Meet the Manager: Tasha
Tiny Toez @ Tiption & Tividale
From the moment you walk into Tiny Toez Tividale, you get the sense that this is more than just a nursery. It feels like a place where childhood is cherished and where every small milestone is celebrated. Of course, at the heart of a great nursery is a great manager and here you’ll find Tasha, whose passion for early years shines through in every part of the day.
When we talk about her career, she explains that working with children was never really a question for her, more of a certainty.
“I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. There’s something so special about watching them learn, grow, and develop their own little personalities, they can be absolutely hilarious and full of life. What’s kept me passionate all these years is the genuine connection you build with them. When a child runs up to you with a big smile, shouting your name because they’re excited to see you, it’s the best feeling in the world. That joy and trust remind me every day why I chose this career.”
For her, the magic lies in the everyday moments that other people might miss. That focus on connection also shapes the way Tasha thinks about early learning and development.
“I believe the most important aspect of supporting children’s early learning and development is ensuring that every child feels heard and valued. Taking the time to truly listen to them and allowing them the space to express themselves builds their confidence and sense of belonging. It’s also essential to support children in developing early social skills and forming friendships, as these relationships lay the foundation for their emotional well-being and future learning.”
It’s an approach that places relationships at the centre of nursery life, helping children to feel secure enough to explore, make friends, and find their voice.
As we talk about what is happening in the nursery right now, Tasha shares some of the things they have planned for the colder season.
“With the colder months drawing in, we are planning plenty of walks and visits to the duck pond so the children can explore natural, sensory opportunities, watching the birds, listening to the different sounds around them, and noticing the changing colours of the leaves and trees. We have families with nature bags and scavenger hunt lists to encourage them to spend time outdoors together and enjoy the fresh air. In our setting, we’ll enhance our provocations with natural materials such as conkers, leaves, and pinecones that the children collect on their walks, helping them connect their outdoor adventures with their play and learning.”
These simple yet thoughtful ideas are a great way to engage children with the outdoors and give families lovely ways to share in their learning. Alongside all of this creativity sits the important responsibility of keeping children safe and meeting Ofsted expectations.
“I believe the key to balancing Ofsted compliance with creating a fun, nurturing environment is getting the foundations right from the start. Ensuring all protocols are followed correctly and supporting staff in understanding the Early Years Framework, along with Tiny Toez’s policies and procedures, builds everyone’s confidence. I like to take a hands-on approach and involve staff in decision making, giving them ownership of their rooms and environments. When staff feel empowered and supported, they’re happier and more relaxed, which naturally creates a joyful, engaging atmosphere for the children and enhances their overall experiences.”
She is just as focused on her team as she is on the children, making sure staff feel trusted and valued so the whole nursery feels happy, relaxed and full of positive energy. That same warmth and care is just as present in Tasha’s life outside the nursery. She finds balance and joy in the places she visits and the people closest to her.
“Outside of the nursery, I absolutely love spending time near the water, whether it’s the beach, a lake, or just being outdoors. I enjoy going on outings, weekends away, and holidays with my partner. I also love spending time with my niece and nephew, taking them to fun places and going all out with celebrations and festivals! When I’m at home, I like to unwind by cooking and relaxing with a good Netflix series.”
When Tasha talks about what makes Tiny Toez Tividale special for children and families, everything comes back to the people, the care they give, and the atmosphere they create together.
“Tiny Toez, Tividale is such a special place because of our incredibly nurturing, caring, and experienced team. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported. Our setting offers fantastic opportunities for children to learn, play, and explore at their own pace, helping them to grow in confidence and reach their full potential. Families can feel confident knowing their children are in a loving, engaging, and professional environment every single day.”