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September 22, 2025 24 mins

From Teacher to Education Entrepreneur: Emma's Journey and Insights

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, Claire Riley, co-founder of Classroom Secrets, interviews Emma, a former part-time primary school teacher who transitioned into running 'Is It Time to Play?', an educational resource website specialising in play-based learning for early years teachers.

Emma shares her journey of leaving teaching in 2022 due to burnout and the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities. She discusses the critical personal development she undertook, including hiring a business coach, which helped her gain clarity and formulate a growth plan for her business.

Emma emphasises the importance of investing in oneself, the challenges of balancing time and financial commitments, and the value of seeking help from experts to manage various aspects of an education business.

This episode provides valuable insights for education business owners and those considering a similar career shift.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

00:33 Welcome to the Education Business Podcast

01:31 Emma's Transition from Teaching to Business 

04:16 The Growth and Impact of 'Is It Time to Play?'

05:52 Personal Development and Business Growth 

11:25 The Importance of Investing in Yourself 

21:07 Delegation and Expert Support

23:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

All About Emma:

Founder of Is it Time to Play? Play based planning and teaching resources for EYFS and KS1. 

Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk
Instagram: @isittimetoplay
TikTok: @isittimetoplay
Facebook: @isittimetoplay

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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