Gooseberry Bush Day Nursery, Kemble

With over 10 years of experience in the early years sector, I have developed a strong passion for supporting children, families, and educators to achieve the very best outcomes. My career began as an apprentice, and through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to continuous professional development, I progressed through a variety of roles to become a manager.

I hold a Level 3 Early Years qualification, a Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification, and have recently achieved the National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL). Achieving my NPQEYL is one of my proudest accomplishments and has further strengthened my leadership skills and knowledge of best practice in early years education.

My ethos centres around leading by example, being approachable, and fostering strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues. I am passionate about creating high-quality early years experiences and helping others reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and exploring the countryside on walks with my dog, which helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance and appreciation for the outdoors.

I have worked in childcare for over 20 years and have gained a wealth of experience across a variety of roles, from working directly with children as a practitioner to managing the operational side of settings as a Business Manager. I am now proud to be the Assistant Manager, where I continue to support children, families, and staff to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Alongside my management role, I am the Curriculum Lead and SENCO, ensuring that every child receives an engaging, inclusive, and high-quality learning experience tailored to their individual needs.

As a parent to three children of my own, I understand the importance of creating a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can thrive and families feel valued.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, making memories and enjoying new experiences together.

I have a Level 2 and 3 in Childcare and Education, a Level 5 in Management and a TQUK Level 2 in Understanding Autism.

In the sector, I have been in the following roles: Level 3 Practitioner, Senior Manager, Nursery Manager, Business Manager, Assistant Manager, Curriculum Lead and SENCO.

One of my proudest achievements as Assistant Manager has been helping to create an inclusive, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child feels valued and supported to reach their full potential. As Curriculum Lead and SENCO, I have had the opportunity to lead our curriculum and learning environments, ensuring they are engaging, inclusive, and tailored to meet the needs and interests of all children.

I am particularly proud of the support I have provided to children with additional needs, working closely with families and outside professionals to ensure every child can access learning opportunities and thrive within the setting. Seeing children grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve milestones that once seemed out of reach is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

Another achievement I value greatly is mentoring and supporting staff members in their professional development. Helping colleagues build their confidence, develop their skills, and progress in their careers has been incredibly fulfilling and has contributed to creating a strong, dedicated team that shares the same passion for providing the highest quality care and education.

With over 20 years of experience in childcare, I am passionate about providing high-quality early years education that gives every child the best possible start in life. I believe in creating inclusive, stimulating environments where children feel secure, respected, and inspired to learn. My goal is to ensure every child is supported to reach their full potential while fostering strong relationships with families and colleagues.

After leaving school, I began an Early Years apprenticeship and achieved my Level 2 qualification in Early Years Education. Determined to build a career in childcare, I continued gaining experience with children of all ages while completing my Level 3 qualification.

Five years ago, I joined Gooseberry Bush, where I trained as a Room Leader. During my time here, I have been fortunate to receive excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression. I completed my Level 3 qualification in Leadership and Management and progressed into the role of Deputy Manager.

Alongside my qualifications, I have undertaken a wide range of specialist training courses, including Early Years Nutrition, Behaviour Management, and Forest School Leadership, among others. With more than 10 years of experience in childcare, I remain passionate about supporting children’s development and helping them flourish.

I strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued, and able to thrive. By providing meaningful experiences and nurturing support, we can help children build the foundations they need for a positive future. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to be creative; whether that is planning engaging learning experiences, solving challenges in innovative ways, or exploring creativity alongside the children every day.