Gemma Paterson
My name is Gemma Paterson. I work in early learning and childcare in Grangemouth as a Head of Centre. I have worked in early years since 2006 and have worked in a variety of roles. My role is for experienced practitioners with a degree level qualification in early learning and childcare who have significant experience in leadership and management.
I’ve been in this role since August 2022. I was fortunate that the position became available in a setting in Falkirk I was supporting as an Equity and Excellence Lead.
From my time working as a lead practitioner, I have always strived to do my very best for the children. My previous post of equity and excellence lead enabled me to take this to another level by using research and improvement science to capture and develop areas of high quality practice. It’s these initiatives and policies that can really impact our wee people, ensuring they have the best start in life.
I have undertaken the Scottish Coaching Leadership and Improvement Programme (SCLIP).
The course provided insight on improvement science, specifically how this could be applied to research within my setting and covers a range of topics such as data analysis, coaching teams and developing leadership methodology, all of which I use every day.
My experience as an equity and excellence lead was invaluable for my role as Head of Centre.
As a Head of Centre I am able to still focus on the equity agenda and really embed a family centred approach which improves outcomes for all. My experience in using quality improvement been advantageous in exploring meaningful improvements within the context of my setting. I have also been able to spread and scale the quality improvement approach within the setting and embed leadership at all levels. Practitioners use quality improvement to evidence the lived experiences of our children and families.
I am extremely lucky to work with an amazing team of enthusiastic and committed practitioners and we work collaboratively to make sure our wee people’s early experiences are of the highest quality. Each day is different within the role of Head of Centre. There needs be a gentle balance between leadership and management. The management side of the role ensures our centre operates to a high level. The systems in place support the team in keeping our children and families safe. The leadership side of the role focuses on the people within the setting and working with them to enable their creativity, enthusiasm and pedagogy to shine.
I gained my BA Childhood Practice in 2017 from the University of Dundee. They offer distance learning which suited my working pattern. As shown in my case, there are flexible working options available, and my role is also open to people who are working towards their degree. My experience of the course was exceptional, and I was led by a very supportive team.
I then went onto gain my Masters of Education in Early Years in 2023 from the University of Aberdeen.
I undertook a distance learning course again and found this approach a useful balance while being a Head of Centre. This course focused on a deepening of knowledge gained during the BA and built on my skills and knowledge to enable me to research areas of practice within early years.
My role is empowering and encourages me to think outside the box to improve the lives of children and families.
I feel extremely privileged to be a Head of Centre and lead our team in providing children and families with the very best early years’ experience. I feel proud to be a part of a wonderful team and to be a part of the individual journeys our wee people take while with us.
To anyone considering applying for a Head of Centre post I would say you will not regret it.
The role allows me to be innovative, supportive, creative and current. Leading a setting enables you to pave the way for high quality experiences, spaces and interactions for children and families. Making a difference is a huge part of why early years was the profession for me. As a Head of Centre, we make a difference every day.

My role is empowering and encourages me to think outside the box to improve the lives of children.
Gemma Paterson Head of Centre