Values Jammer in the Spotlight

Gill Mason 

Who are you?

I’m Gill Mason, training director for Kids Planet Day nurseries –  early years expert with a lifelong passion for learning and giving children the strongest possible start in life. I’m also a devoted Springsteen fan—drawn to his storytelling, grit, and heart—and a proud champion of vocational education. I believe in learning by doing, in heart over hierarchy , and in creating environments where everyone  can thrive and belong.

What are your core values? 

Care, equity, authenticity, and social justice . In early years work, these aren’t abstract concepts—they show up in every interaction, every learning moment. I believe in meeting people where they are, honouring every voice, and helping others find their rhythm and potential—just like The Boss would say, “you can’t start a fire without a spark.”

 Why did you join the ValuesJam community?

I joined ValuesJam because I saw it as a way to bring together everything I care about: human connection, shared values, learning through dialogue, and a bit of joy along the way. Whether I’m in a nursery, a training session, or a policy conversation, I’ve always believed values are what carry us forward. ValuesJam offered a fun, soulful, and powerful way to make those conversations more meaningful—and more human.

How are you using your ValuesJam card decks? 

I use them across all the spaces I work in—from early years settings to team days in the Academy  With colleagues, trainees, or even parents, the cards create these beautiful openings for honesty, humour, and heart. They’re brilliant in vocational education too—so many young people light up when asked what really matters to them.

Fave rock n roll moment of magic from a ValuesJam session?

There was one moment that still gives me goosebumps. A group of early years educators had just pulled cards, and one of them—who’d been really quiet—shared how the value of belonging reminded her of why she first chose this career. She got emotional, we all did. It turned the session into something unforgettable. It reminded us why we do this work. It was pure magic

How could better WELFARE improve the world?

 Better welfare is the bedrock of a fair society. When families have access to good early years support, when young people can pursue vocational paths with respect  and opportunity, when no one is left behind—that’s when society starts to shine. Welfare, to me, is about creating the conditions for people to live with dignity and purpose. It’s not just policy—it’s compassion in action.

Contact Info

Gill Mason

Training Academy Director

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Kids Planet Training Academy

E: gill.mason@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk

W: http://www.kidsplanettrainingacademy.co.uk/

ValuesJammer Top Tips

Force rank the ValuesJam cards to help identify your core values.