Sleepy Hollow Inspired Consultancy

Diane and Bronagh offer a wide and varied consultancy portfolio. From the new provider wishing to embark on a school age childcare project or day care provision, to the established provider wishing to alter their provision or begin to think of an exit strategy. They also consult with schools particularly around environments, eager and able to learn provision for 2–3 year olds, wraparound care, activity provision or holiday clubs. They also provide consultancy to private corporate employers or government departments. Diane and Bronagh are more than willing to work with any colleague who wishes to make a difference to the outcomes of children and young people and/or to working parents.

Diane has 23 years experience working in Early Education and Care. Diane graduated in Business and followed with Post Graduate Diplomas in Law and then a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). After working for over a decade in the corporate sector she bought a small day nursery registered for just 35 children and 8 early educators. The business has grown twenty fold over the past two decades and so has Diane’s love and passion for all things early years and playwork. The past two decades have been dedicated to upskilling in both Early Years and Playwork having recently graduated with a 1st class Honours Degree in Early Years. Diane is also a qualified Assessor and holds a certificate in teaching/education. Diane has a passion for recognising the role the sector plays in Education and so in the wider Economy. As CEO of the Company Diane leads on the company strategy but she also has a passion for sectoral work and in lobbying. Diane has been chair person of both the Day Care Forum and the Employers Forum on Early Education, Care and Playwork. She was the Chairperson of Playwork Education and Training Council for NI (PETCNI). She has been on the Board of Directors of Early Years Organisation and of PlayBoard NI. She is a founding member of International Play Association NI. She sat on the Northern Ireland Covid Advisory Group between 2020 and 2022 and currently attends the All Party Grouping for Early Education and Care. She was also invited by the Education Minister to be involved in the Stakeholder Engagement Forum on the development of an Executive Childcare Strategy. She has attended several party Conferences and corporate events as a sector representative alongside Federation of Small Business. She was also invited as a delegate of local business owners to meet with Steve Baker MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland since 2022. Diane also delivered a TEDX in 2020 and co-authored a book. Diane is also a NI Ambassador for the Entrepreneurs Circle which meets in Belfast monthly. She is past president of Belfast Soroptimist Club and through this was committed to making a difference to lives of women and girls living in NI and around the world.

Both in the corporate and early years sector Diane has delivered keynote speeches both in Ireland and around the globe, the farthest being in Macau. She has also undertaken many consultancy projects, most of which are carried out on a confidential basis. She can be contacted through email: diane@sleepyhollowgroup.com

Bronagh has 28 years experience working in Early Education and Care. Bronagh joined Sleepy Hollow Group as a young student on work placement and has literally worked in every role in the company from Childcare Assistant through to the rank of Senior Director. She has a wealth of experience and all the underpinning knowledge with Level 5’s in both Playwork and CCLS as well as having recently graduated with an Honours Degree in Early Years. Bronagh is also a qualified Assessor and holds a certificate in teaching. Like Diane, Bronagh also has has a passion for recognising the role the sector plays in Education and so in the wider Economy. Bronagh is particularly focused on the recognition and raising the value of our workforce. Bronagh sits on several committees including Chair of the Sub Committee of Employers forum in early education, care and playwork and also the Childcare for All Group. She attends the All Party Grouping for Early Education and Care. She is a founding member of the International Play Association NI and is currently its vice chairperson. She previously sat on the Playwork Education and Training Council for NI (PETCNI). She is co-author of a book.

In the early years and playwork sectors Bronagh has delivered keynote speeches both in Ireland and around the globe, the farthest being in Macau. She has also undertaken many consultancy projects, most of which are carried out on a confidential basis. She can be contacted through email: bronagh@sleepyhollowgroup.com