Lead with Intention
Growing the kind of leadership the early years deserves
Pedagogical leadership in the early years matters. It shapes culture, strengthens practice and influences the everyday conditions in which children and educators thrive.
Yet too often, it is left to chance.
Some educators are expected to lead from the middle without formal authority. Others are given leadership titles without enough clarity about what the role involves or how to lead it well. In both cases, the result is the same: leadership responsibility without enough definition, support or direction.
Lead with Intention was created to change that.
It is a research-informed framework and professional learning program designed to strengthen pedagogical leadership across ECEC settings, including schools.
Things you need to know
What is Lead with Intention?
Lead with Intention is a practical, research-informed approach to pedagogical leadership in the early years.
It includes:
- a framework that defines what pedagogical leadership involves and what makes it effective
- a program that helps leaders apply that thinking in their own context through guided professional learning
Together, they help leaders build the clarity, confidence and capability to lead pedagogy and practice with purpose.
Why it Exists
The early years are too important to be led by goodwill alone.
Too often, pedagogical leadership is expected without a clear understanding of what it is, what it requires, or what supports make it possible. People are asked to influence practice, strengthen culture and lead change, but without shared language, practical guidance or the structures needed to do it well.
Lead with Intention responds to that gap.
It helps leaders make sense of their role, strengthen their influence and lead through collaboration rather than compliance.
The Framework
The Lead with Intention Framework outlines what pedagogical leadership involves in ECEC settings, including schools.
It is designed to help leaders understand:
- what early childhood pedagogical leadership involves
- what makes an early childhood pedagogical leader effective
- the support structures that enable leaders to be effective in their setting
- the practical ways leaders can strengthen culture and practice while empowering colleagues in the process
At its core, this framework is about leading pedagogy and practice through collaboration.
It is a practical resource for leaders who want stronger role clarity, a deeper understanding of effective pedagogical leadership, and a clear foundation for action.
The Program
The Lead with Intention Program is the next step for those wanting deeper, guided support.
Grounded in the framework, the program helps leaders translate ideas into action in their own setting. Through professional learning, reflection and practical application, participants build the confidence and capability to lead more intentionally over time.
The program supports leaders to:
- strengthen leadership identity and role clarity
- communicate with confidence
- build connected teams and purposeful collaboration
- lead change in ways that strengthen pedagogy and practice
- sustain momentum over time
This is where Lead with Intention moves from understanding to implementation.
Who is it for?
Lead with Intention is for those leading across any early childhood education service or setting, including:
- pedagogical leaders
- educational leaders
- coordinators
- room or team leaders
- aspiring leaders
- emerging leaders
- experienced leaders
- those leading the early years of school
Whether you hold the title, the responsibility, or simply the influence, Lead with Intention is designed to help you lead with greater clarity and purpose.
From influence to impact
"This course provided valuable time for discussion and introspection, enabling me to better identify, understand and articulate my values, principles, and aspirations as an educator and leader. ...
Moving forward, my intention that was firmly established during the programme is to empower others and continue to develop as a reflective and self-aware leader. I see every experience—even challenging ones—as an opportunity for growth, with clarity and insight often emerging over time."
“During Lead with Intention I felt seen as the middle leader that I was turning into and I was given strategies to showcase my talents to my schools administration. The course challenged me to get curious when things don't go to plan at school and encouraged me to let my light shine."
“The Lead Intention program provided a valuable space for reflection, growth, and connection at an important time in my leadership journey. It helped me recognise the strengths I already bring to leadership, gave me greater confidence to lead with purpose and authenticity, and reinforced the importance of collaboration. I was able to work alongside our Early Years leadership team and school administration to achieve a positive NQS verification result and contribute to the development of a shared Early Years vision for our school...
"Amie brings a rare blend of deep expertise and practical insight to every engagement. Her work with our early childhood leadership cohorts has consistently empowered participants to reflect, grow and lead with greater clarity and confidence. The feedback from our leaders speaks volumes: they leave her sessions inspired, equipped and genuinely transformed in their practice."
“Engaging Amie to deliver educational leadership training has been a highly valuable investment for our organisation. Amie delivered exceptional training that empowered our Educational Leaders to grow their leadership skills. She brought an engaging, evidence-based approach that translated leadership concepts into practical action. She created a supportive learning environment that encouraged reflection, collaboration, and professional growth, and tailored her content to align with our context and goals.
The impact of Amie’s work has been significant and enduring. Participants left the training with practical strategies they could implement straight away, leading to noticeable improvements in leadership practices across our services. Her expertise, professionalism, and ability to inspire others have resulted in meaningful, lasting change within our organisation. I would highly recommend Amie to any organisation seeking high-quality, impactful training in educational leadership."