Founder
Hi I’m Elizabeth, founder of Funky Foundations and creator of The Talk Tower. I’ve worked for over 20 years in education including as an Early Years Senior Practitioner, Early Years Assessor and as a lecturer in Childhood Studies.
The idea for Funky Foundations began during my time as an assessor, through conversations with nursery and school leaders who were concerned about the gaps in children’s speech, language and communication. Many were desperate for ways to engage children and support their development in those areas.
A little later, I was diagnosed with a rare heart condition, which made me reflect deeply on my purpose, impact and legacy. I knew I wanted to create something meaningful, something that could make a positive difference to children’s lives while bringing together all the things I care about most.
I thought about my mum and dad, who were both talented teachers and musicians, and the incredible impact they had on the children they taught. Even years later, former pupils would still talk about what they had learned from them and how much they had inspired them.
I also reflected on my own experiences as a parent. My children developed strong language and communication skills very naturally, and often told me, “You taught us that”, even though I never felt I was doing anything out of the ordinary. Looking back, I realised how much music, storytelling, rhythm, humour and conversation had always been part of our everyday lives.
Combining my background in education, my passion for music and songwriting, my experience teaching and working with children, and my belief that learning should feel joyful, active and meaningful, Funky Foundations was born.
Today, Funky Foundations aims to help children build strong foundations in communication, confidence and emotional literacy through sounds, movement, and encouraging expression through speech and language.