Childsplay Nursery

Leadership

Childsplay management is core to the fundamental operation of the nursery, responsible for the planning, organisation and control of the members whilst utilising resources to achieve goals.  Management steers the organisation towards meeting the business objectives, whilst maintaining control over the way the business operates, at the same time they are responsible for leading, inspiring and directing staff to succeed.  Passion for the growth and well-being of all children is central to the motivation of all staff at Childsplay.  Management update the Ofsted Self Evaluation Form which provides evidence for inspectors which emphasises the quality of the provision, areas of strength and identified areas of improvement to ensure continued commitment and self-reflection of outstanding practice is optimum.

Managers must conform to the Performance Management Cycle, as stated in the Safeguarding and Welfare requirements (EYFS, 2012)

"to assure continued business success by ensuring that all staff are clear about their role in the organisation and are resourced, both in terms of training and development and management support, to make an optimum, and personally fulfilling, contribution". (Staff qualifications, Training, Support and Skills, EYFS requirement 3.53 to 3.65; 2012)

From age 17 I studied child development 0-8 years, child psychology, how children learn through play, why do children play, what is play, understanding behaviour, brain development from birth, speech and language development, health, additional needs, safeguarding etc… all within an outstanding qualification called NNEB.

Of course, learning is lifelong and in the world of working with young children, research changes and develops our understanding and thinking regards supporting and educating our youngest humans.

I have progressed in many qualifications across my 40-year career including:

·        Child Psychology

·        D.P.Q.S. (Higher Ed in early years)

·        I.L.M. (Management & Leadership)

·        B.A. Hons in Early Years – First Class Hons

·        SENCO Award Level 3

·        Forest School Leader Level 3

·        An abundance of essential study and qualifications which are vocational and many more.

I have worked as an Early Years Practitioner for many years with all age groups birth to 5 years at Childsplay before a position in Management and Leadership. I am passionate about how young children learn and enquire, and like Loris Malaguzzi, I truly believe we are competent if allowed to explore and enquire as children and not be directed, told or informed. It is important to co-research with children and not direct, this takes very clever open-ended engagement from the adult practitioner, it really is about the approach.  

I have been Childsplay’s Deputy Manager for 27 years and overall Nursery Manager for the last 4 years. I lead a wonderful team of Early Years Educators, they all play a vital role at Childsplay to ensure your children receive an inspirational early years journey. Scaffolding early years with dedicated care and education because they are the most important years of essential brain development and cognitive thinking. Our pedagogical approach to children’s learning; inspired by Reggio Emilia’s approach and our co-operative ethos, is so important to us to be able to offer your child, and you all as a family, a special and unique experience.

To learn something new both as adults and children, to work collaboratively with such freedom and to help encourage and educate young children to develop their own way of thinking and question the world around them.

I have been part of Childsplay Nursery for 23 years and in that time, I have had the privilege to work with all ages from birth to 5 and truly experience the journey through early years. I have progressed along my career path, from an early year’s educator to senior leadership roles gaining valuable experience and the chance to consistently reflect on my practice. Within early years you can never truly say you know everything; each day teaches us something new and by embracing that is what keeps the energy and excitement of working with children ever present.

I initially studied at level 3 to gain a BTEC National Diploma in Early years, followed on later in my career by a Foundation Degree in Early Years, as well as many quality training opportunities that have guided and inspired me over the years.

I am now the Operations Manager and have been for the past four years, in this role I continue to be able to work with the children and support staff as well as being part of the management team that work just like well-oiled cogs to ensure the successful operation of the co-operative spirit that is Childsplay.

Working with children has helped me understand my own sense of playfulness and creativity but also it has made me realise how we can make a difference in a child's life by shaping their early experiences and creating a safe, nurturing environment where they can thrive. 

I have worked from the young age of 15 and whilst studying my degree I also volunteered supporting children with additional needs as this has always been a great passion of mine. Witnessing a child reach their milestones and breakthroughs, such as mastering a new skill or discovering a new way to communicate, can be incredibly fulfilling and doing this for children who face greater challenges shows that every child is a capable. This is the reason I have fell in love with the Childsplay ethos as we truly believe in the capable child. We value and nurture every child individually and offer consistent support to all the children and their families. Being from a large family at home, I love nothing more than working closely with other families as they embark on a transformative journey as parents.

I took on my first leadership role at the age of 21. From then I have continuously developed my skills and have spent most of my career in a leadership role. Working alongside an amazing management team who have provided me with an abundance of knowledge and training has led me into my new role of Quality and Practice Manager. I take the lead in professional development, coaching and mentoring of the Nursery team. I strive to support and develop a skilled workforce which meets the needs of the children and contributes to the continued high-quality provision we have here at Childsplay.