Parent partnership is not a “nice to have,” it’s core SEND infrastructure

Many systems talk about working with parents, but treat them as peripheral once professionals step in. Shabnum speaks from experience about how early progress depends on trusting parents as consistent observers of their child, not passive recipients of advice. Her work shows that when families are engaged early and clearly, escalation slows and outcomes improve. This reframes partnership as operational necessity, not soft practice.

About Shabnum Bi

Shabnum Bi, podcast guest

Entrepreneur of the Year (MBCC, 2025) and Internationally Recognised Early Years Director of an Ofsted Outstanding Preschool

Outstanding Ofsted overall effectiveness (2025)2025 MBCC Entrepreneur of the Year14th World Leaders Summit speaker & Outstanding Leader AwardFounder & director Early Nurture Pre-School

Shabnum Bi is the founder and director of Early Nurture Pre-School, an independent early years setting in Birmingham rated Outstanding by Ofsted in March 2025. Her work is shaped by a simple but demanding belief: children thrive when they are seen early, supported early, and surrounded by adults who understand both development and family context.

Early Nurture was relaunched from an existing playgroup with a deliberate shift in direction. Rather than expanding numbers, Shabnum capped the setting at 30 children and rebuilt practice around attachment, emotional regulation, and early intervention—particularly for children with SEND and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. That choice now defines the setting’s reputation.

Her approach has gained recognition both locally and nationally. Early Nurture holds the Birmingham SEND Bronze Award, was named Nursery of the Year (Prestige Awards 2025–2026), and won Awards of Excellence for Early Years Childcare Provider 2025. Shabnum herself has been recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the MBCC Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards and as an Inspiring Leader in Early Years in the West Midlands.

In 2025, Shabnum represented the UK at the 14th World Leaders Summit at the University of Oxford, receiving the Outstanding Leader Award in Leadership and speaking on empowering multilingual families as co-educators.

View profile →

Book Shabnum Bi for your show

1+ podcast & stage appearances. Remote or in studio, broadcast-grade audio.

Request an interview →