What inclusion means at Grandir UK – and how we live it

At Grandir UK, inclusion is not just a policy, it’s a practice embedded in our decision-making, daily culture and the overall direction of our organisation.

While women make up the majority of the Early Years workforce, true inclusion in the workplace means recognising that no two experiences are the same, and that meaningful support must extend beyond any one group or identity. That’s why our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse environment embraces every individual, regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation or life story.

From our nursery teams making a difference to children and families‘ everyday to our Support Office colleagues, we’re committed to fostering a positive work culture where everyone feels seen, valued, heard and empowered to grow.   

Here are seven ways we encourage inclusion at Grandir UK.

Flexible working that supports people’s lives

Inclusion starts with practical support – we believe in treating our teams as people, not just numbers. That’s why we do everything we can to help our colleagues balance their careers with the demands of their personal lives.

One of our key initiatives is GrandFlex – Our flexible work programme offering a range of adaptable roles to suit different needs. Whether you’re managing childcare, studying, living with a disability, or prioritising your well-being, flexible working options promote employee satisfaction and engagement and create the space for a truly diverse workforce to thrive.

Policies that embrace gender diversity and identity

True inclusion means recognising and respecting the full spectrum of gender and identity. At Grandir UK, our policies, procedures, and even uniforms are designed with inclusivity in mind.

From updating forms to be more accessible, to providing safe, private facilities, we’re intentional about building a workplace culture that is respectful and is welcoming for everyone.

Workplace inclusion for all – progression based on potential, not presumptions

We believe that success looks different for everyone, and that career progression should never be limited by outdated assumptions and unconscious bias.

Whether someone works part-time, returns after parental leave, or starts as an apprentice, we provide tailored learning and development to help them grow. Through mentoring and targeted support, empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds into step into leadership roles.

By focusing on potential, not preconceived ideas, we’re helping to build a more equitable future for all.

Safe spaces and honest conversations

Whether someone is dealing with personal challenges or want to share a concern, we believe everyone should feel safe to express themselves at work.

We create environments where people can openly share their emotions, experiences and perspectives without judgment and with mutual respect. A sense of community, trust and safety is at the heart of every Grandir UK space.

Celebrations that reflect our values year-round

We don’t believe in token gestures. From International Women’s Day to Pride Month and beyond, we shine a light on achievements and share stories that reflect the richness of our teams.

Campaigns like GrandWomen and employee-led activities, provide space for people to connect, reflect and raise awareness, all while celebrating what makes us unique.

These moments of visibility are part of our broader commitment to making Early Years education better for everyone, from children to colleagues.

Representation that goes beyond the surface

People of all different backgrounds contribute to the strength and success of Grandir UK, and we’re committed to celebrating that every day.

We actively address unconscious bias, and we’re always working to measure inclusion not just by numbers, but by the sense of belonging our people feel every day.

For us, representation means ensuring that diverse voices are heard and reflected at every level from leadership and decision-making to everyday conversations. It’s about ensuring everyone feels empowered to show up as themselves and confident that their identity and experiences are respected and valued: helping us to nurture the inclusive culture we’re so proud of.

Final thoughts

At Grandir UK, inclusion isn’t just about policies or one-off initiatives, it’s embedded in how we work, how we lead, and how we live out our values every single day.

By creating a truly inclusive workplace that champions employee engagement, psychological well-being, and authentic representation, we make space for everyone to belong, thrive, and lead. Because a workplace that works for everyone isn’t just better, it’s stronger. If you’re interested in joining the Grandir UK family, explore our career opportunities here.