In this episode, Sophie is joined by Laura Henry-Allain MBE - an international award-winning early education specialist, writer, and children's media creator.

Laura is the brilliant mind behind the much-loved JoJo and Gran Gran on CBeebies, where she works as creator and associate producer. She’s also the Vice-President of The British Association for Early Childhood Education and works as a consultant across major brands in children’s media, television, and publishing - championing inclusion, racial equality, and diversity.

In this conversation, Laura shares her inspiring journey from a school-leaver with no qualifications to a powerful voice in education and media. We dive into the realities of navigating the current education system, the vital importance of play, especially outdoor play, and her insights into the ongoing SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) crisis. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her exciting upcoming projects.

Laura asked us to share that she experiences verbal dyslexia, which may shape how she communicates in parts of the conversation. We're grateful for her openness and insight.