A reflection on 2020: why looking back is important

In every aspect of our lives, we spend a lot of time looking ahead – from planning our next career move, and dreaming about our summer holiday, right down to thinking about what we’re having for dinner tonight. But by constantly thinking about what’s coming next, we often fail to take opportunities to look back at the things we’ve already achieved.

For me, reflection has always been important; it gives me perspective, allows me to learn from mistakes I’ve made, and take pride in how far I’ve come. This year in particular, when many of us have had our plans disrupted, postponed or completely derailed, I think it’s more important than ever that we take a moment to look back at what we’ve learnt, and how much we have still achieved along the way.

2020 has rattled the early years sector. It’s been really difficult for many settings across the country, as Covid-19 put even more financial pressure on them, forcing closures and staff furlough. Like many organisations, we’ve also had to make difficult decisions around costs.

But in the face of these challenges, we’ve knuckled down and adapted. In the early days of lockdown, we altered the way we served the needs of our community, listening to what nursery owners, teachers and parents really required. We put out free resources for parents, who were suddenly faced with the daunting prospect of home-schooling their children, and launched our #TalkingMontessori webinars, offering our community a chance to gather online and discuss issues important to them. We adjusted to try and offer the best support we could in these unusual times.

In September, we launched the International Montessori Institute, in partnership with Leeds Beckett University, which will be home to world’s first Professor of Montessori Education. I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve such a successful collaboration in such a short period of time and it is a testament to the openness of the team at Leeds Beckett University that we were able to do this in time to sign the agreement on Maria Montessori’s 150th birthday. The new International Montessori Institute will be  a huge step towards cementing Montessori methods in mainstream UK education. We’ve also been focussed on shifting the image of Montessori and making it more inclusive and accessible for all. Our #ThatsMontessori campaign showed that Montessori methods can be, and to large extent already are, used by everyone.

Across all of this, I’ve watched proudly as my incredible team have adapted to working from home. We’ve always had flexible working policies, but never before had the entire workforce been forced to swap the office for their living rooms, virtually overnight. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but it’s been quite honestly a pleasure to see how well everyone has coped.

This year has also been difficult on a personal level. In March, I was diagnosed with cancer, and my treatments were delayed due to the pandemic. I’m fortunate to now be in remission, and over the last 8 months I have been humbled and moved by the many people who, despite lockdown, have called to ask how I am and if they can do anything. Having to self-isolate for so much of the year has been hard so I am especially grateful to those who called, emailed or Whatsapp-ed me during this time. It has been heart-warming and inspiring to see the kindness and generosity of the people around me. I am particularly thankful to my senior leadership team and Trustees who have been supportive during this personally challenging time. Thank you Maccs Pescatore, Karen Chetwynd, Preeti Patel, Jeremy Clarke, Kate Addison, Andrew Howat, Sarah Thomas, Alla Bashenko, Bella Barron, Amira el-Aghel, Janet Barberis, Tony Joyce and Paul Vickers.

As a society, we’ve all overcome obstacles, stuck together and somehow muddled through this strange year. Our research shows that 85% of parents admire and are proud of how their children have adapted to lockdown. This has been a good year for very few, but it has demonstrated our resolve, adaptability, and above all, kindness. Whilst I won’t be sad to see the back of 2020, this Christmas I will be raising a glass to everything we’ve managed to achieve and to the incredible people who have inspired us through their behaviour and kindness.