter moments between sessions, documentary event photography allowed the day to be captured naturally, without interrupting it.

And that's often where the best photographs happen.

The genuine reactions. The laughter. The concentration. The moments between the moments.


A huge thank you to The Early Years Academy for having Starstruck Studio along to document such an inspiring day. Here's to many more 3B Festivals! ✨

Group of smiling women in summer festival outfits walking outdoors, wearing mini skirts and cowboy boots.
Colorful 3B Festival schedule and workshop rotation charts displayed on a barrel with essential oil bottles.
Woman with red hair and cowboy hat smiling while holding a microphone at an event.
A woman with red hair and aviator sunglasses smiles at a colorful festival event, wearing a red gingham off-shoulder top.
Smiling blonde woman with tattoos wearing a brown top and pendant necklace laughing at a colorful social event.
A floral arrangement with colorful roses surrounds a sign for The Laurel Tree Academy, with a woman wearing a flower crown behind it.
Young woman in a pink cowboy hat smiling and waving at a lively indoor gathering.
Two women wearing cowboy hats speak into microphones on stage at an indoor event under a tent.
Excited woman flexing her arm and laughing at a colorful event table with flowers and a branded sign.
A guest speakers board on an easel featuring Alice Sharp, Ben Kingston-Hughes, and Nicola Burke at a colorful event.
Woman in leopard print top holds microphone while placing crown on smiling seated woman at colorful indoor event.
Woman with glasses and watch clapping at a colorful event table with flowers.