"Dear Penny, I just wanted to write to you immediately after the conference to say a huge thank you for your contribution in making yesterday so memorable.   Personally, as one of the organisers I found it a very empowering, challenging, entertaining and moving day rather than the usual stress and anxiety that goes with the job - and this was totally due to your ability to "hold" the conference and to make the whole event such an outstanding success"
Margaret Wasdell, Fieldwork Manager

"Working with Penny was exciting and very productive. The work she did for our Intergenerational Circle Time project was very professional, imaginative and meticulously prepared and presented. This work is still making waves 5 years later, and has won national and international recognition and awards- none of this would have happened without Penny's exceptional skill, talent and commitment."
Bronwen Holden, Project Manager, Promoting Healthy and Active Life in Older Age
Leeds Older People's Strategic Partnership and Development Team

"Penny has planned and provided training at our nursery school over the past 2 years. I would highly recommend her as a trainer. Her combined knowledge of both early years and NVC adds to the quality of the training. Penny has tailor made training that is relevant to our setting and our particular staff development needs.Penny is experienced in delivering training and supports the group skilfully. She combines practical sessions to learn and use new skills as well as a high level of up to date research which helps staff gain a deeper understanding of child development and the importance of the quality of the relationships. Most importantly her sessions are fun. They are well planned with variety to keep everyone's attention and interest, throughout the day. Penny is passionate about the early years and the quality of practice that will really support staff, children and families. She is very approachable, puts staff and families at ease and is full of great ideas as well as a depth to her thought. She "lives the model of NVC" and helps others to also gain this awareness and practice. She is supportive in reflecting on practice and suggesting ways forward."
Elaine Fullerton, Headteacher, Hope Cottage Nursery School, Edinburgh

"As a Local Authority "Quality and Inclusion Manager" I have worked with Penny Vine in her capacity as an early year's trainer for several years. She is a unique and talented disseminator of knowledge, whilst making one question oneself, especially around the sensitive issues of PSED and conflict resolution. She makes every practitioner feel as though what she says was especially for them. Her approach is constantly fresh and fascinating and she empowers individuals to believe in themselves as vitally important in the lives of children. I have never seen an evaluation of her training that was not of the highest grading."
Marie Charlton

"Penny has provided training for Bradford Early Years Childcare and Play over the last year. She has done the three day course for managers as well as the one day course for practitioners. Both have had excellent evaluations from participants who commented on how the training had made them reflect on their own practice and their own personal, social and emotional development. Penny is an excellent, motivating and inspirational trainer. She immediately captures her audience by building up an instant rapport. Everyone wanted to go back to give children and staff a beanbag cheer!"
Maggie McCarton  Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher, Bradford Early Years Childcare and Play                        

"Penny I went straight home and bought a puppet…I even spent Saturday night in a Nottingham pub telling my sister about your inspirational day.....not often I talk about "work" at the weekend!!
Many, many thanks."
Janice, Nursery Practitioner, Huddersfield   

"Penny has been involved with Oakwood Primary School for many years.  We have a very strong ethos with clear vision and values statements that we all try to live by.  Penny has been a key player in our learning journey, because she is so passionate about children developing into rounded human beings.   She has helped us to develop strategies with children to raise their self-esteem and self-worth.  Penny is a fun person to be with and genuinely values the uniqueness of every individual."
Anne Matthias, Headteacher, Oakwood Primary School, Leeds. (Retired July 08)

"Throughout her work, Penny brings fun, care and passion and stimulates similar enthusiasm in others.  She brings an infectious warmth and commitment to training in our school.The lively and interactive courses have been refreshing, inspirational and thought provoking. 

Her training courses are always well prepared, yet flexible enough to meet individual needs.  Penny has had a direct impact on the PSED curriculum and reinforcement of the school ethos.  Penny has been instrumental in developing a comprehensive range of programmes within school, such as Circle Time, intergenerational work, puppet workshops and helping to establish our School Council.Penny brings an understanding of individual worth and care in all that she does and nurtures trust in children and adults.  She also brings an infectious warmth and enthusiasm for her work."
Jo Howe, PSED Co-ordinator, Oakwood Primary School, Leeds

"Excellent, lively style of presentation…never a dull moment - most excellent INSET I have attended in a long time …lots of time for reflection which was valuable as I'm a new head."
Sue William, headteacher

"The morning started well as the staff came into the hall which was populated with huge puppets, there was lots of anticipation and excited chatter. Penny then talked with passion about what we can achieve when we listen to children (with a puppet as an intermediary) but it was never too serious, she's often outrageously funny. The programme was a great mixture of information and activity and everyone came out feeling that they could attempt something with puppets that they had not done before. The day was a great help to us in embedding our PSHCE work into our curriculum. We also had lots of fun together and that's worth so much in these serious times of targets and outcomes."
Su Edwards, Head teacher, Raynville Primary School, Leeds