Careers

Our People: Hayley, Deputy Manager

7 Sep 2023
Careers

At Grandir UK, we are proud to have nursery teams of authentic and committed employees, whose friendly faces work as one to create a stimulating, nurturing environment where children mentally and physically thrive every day.

Hayley Brown, Deputy Nursery Manager at our Kiddi Caru nursery in Writtle, Chelmsford has had quite the inspiring career throughout her journey in the childcare industry. We took the time to discuss why Hayley decided to work in early years and how her role has evolved over the years with her amazing experience.

Read on to learn more.

What inspired you to work in early years?

“My Mum has inspired my whole life. She is the reason I began my career in childcare. When I was younger, I spent the day with her at a preschool for work experience and I saw how much she inspired the children, how they looked at her with such love and how much fun they had… From that day I knew I wanted my future to be in early years. Thank you, Mum, for being the best role model and being the reason I am where I am today.”

When did you start your journey at Kiddi Caru Writtle, Chelmsford?

“I competed my Level 2 qualification in childcare in college before joining my first nursery to complete the Level 3 childcare qualification as an apprentice. I stayed there for five years. I moved into paediatrics on a children’s ward at The Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow, before deciding I missed the nursery environment too much, and so I started with Kiddi Caru Writtle in June 2015 as a Team Leader in our 1-2’s room. I have in the last eight years progressed to the Third in Charge, and then for the last year I have been Writtle’s Deputy Manager.”

What do you really enjoy about your role?

“Being able to support and inspire our future management team is what I really love to do. Mentoring newly qualified practitioners and supporting apprentices in their roles when they first start working in their rooms is extremely rewarding, to see their confidence grow and provide an exceptional and unique environment for our children is a joy to see.”

What is a typical day like in your role?

“Role modelling for the team plays a big part of my role at Writtle. Supporting across transitional points in the day for our extremely busy rooms is part of my every day and being there for our hard-working team for 1 to 1’s and check in’s at the beginning and the end of the day for their mental wellbeing. Staff recognition is a must to keep the day positive and having engaging relationships with all the families in the nursery and making them feel welcome.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“Seeing the children flourish in the environment alongside their dedicated key person and watching a new team member settle into the nursery and start to make bonds with the children and their families.”

Do you have any advice to anyone thinking of starting a career in childcare?

“Always have fun, be there for the children, be their happy place.”

What did you do for your wellbeing day?

“I spent some time with my two lovely girls during the summer holidays.”

We are thankful to each of our nursery teams for their care, support, and hard work every day.

Feeling inspired? You could be a part of an encouraging environment like ours at Kiddi Caru Writtle, follow the links below to find out more about working with us: