Caricature headshot of Ruth by Oliver Caviglioli

Independent Education Consultant

I’m passionate about Education, particularly in the 0-7 phase and a founding member of the “Firm Foundations” grass-roots Early Years movement, bringing high-quality training and debate at minimal cost to educators across the country. 

I’m the Director of Assure Education with over 30 years’ experience in primary education, over 20 of them in senior leadership roles including primary headship.

I have worked as a School Improvement Advisor, Early Years consultant and moderator in several Local Authorities; supporting leaders and teachers to improve outcomes for pupils.

I’m passionate about Primary education, particularly Early Years, and have taught from Nursery to Y6.

In 2014 I trained as an Ofsted inspector, combining this role with a number of other roles in education.

I currently fulfil a range of different education improvement roles.

I work part-time as a School Improvement Advisor to several Local Authority schools.

Throughout my time in the Local Authority Advisory service, I have a proven track record of improving schools and helping to secure good and outstanding Ofsted outcomes in the schools in which I work, this role also involves performance management for Headteachers and supporting governing bodies with strategic leadership. 

I also work with a range of MATS, Associations, Academy and LA schools throughout the UK providing training, school improvement advice, appraisal, coaching, mentoring, and practical advice and support.

Ruth Swailes smiling at the camera cropped close to head and shoulders
Ruth and Dave McParlin stood in front of the Flakefleet Primary School logo holding a copy of 'Birth to 5 Matters'

Local authorities I’ve worked with…

Barnsley

Birmingham

Blackpool

Bradford

Buckinghamshire

Calderdale

Cheshire East

Cheshire West and Chester

Coventry

Cumbria

Darlington

Derby

Derbyshire

Devon

Doncaster

Dorset

Durham

Ealing

Essex

Haringay

Herefordshire

Hertfordshire

Kent

Kirklees

Lancashire

Leeds

Leicester

Leicestershire

Lincolnshire

London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Milton Keynes

Norfolk

North East Lincolnshire

Northamptonshire

Nottinghamshire

Oxfordshire

Reading

Slough

St Helens

States of Guernsey Government

Stoke on Trent

Sunderland

Surrey

Sutton

Torbay

Warwickshire

Wigan

Wirral

Wokingham

Ruth stood in from of a lecturn with a projection showing 'Getting it right from the start' presentation

My publications and other work…

I’m the lead author, curriculum consultant, and trainer on the Oxford University Press International Early Years curriculum. I have recently completed the OICEY curriculum for 2-3 year olds. 

I present the Childhood Chatter show on Teacher Hug Radio – The soundtrack to your teaching career. I’ve written for The Early Years Blog | FamlyEarly Years Educator | Early Years Educator where I serve on the editorial board, Ruth Swailes, Author at Yorkshire Bylines,  amongst other publications, and was named Nursery World Trainer of the Year 2021 and a leading International “Edruptor” in 2022 by the ISC.

Ruth and Nick Sharratt holding a copy of 'Octopus Socktopus'
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