Duties
We have a nursery here for our guests' children, as well as a parent and toddler room and a Little Learners day nursery for staff. I am responsible, together with the manager, for the hands-on running all three of these.
I put together a package that involves activities for both day and evening sessions in the guest nursery. We use characters such as Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and our own character, Billy Bear, all of whom are very popular.
The guest and staff nursery share their own area on site, and the parent and toddler room is housed in our Skyline Pavillion. There's a wonderful holiday atmosphere in the guest nursery, and the pace of life is a bit different to a formal nursery, as it does not involve planning and observations.
We have a lot of new seasonal recruits coming through our doors and it gives them the opportunity to see if they would like to work permanently in childcare. They are provided with accommodation if required.
There is a lot of organisation involved in my role. I have to sort out the rotas and time sheets and give the children their 'Passport to Fun'
booklets, where they sign up for different activities. We use a lot of arts and crafts materials; I have to plan what we will need and do the ordering for these. I also have to deal with child protection issues such as enhanced CRB checks, and ensure that all staff are trained and informed.
We are very customer-focused here. I do my share of time on the reception desk, where we hire out buggies and high chairs. We have to work closely with parents and meet a lot of very different people. In many cases we are involved in lost and found children, which can be stressful for both parties.
I have to ensure that the nursery environment is bright and jolly and that all the staff are working together and are fully occupied.
The nursery team works closely with the Redcoats and their programme for children over the age of five. This includes the character team who often need some practical help, due to the physical restrictions of their costumes!
It is only myself and the manager who are currently permanent. We recruit for the season between February and October and we are also open for families over Christmas.
Start date
I have been a permanent team leader since 2002.
Likes/dislikes
One of the few downsides of this job is the constant recruitment and having to train up new staff, because the nature of our business is seasonal.
What I really like about the job is making a child's holiday special and seeing children's faces light up when they see the characters' faces. We often see certain children grow up, as they return to Butlins time and time again. Every day is different. The role can be quite challenging. I certainly wouldn't say that I'm stuck in a rut.
Training
I have an NNEB and I've done recent training in paediatric first aid and the SAFE course level 3.
I've also undertaken in-house courses in guest satisfaction and ways of leading.
Career path
I trained and lived in London and got my first job working in a mother and baby home, and went on to working in a post-natal hospital ward. I then got itchy feet and worked abroad for the holiday company Thomson for three years. I enjoyed working in a holiday atmosphere, so I applied as a nursery nurse to Butlins for one season. From there I worked my way up to team leader.
I met my husband at Butlins and made Bognor Regis my home. I had a career break when I had my children. I like the flexibility of the job which allows me to work school hours, and it would not fit in with my lifestyle to have a full-time manager's role.
My children also had the benefit of attending the team nursery, which is a big company plus for working here as a parent.
Career progression
I want to develop further qualifications and will probably go straight to the foundation degree. Then I will see where I go from there.
Advice
Butlins offers an excellent opportunity for those who have just qualified and want the opportunity to work away from home and meet people. The company will pay for level 2 practitioners to upskill to level 3.
As a person you would need to be outgoing, quite confident and flexible. A sense of fun and the ability to work hard are definitely required.
Interest/hobbies
I love being with my husband and children, going to restaurants and socialising.
Further information
Email nursery.bognor@bourne-leisure. co.uk
