Meet the Team - Nicky Oram

Meet the Team - Nicky Oram

I began my career as a class teacher in an Infant school in the London Borough of Hounslow. Since that time I have taught across the primary and early years age range, moving from London to the Sussex coast and then to Wiltshire. I’ve worked in schools and a variety of early years settings.

I was part of the first group of early years practitioners to be awarded EYPS in 2007, having completed my training with Best Practice Network. I joined the team as a mentor while continuing in my role as an early years leader and subsequently became a group tutor, an assessor and a training facilitator. My current role is lead tutor and deputy programme leader for EYITT.

My main interest outside of my work is photography. I successfully completed the Open University T189 photography course. I have steadily built up a professional portfolio as a creative photographer with Getty Images, having been spotted through the photo sharing site Flickr. I have c

ompleted a couple of editorial assignments for Getty, including coverage of the Royal Wedding being watched by the people of Bath on large screens in the park. Some of my photos are here, including a few of the very poignant and memorable Tower of London poppies.

I’m very aware that a picture is a powerful representative tool and can be used to convey messages and support learning in many ways. Consider how many ways simple strong visual imagery is used in early years to support children’s wellbeing and learning. From the creation of an enabling environment with attractive resources to the use of visual time tables and picture and symbol based labels used to support communication.

Like many others - children and adults alike - I like to be out of doors as much as I can. I spend my weekends (weather permitting) on long walks (always camera in hand) camping and at summer music festivals, favourites being WOMAD and Beautiful Days.

Nicky is Lead Tutor and Deputy Programme Leader on Early Years Initial Teacher Training for Best Practice Network