We know how important early years education is in laying the foundations for healthy physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. That’s why our team is at the heart of everything we do, and in this blog we would love for you to get to know Kay, our wonderful Manager at Cannock Chase and Hednesford.
The journey to becoming an early years Manager is a very unique one. We asked Kay what first drew her to a career in early years education?
“I’ve always been passionate about working with young children and fascinated by the way they learn and grow. What first drew me to early years education was the opportunity to make a real difference during the most important stage of a child’s development. I was inspired by how much of a child’s future is shaped in those early years, not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. I also love the energy and curiosity that young children bring. Helping to nurture that, and seeing their confidence grow, is incredibly rewarding.”
Tiny Toez really values creativity and curiosity in learning. How do you encourage this with your team and the children?
“I love nurturing children’s natural curiosity by exploring their interests! If a little one is excited about insects, we can create a fun mini project together. We could read books, explore the garden, do some art, and ask lots of “why” and “what if” questions. This way, we show them that their curiosity really matters and helps them learn!”
This approach perfectly reflects our ethos at Tiny Toez. We follow children’s interests and make sure that learning is fun, relevant, and full of wonder. Kay’s commitment to sparking curiosity means that every child feels valued and excited to learn.
What do you love most about watching children learn and grow at the nursery?
“What I love most about being in the nursery is seeing the children’s curiosity blossom and their confidence grow every day! It’s truly heartwarming to witness how they go from needing support to proudly mastering new skills. Each moment is a wonderful adventure in learning together!”
How would you describe your leadership style with your team?
“I like to take a relaxed yet supportive approach to leadership in childcare. It’s important to me to create a calm and trusting space where our staff feel confident and appreciated. I encourage my team to share their unique strengths while always being here to offer guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support when needed.
“Open communication is a must for me, whether we’re chatting about planning, facing challenges, or celebrating our wins. My aim is to lead by example and cultivate a nurturing environment where both our staff and little ones can flourish together.”
Strong and compassionate leadership is essential in the workplace, and Kay’s balance of calm support and open communication makes her a role model for both her team and the children.
When you’re not at the nursery, how do you like to spend your time?
“When I’m not at the nursery, I absolutely love spending quality time with my family, it truly helps me recharge and feel grounded. I also enjoy hitting the gym, as it keeps me active and clears my mind. Both activities allow me to return to work feeling refreshed and ready to give my all to the wonderful children and our amazing team!”
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve had since joining Tiny Toez?
“Since joining Tiny Toez, the best part for me has been forming lovely connections with the children. Their smiles when they see me really warm my heart! It shows they feel safe, happy, and at ease, which is so rewarding. It’s a wonderful reminder of how much we contribute to their early development and the importance of those trusting relationships.”
Those connections are exactly what early years education is all about. The trust and happiness children feel in Kay’s care highlight the difference a great Manager makes in creating a safe, happy place to learn and grow.
