Thomas Maguire
Early Years Lead Teacher based in Vietnam
Helping young children grow through play, stories, nature and discovery.
I am an Early Years educator with a passion for child-led learning, outdoor exploration and creating spaces where children feel safe, curious and ready to try. My practice is shaped by play-based learning, Reggio Emilia principles, Forest School ideas, Montessori influence and the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard and encouraged.
A little about me
I'm an Early Years educator from Northern Ireland, currently living and teaching in Vietnam. My work is about creating nurturing, playful and thoughtful learning spaces where young children can build confidence, independence, language, friendships and a real love of learning.
Over the years I've worked across early years teaching, classroom support, EAL support, pastoral care, support work and team leadership. That mix has helped me become calm, adaptable and approachable, with a strong sense of how children learn best when they feel secure, respected and included.
- Based in Vietnam
- Early Years Lead Teacher
- 3 years teaching experience
- Children aged 12 months to 6 years
- EAL support experience
- Outdoor and play-based focus
How I work with children
My teaching is rooted in the belief that young children learn best when they're active, curious and emotionally secure. My practice draws from the Reggio Emilia approach, elements of Te Whāriki, Forest School principles and Montessori methods. I value open-ended play, loose parts, stories, movement, outdoor exploration, creativity and careful observation.
Play-Based Learning
Open-ended play, loose parts and creative materials so children can lead, imagine and try things in their own way.
Child-Led Discovery
Following children's interests and questions, and giving them time and space to wonder, build on ideas and feel proud of what they find.
Outdoor Learning
Time outside in nature, drawing from Forest School ideas, with mud, sticks, weather, climbing, growing and looking closely.
Emotional Growth
Calm, warm routines that help children feel safe, build friendships, name their feelings and grow in confidence.
Family Communication
Honest, kind conversations with parents, sharing little moments, observations, milestones and any gentle next steps.
Inclusive Support
Making sure every child feels seen and included, with extra care for EAL learners, SEN needs and quieter voices.
"Children learn so much when they're given the space to wonder, explore, make a little mess and feel proud of what they discover."
Places I've taught and worked
Lead Teacher
August 2023 to presentSaigon Kids 2 Outdoor Learning Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tiny humans, big ideas. Ages 12 months to 6 years.
"Where the days smell like rain, paint and snack time."
- Builds play-based learning experiences rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach
- Weaves in the New Zealand early years curriculum, Te Whāriki
- Sparks creativity, critical thinking and a little healthy problem solving
- Watches closely and documents the way children think, play and grow
- Talks honestly with parents about progress, wins and the gentle bits
- Builds with colleagues so each child gets a rounded, joined-up experience
- Holds steady routines and supports each child's individual needs
- Grows social confidence in a warm, inclusive room
Teaching Classroom Assistant
August 2022 to July 2023Cumran Primary School, Northern Ireland
"Wellies in the morning, reading corners in the afternoon."
- Supported KS1 and KS2 children through small groups and one-to-one work
- Helped with guided reading, classroom support, monitoring and assessment
- Joined in with whole class teaching, activities, events and displays
- Offered pastoral care to children across the school
- Helped with sports, coaching, breaks, lunches, first aid and after-school clubs
- Worked alongside phase leaders, the SENDCo, office staff and senior leadership
- Lent a hand with IT and admin when it was needed
- Stayed calm and kind with children navigating tricky behaviour
Support Worker
June 2021 to June 2023Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
"Showing up, listening properly, and never rushing."
- Supported vulnerable adults with a wide range of needs
- Championed dignity, hygiene, safeguarding and independence
- Encouraged kind routines and healthy little habits
- Administered medication carefully and responsibly
- Offered steady reassurance and guidance through moments of distress
Store Manager
2012 to 2021Herron's Country Fried Chicken
"Long shifts, busy Saturdays, and a whole lot of people skills."
- Ran day-to-day operations and kept the whole show moving
- Ordered stock and built staffing rotas that actually worked
- Handled front of house and looked after regular customers
- Held high food hygiene standards behind the counter
- Looked after accounts treasurer duties
- Opened up, closed down and kept the daily logistics ticking
Things I bring to a classroom
Where I studied
BA Honours, Early Childhood Studies
Queen's University Belfast
June 2022
Level 3 Diploma, Childcare Learning and Development
June 2019
A Level, English Literature
June 2014
GCSEs
English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Science (double award), History, ICT, Geography, French
June 2012
On the learning wall
Introduction to Loose Parts Play in Early Childhood Education, January 2025
First Aid and AED Training, August 2024
Documenting Children's Learning Through Floorbooks, November 2023
Storypark for Collaborative Learning and Reflection, October 2023
Bespoke EAL Learning Software, Learning Village, 2022
Forest School workshops over a 16 week programme
Beyond the classroom
Coaching sports for children with additional needs
Forest School workshops alongside a Forest School Practitioner
Christian Youth Ministry young leader, supporting local communities and mentoring young adults
Habitat for Humanity in Ethiopia, helping educate local children and building housing and sanitation systems
Erasmus trip 2019 in Rimini, Florence and Bologna, observing different pedagogical approaches to early years provision
Bits and pieces about me
Download Thomas's CV
For a full breakdown of my education, experience, professional development and references, you can download the CV here. References available upon request.
Download CVGet in touch
For early years roles, international school opportunities, education projects or professional enquiries, you can reach me by email, WhatsApp or phone. I always try to reply within a day or two.