Careers

Our People: Meet Helen, Nursery Manager

26 May 2023
Careers

Our People: Meet Helen, Nursery Manager

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.

We have loved sharing all the amazing hard work and achievements from our nursery teams across the UK that we value so very much, in line with our employee appreciation month MAY I Say Thank You.

We took the time to discuss Helen’s professional journey and to understand why she decided to work in early years. Helen has been with the Grandir UK for 20 years, starting at Kiddi Caru Torquay as a Team Leader in 2003.

We would like to shine a light on Nursery Manager Helen’s incredible Length of Service Award, celebrating a whopping 20-year milestone with us at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery and Preschool Torquay!

Read on to learn more about Helen’s incredible career so far, and why she chose to work in childcare.

What inspired you to work in early years?

“Whilst I was as at secondary school, I completed work experience within a school and a nursery. This was the point when I realised I knew that I wanted to work in childcare. I’ve always found that I enjoy spending time with children and helping them to achieve in their lives.”

When did you start your journey at Kiddi Caru Torquay?

“I started on 1st April 2003. Before joining Kiddi Caru, I was working as a Team Leader for 2 years in another setting. I joined Kiddi Caru as a Team Leader, then progressing onto becoming the Deputy Manager after I had my own children. I worked in this role for several years, before becoming the Nursery Manager at Torquay.”

What do you really enjoy about your role?

“The variety! No two days are the same. I enjoy working with all the age groups across the nursery. I love to watch how the children have grown and developed over the time with us at nursery, building the bonds with them and watching them meet milestones, and ultimately flourishing within our care.”

What is a typical day like in your role?

“Anything and everything! It ranges from covering rooms, being a nursery cook, carrying out tours for families and meeting with parents. My role includes completing reports for our local council, staff training and supervisions for my team, and carrying out interviews. Above all, I do love a good singing and story session with the children, I even have a signature song that I have taught to all the children and staff!”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“Building bonds with the children. It is rewarding to share experiences with them, to see that when you go into the rooms to visit them they want to come over and play. We also enjoy lots of cuddles too. Team progression is also very rewarding for me. When staff members join us as new apprentices, and they undergo all their training and are given a little encouragement, they then go on to become fantastic Room Leaders, Practitioners, Team Leaders… it is amazing to watch and support my team flourish in their roles and with the children.”

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

“This job is hard work, but is extremely rewarding. No two days are the same. The children build very close bonds with all the staff, which is so fulfilling for us to be a part of a child’s life at such a crucial point in their development. We are the first step in a child’s education, so it is wonderful to make an impact to their futures.”

What are you doing/what do you plan on doing for your wellbeing day?

“Rest and recovery!”

How does it feel to have reached a 20 year milestone with us?

“I feel very proud that I have been working at the nursery for the past 20 years, the children have been such a huge part of my life! I will often see children that I have looked after over the years that are now adults and returning with their own children! It makes me feel very old! My position is more than a job, to me it’s my life. The nursery and the staff are like my second family, I genuinely have so many fun memories I just couldn’t imagine not being a part of the Kiddi Caru family.”

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 environment like this, follow the links below to find out more: