• ‍Expertise in Education and Child Development: Julika’s background in early years education and her understanding of child development aligns directly with Tales Toolkit’s mission of improving storytelling and learning in early years and SEND settings. Her insights would ensure the tools and training are both research-informed and practically effective for children.
• Strategic Thinking and Leadership: Advisory board members need to help guide the organization strategically. Julika’s experience in leadership roles (e.g., in schools, educational programs, or research) equips her to offer high-level guidance on growth, impact, and long-term planning.
• Innovation in Teaching Practices: Tales Toolkit thrives on creativity and innovative approaches to storytelling and learning. Julika’s involvement in developing or promoting novel teaching practices means she can help the team ensure the toolkit remains fresh, engaging, and evidence-based.
• Network and Influence: Julika likely has strong connections in the early years and SEND sectors, which can support Tales Toolkit in building partnerships, gaining credibility, and reaching schools that would benefit from the program.
• Commitment to Inclusion and SEND: Given Tales Toolkit’s focus on SEND settings, having someone like Julika, who understands the nuances of supporting children with diverse learning needs, ensures that the toolkit is inclusive and accessible.
• Practical Implementation Insight: Advisory board members should not just advise in theory but also understand what works on the ground. Julika’s hands-on experience in educational settings allows her to give practical, actionable feedback on how the toolkit can be applied effectively.

Key Passions

1. ‍Children’s mental health and nurturing environments
   According to her profile at Impact on Urban Health, Julika “leads … investments in nurturing environments for children’s mental health, specifically in primary school and community settings.” Impact on Urban Health+1
   This shows she is passionate about creating supportive settings for young children’s wellbeing.
2. ‍Community-led, family-friendly change
   She is described as a “passionate advocate for family-friendly and community-led change.” centreforyounglives.org.uk
   An example: she founded a community “parklet” in Hackney (a local street space converted for community use) which she says helped bring neighbours together and changed the street dynamic. livingstreets.org.uk+1
   So she has a grassroots passion for reshaping environments to better serve children, families, and neighbourhoods.
3. ‍Children and schooling as a personal commitment
   She is a parent of three young children and serves as a parent governor at a primary school. centreforyounglives.org.uk+1
   This lends her personal connection to young children, school settings, and the practical realities of children’s lives.