Meet the Early Years Evidence Advocates

26 February 2026

Representing different settings and geographical regions, five Early Years Evidence Advocates have been appointed to work alongside the Early Years Evidence Mobilisation Team on our expanding evidence mobilisation activities in the early years. Bringing insight, experiences and expertise to the role, Advocates are dedicated to help bridge the practical experience of educators and leaders in Early Years settings with the research evidence about what can make a real difference to children’s outcomes.

Education Endowment Foundation

Education Endowment Foundation

Andrina Flinders

Head Teacher, Fulbrook Maintained Nursery School (Walsall), and Lead Practitioner for Thrive Together Stronger Practice Hub. 

Andrina is an experienced early years leader with over 20 years’ experience, working predominantly in areas of high deprivation. Her work focuses on developing early years leadership, supporting children’s PSED and communication and language, and advocating for disadvantaged children, including those with EAL and SEND. She is particularly passionate about empowering educators to use evidence-informed approaches to remove barriers and improve outcomes. 

Nicola Cherry

Works across a wide variety of different early years settings and organisations. Their current roles include:

  • Early Years Delivery Manager overseeing three maintained nurseries in North Somerset.
  • Early Years Advisory Teacher in Bath and North East Somerset.
  • Independent Early Years Consultant.
  • Local Specialist Leader in Early Maths for Bristol Early Years Teaching School.

Nicki’s work focuses on translating evidence into accessible, practical professional development, particularly in communication and language and early mathematics and supporting early educators and leaders working in areas of disadvantage, to provide high-quality early education.

Nichola Quenby

Nursery Teacher atStonehill Nursery School and Derby Research School.

Started a new role as a lead teacher of a 2-year-old unit within a maintained nursery school, serving a diverse community based in Derby. Alongside this role, Nichola leads the regular Early Years network for the Derby Research School.

Previously, as an Early Years Lead, Nichola led early years provision within primary and nursery school contexts, with a strong focus on inclusive practice, curriculum leadership and supporting children with SEND and EAL.

Nichola is passionate about providing high-quality early years education and care for all children and enjoys bringing people together through the network to learn from one another.

Mandy Cuttler

Early Years and Childcare Advisory Team Leader for Tower Hamlets. 

Mandy currently works as an Early Education and Childcare Advisory Team Leader in Tower Hamlets. Her role is focused on leading the Early Years Advisory Team and supporting providers through coaching, challenge and collaborative problem-solving.

Mandy also works with senior leaders and providers to ensure their service meets all statutory duties while driving high-quality, inclusive provision across the sector. She provides strategic guidance, oversees safeguarding, supports quality improvement, and helps shape policy, training and communication, so providers across Tower Hamlets are well-equipped to deliver excellent early education for every child.

Kim Wilson

Quality Lead at Honey Pot Nursery in Liverpool.

Kim works as an Area Manager across six PVI nursery settings, driving consistent and evidence-based high-quality provision across the organisation.

Her key area of work is designing and delivering bespoke staff training aimed at developing high-quality teaching practices to achieve the very best outcomes for children.