About Me
I’m Charlotte Shelley—an Early Years Consultant, parent, and passionate advocate for respectful, connected relationships with children.
My work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and understood, and that the quality of the relationships around them shapes their sense of safety, self, and belonging.
I work alongside those who are in close relationship with children—whether that’s early years settings, parents, families, practitioners, or members of the wider community.
My role is to support and guide others in cultivating environments where children can truly thrive. Central to my approach is a commitment to deep, attuned connection, grounded in the principles of the Pikler approach.
My journey with Emmi Pikler’s work began in 2018, when I first encountered her ideas and began integrating them into my own childcare setting.
This experience allowed me to embed the Pikler ethos into the everyday rhythm of nursery life—nurturing respectful care, autonomy, and authentic connection.
It gave me a lived understanding of how theory translates into practice, and how profound the impact can be when we slow down and truly see the child in front of us.
Since 2023, I’ve extended this work by partnering with other childcare providers and families, offering consultancy, training, and hands-on support to help others bring these values into their own settings and relationships.
I now live in beautiful Cumbria, where nature is both a source of inspiration and an integral part of my practice.
I believe that the natural world offers children (and adults) endless opportunities for connection, regulation, and wonder—and this connection to the outdoors weaves its way through much of what I do.
Whether I’m facilitating professional development, supporting parents, or offering guidance within settings, my work is always about relationships: honouring them, deepening them, and allowing them to be the foundation from which children can grow with confidence and care.