Principal and Director

Kathy Walker is renowned Across Australia and a Melbourne-based Educational Consultant, parenting expert and author. She conducts a range of professional development and parenting sessions throughout Australia in the  areas of early childhood and primary as well as consults for a range of government organisations . Kathy is formerly a university lecturer in education and author of the best selling books for parents, Parenting and Ready Set Go? as well as her latest books for teachers, Play Matters (2nd Ed) Investigative learning for preschool to Grade 2 and Engagement Matters Personalised learning for Grades 3-6. In 2008 Kathy was awarded a Fellowship from the Australian Council For Educational Leaders. In 2011 she was nominated for Australian of the Year. 

Kathy is a regular contributor to the Education Age and Herald Sun and other Australian media including  The Today Show on Channel 9 on issues regarding early childhood and primary education. She speaks regularly on ABC radio on parenting and education issues as well as appearing on channel 10 as a parenting expert.
 In particular her specialisation with schools and early childhood programs include, school readiness, school transition, children's behaviour, resilience, self esteem and personalsing learning. These are all in popular demand. A major component of Kathy's work with schools is in assisting staff to implement play and Personalised learning.

Kathy's commitment to parents extends to the corporate sector and businesses that support family friendly work practices. She conducts presentations on a range of issues for working parents.

Kathy is a highly skilled facilitator of planning days, school council and parent information/discussion sessions.

As an excellent public speaker, Kathy inspires audiences at special events or annual general meetings.

Fellowship Award :

For her work with teachers and parents to develop early-childhood and primary programs, developmental curriculum, effective transition and preparation of children for school entry.

For articulating her passion for children to be given a childhood, learning through play and in multi-age classrooms. For her capacity to share her passion with parents, teachers and the wider community through her writing and presentations. For her commitment to sharing her knowledge and experience in educational media, and family-friendly corporate settings.

For her contributions to the professional learning of parents, teachers and the wider public via her presentations and workshops, her regular articles in the press, her books, and for her regular radio speeches. For her leadership and mentoring of other educators.

For her leadership and commitment as an independent inquirer for the Australian Education Union that sponsored the National Inquiry into Preschool Education across Australia. For her expertise in transition issues and readiness which is an integral part of that inquiry.

For her excellent educational leadership in inspiring others and contributing to the practice of educational leadership at schools, in professional development activities, special events and meetings of professional organizations, national education unions, and local government networks forums and conferences. For upholding the ideals of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.