This week we introduce Mandy McFarlane, Head of Early Pathways at Bangkok Prep.With extensive Early Years experience across the UK, Abu Dhabi, and Thailand, Mandy leads our wraparound transition model for young learners and their families.Her work focuses on building confidence, partnership, and a strong foundation for future learning from day one.What inspired you to work in Early Years education?Was there a particular moment or experience that shaped your passion for early learning?Having worked across various age groups and settings earlier in my career, I realised that my true passion lies in Early Years. I love being part of those first steps where we set the foundations for curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. To this day, I fondly remember my own Year 1 teacher; she didn't just teach me, she instilled a genuine joy for school and helped me realise my full potential. My goal is to be that teacher for my students, setting a strong foundation through discovery and play, and making a lasting, positive difference in how they view themselves and the world of learning around them What does “Early Pathways” mean to you, and what excites you most about leading this area?To me, Early Pathways represents the critical bridge between a child’s home life and their first formal steps into education. At Bangkok Prep, this role is unique because it recognises that a successful education starts with a successful transition. It is about more than just administration; it is about building a foundation of trust, clear communication, and partnership with families from day one. What excites me most about leading this area is the opportunity to design a truly wraparound transition model. Whether a family is joining us locally or moving internationally, I am passionate about ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging before they even step into the classroom. The recent opening of our Pre-Nursery, 'Tiny Tails,' has been a professional highlight for me. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our youngest learners, at just two years old, begin to develop their independence and curiosity. Leading a fantastic team to facilitate this growth, while ensuring that parents feel supported and informed, is what makes the Early Pathways role so vital to the heart of our school community. What do you enjoy most about working with our youngest learners and their families?What I enjoy most is that young children see the world through new eyes, full of joy and wonder. They possess an innate curiosity and are genuinely delighted by every new accomplishment or skill, no matter how small. Being there to witness that 'lightbulb moment' when a child masters something for the first time is incredibly rewarding. Beyond the classroom, I find a huge amount of fulfilment in the partnership with their families. For many parents, this is their first experience of the British education system or perhaps their first time leaving their child in a school setting. I enjoy being the person who provides that reassurance and builds a bridge of communication between home and school. There is a unique joy in seeing a child’s confidence grow alongside their parents’ trust in us. It is a privilege to guide families through this transformative stage, ensuring that their first steps into the Bangkok Prep community are filled with the same excitement and curiosity that the children bring to their learning every day What do you enjoy doing outside of school?With two children of my own, we are an extremely busy family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We love travelling together and creating shared memories, whether we are relaxing on an island, exploring the energy of a new city, or hitting the slopes for a skiing holiday, even if I am comfortably the slowest one in the group! Beyond family adventures, I am passionate about being an active role model for my children and love setting myself personal fitness challenges to stay healthy and motivated. I also truly value my social time, whether that is going out for dinner with friends or as my husband would certainly point out, squeezing in some shopping! However, I also recognise the importance of 'switching off' to maintain a healthy balance. When I have a quiet moment to myself, there is nothing I enjoy more than getting lost in a good romantic novel. It is this mix of high-energy family life and personal relaxation that keeps me balanced and ready to bring my best self to my role at school each day. Biography - Mandy McFarlane, Head of Early PathwaysOriginally from Berkshire, England, I trained at Roehampton University, where I developed a deep-rooted passion for Early Years education. My career began in the fast-paced environment of Inner London schools, providing me with a strong foundation in diverse and dynamic teaching practices. Following this, I spent 11 years in Abu Dhabi, further honing my expertise in an international setting before eventually relocating to Thailand. As a mother of two energetic children and a supportive husband who has been my partner in every international adventure, I understand first-hand the importance of a nurturing educational environment. I am dedicated to creating a 'wraparound' experience for families, ensuring that every child's transition into school is as joyful and seamless as possible.
