Here at Eduzone, we're passionate about providing not only a great choice of quality products, but support and industry insight to our customers. Join us for this new blog series in conversation with early years practitioners across the industry to find out more about what they do, their inspiration and the challenges they face in supporting little ones development.
........ Who are you; tell us a bit about you and your role? .....
My name is Zoe and I am the franchise owner of Debutots in the Kingston area. I provide interactive story sessions to a variety of settings, including nurseries, after school clubs and care homes.
........ How do you help support children's development? .....
With my sessions, I help children learn through the magic of storytelling and imaginative play. Each session is carefully crafted to build early language and literacy skills, whilst boosting confidence as the little ones explore new characters and adventures. Through drama, movement and creative expression, I support children in developing communication, creativity, empathy and teamwork, whilst also supporting emotional awareness. With movement and drama woven in, we offer a fun, enriching experience that helps children thrive.
........ What is the highlight of your role? .....
The highlight of my role is intergenerational sessions because there's something really special about seeing children and older adults connect through stories and imagination. I love watching the joy on everyone's faces as they share laughter, movement and creativity - it feels like a real exchange of energy and warmth. These moments remind me why I do what I do; it's not just about storytelling, it's about bringing people together in a meaningful and often unexpected way.
........ What was your favourite story as a child? .....
Matilda was my favourite because, like her, I was a bookworm, with a love of learning! I was lucky enough to have several teachers who mirrored Miss Honey; kind, encouraging and passionate about learning, enabling each child to find their strengths and passions and encourage them. These qualities inspired my career into teaching, then into Debutots.
........ What do you feel are the current issues in early years development? .....
For me the biggest issue is the growing push in early years education for children to meet formal expectations earlier—sitting still, concentrating, and following structure before they’re developmentally ready.
Before joining Debutots, I was a teacher, so I know how hard early years practitioners work to support every child’s development; this increasing pressure is worrying for both practitioners and the children.
At Debutots, we support school readiness in a way that works with a child’s natural development, not against it. Our interactive storytelling and drama sessions are rooted in play - because play isn’t a break from learning, it is learning.
Through our imaginative stories and activities, children develop confidence, language, focus, empathy, and emotional awareness. They learn to solve problems, take turns, and express themselves; skills that form the true foundation for school and life beyond.
We are fortunate enough to see the impact every day. Our sessions are active, playful, and full of meaningful learning. Children thrive when they’re free to explore, imagine, and grow at their own pace, in a safe and supportive space.
I hope that the power of play is protected and kept at the heart of early education.
...What's your top tip for improving communication and language? ...
As simple as it is for me, it's all about play. Since having my daughter, I have really come to understand the importance play has on a child's development. The conversations we have whilst playing are invaluable.
I also cannot stress the joy bedtime stories have on little ones. It was my favourite time as a child, and I enjoy it even more so with my daughter. This is why I love Debutots, we tell stories without the books and let imaginations take the lead. One part of our sessions that is valuable for language development is that we provide clues with key words and expressive actions before we tell the story, supporting children with the oral storytelling aspect.
........ What are your top 3 Eduzone products and why? .....
This is such a hard one as Eduzone has so many amazing products, and trust me, I would love to have it all! I would have to say my top picks are:
 Roll Around Nature Rollers I cannot get enough of the Yellow Door stones and rollers. I have used some of these in tuff trays and it has provided endless possibilities for my little one.
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 Handa's Surprise Literacy Finger Puppets & Book Set If I had space, I would have all of the story sets. Puppets are a key part of our Debutots sessions and my daughter also loves bringing her favourite stories to life through teddies and handmade puppets. |
 Tray Playmat Fairy
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shop all of Zoe's faves
........ Where you can find Zoe .....
A big thank you to Zoe for taking time out of her week to spend circle time with us. If you're in the Kingston area and would like to go and see what Debutots is about for yourself, you can find Zoe on Instagram, debutotskingston.
Not in the Kingston area? Visit Debutots' website to find your local group or head to their Instagram debutotshq.