At Busy Bees, people are at the heart of everything we do - especially those who inspire, support, and lead the way in giving children the very best start in life.
This month, we’re sharing some thoughts from Gill Jones, our Group Chief Quality Officer and Safeguarding Lead. With a career spanning classrooms, headships, Ofsted, and international education leadership, Gill brings a wealth of experience and unwavering passion for early childhood development.
We sat down with Gill for a candid Q&A to find out more about her journey, what excites her about the future of early years, and what keeps her curious - both inside and outside of work.
What first sparked your interest in early years education?
I started out as a primary school teacher, specialising in music. But it was during my time as a primary headteacher that I truly saw how critical those first few years are. I noticed children starting school without the essential skills they needed - like being able to express themselves, manage their emotions, or connect with others.
These weren’t issues of ability. They were signs that some children had simply missed out on key experiences early in life. But without those skills, I saw that it held their development back as they progressed through school. That realisation drove me to focus more on early years education, where those foundations are built.
How did your experience as a headteacher shape that understanding?
In my first headship, in a disadvantaged area, I worked closely with local children’s centres to support families right from the beginning - even during pregnancy. It made a real difference. Some families who had faced difficult circumstances saw their children thrive at school and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
It was during my second headship, at a different school, that I became a first-time mum, which gave me a whole new perspective. I began to see early years not just as an educator, but through the eyes of a parent too - and that’s something that’s stayed with me ever since.
What excites you about the future of early years education?
So much! Education is one of those areas where you never stop learning. The last couple of decades have brought groundbreaking research that’s reshaped how we understand early childhood.
Initiatives like the Royal Foundation’s work on early years, new academic research, and greater government focus are helping us move toward a more informed and intentional approach to early education.
At Busy Bees, I’m particularly excited about our Bee Curious curriculum. It’s rooted in research and shaped by best practice from around the world. It’s all about igniting curiosity in children, while avoiding the “schoolification” of early years. We focus on language, communication, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation - essential tools that help children thrive, not just survive, in school and in life.
What’s a moment in your career you’ll never forget?
Working internationally with education leaders across Canada, Asia, and North America really stands out. It helped shape Bee Curious and gave us the opportunity to learn from other cultures and systems. That kind of collaboration has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
You mentioned "schoolification" - can you explain what that means?
There’s a common misconception that getting children “ready for school” means sitting them at desks and teaching them like older students. True readiness is about much more than that, and trying to impose a form of ‘teaching’ that may be right for older children onto younger ones can be counter productive.
Through Bee Curious, we focus on meeting each individual child where they are in the developmental process, and helping them build strong communication skills, express their feelings, and develop the confidence and independence they’ll need later on. It’s about giving them the tools to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in childcare?
Every moment matters.
Every smile, every hug, every conversation - you’re shaping a child’s world in ways you might not even realise. Never underestimate the impact you have, even on the smallest days. You’re part of something truly powerful.
It’s a big moment for Busy Bees, with a new CEO recently in place. What are your hopes for this next chapter?
I’m really excited to welcome Peter to the business. His background is all about delivering brilliant experiences and caring for people, which translates beautifully to what we do.
He’s also a parent, which brings a valuable perspective. I think his fresh ideas and people-focused approach will bring great energy to this next chapter.
And finally - what keeps you inspired outside of work?
Music is still a big part of my life - I play in a group called Champagne Flutes with a few friends, which I love. I also enjoy travelling and exploring new cities.
We hope this behind-the-scenes look at Gill’s story shows the care, commitment, and expertise behind our approach at Busy Bees. From strategy at a global level to the smallest everyday interactions in our centres across the world, it all starts with passionate people like Gill.