How to deliver summative assessments that families actually value

I'm an early years tragic! I was born into ECE, with Mum starting a home-based service and then purchasing a 28-place preschool in Ermington, NSW, Australia. Being a 4th-generation teacher, our dinner conversations centred around pedagogy, psychology, and the impact of stencils on learning! After completing my Science/Law undergrad at University of Sydney, nearly finished my Masters in Education (Leadership & Management) (although I never finished my dissertation), and a period of time in education tech startups and consulting, it was my great privilege to be the CEO of Being for six years where we created one of Australia’s highest-quality early education organisations. With Mana, I continue my mission to transform early education on this planet - creating extraordinary outcomes for children, their families, and their communities.

VICE PRESIDENT Nesha Hutchinson Nesha has over 40 years of experience in the early learning sector. Formerly the Treasurer of the ACA National Executive Committee, Nesha is also former President of the ACA NSW Executive Committee.

Nesha currently owns two early learning services in Sydney. She is passionate about working collaboratively across the sector to bring about positive outcomes for children, families and operators in the areas of funding, planning, inclusive support and policy.

Nesha takes a hands-on approach to centre operation, and is acutely aware of the issues facing operators, families and our children. She has won a host of awards for her business management from the Australian Family Awards, Child Care Week Awards, National Work Life Balance Awards, Small Business Awards and Telstra Business Women's Awards.

Nesha holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and English, a Masters in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education - Inclusive Support and a Diploma in Children's Services. She also has a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. Nesha has previously worked as a registered senior supervising psychologist and has been a long standing Member of the Australian Psychological Society. She is a Justice of the Peace.

My journey into education began with my first career as an OSHC Educator, where I discovered a passion for mentoring children. I then went on to study a Bachelor of Business Leadership and Commerce at Macquarie University, before joining Deloitte's strategy consulting team, with a focus on the education sector. A key highlight was leading the implementation planning for the Mental Health in Primary Schools Program across Victoria. Following this, I completed my Master's in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne, where my research centred on positive education for children. This journey ultimately led me to Mana, inspired by the opportunity to give every child an extraordinary start to life.