Laura Henry-Allain MBE
"If you need an expert in Early Years education or sound parenting advice, I would recommend Laura Henry-Allain. She is extremely knowledgeable and is a truly inspiring individual.”
Saira Khan, TV presenter & motivational speaker
Hello
My name is Laura Henry-Allain MBE. I am an international award-winning producer, storyteller, educationalist, keynote speaker and consultant. I am the creator of the well-loved, award-winning first Black British animation, JoJo and Gran Gran global series, which was based on the relationship that I had with my grandmother. JoJo and Gran Gran was developed and produced by CBeebies and I am the series producer. I have a new children’s animation that is currently in development
I started my career more than 35 years ago as an Early Years teacher and have worked in the education, care and health sectors with children and their families, organisations and governments on a global level.
I received an MBE in the New Year Honours list 2021 for services to education, and a lifetime achievement award from Nursery World magazine in the same year.
I am a board member of the Children’s Media Foundation and vice president of The British Association of Early Childhood Education. I am also a patron of the Grenada Community Library, mentor to the Grenfell Memorial Quilt and an expert commissioner on the Raising the Nation Play Commission national inquiry into play.
I am a consultant for several well-known brands as well as children's media, television and publishing.
My bestselling children's books include My Skin, Your Skin and My Family, Your Family.
My new book, Maya and Marley, centres on an adventure playground.
My skills and knowledge have been honed over the many years that I have worked within the education, health and social services sectors. I have performed a wide range of roles including managing nurseries, as an Ofsted inspector and teacher and curriculum manager within a large college, as well as serving on a number of national and international forums and working parties.
My why is to inspire families around the world so that they can develop loving, meaningful, and lasting relationships.
I have worked with
“Laura has been an inspiring advocate of all we do at the Inspired Leaders Network for a number of years now.
We initiated a mentoring scheme at Lilian Baylis Technology School in Streatham, south London, and looked for volunteers to mentor the youngsters who were looking for a mentor.
It is vital when setting up a mentoring scheme that the initial mentors are fully committed and of a high standard. This will ensure the scheme is seen to be attractive and successful from the off.
Laura was our very first volunteer, and she set the bar extremely high for all to follow.
She is organised, always fully prepared, inspiring and determined. She has been an inspiration to her mentee, and to all our other mentors.
Laura has time for everyone and has shared her experience, drive and expertise freely with all she has come into contact with.
She is quite simply the best.”
René Carayol MBE, broadcaster & author
As seen in
Organisations I have worked with
