Spotlight on...

How does it feel to win Lancashire Employer of the Year?

It feels great and it really was a team effort from all of us – the area manager, nursery managers, and the 60 staff at our three settings. The judges recognised our open and honest culture, based on the idea that everyone can improve and we’re all in it together. I believe if we can make a positive difference to each other then this will have a positive impact on the children.

What makes your three settings different?

It began in 2001 when I was looking for childcare for my daughter Holly. I’d just completed an MBA and was looking at ways to give back to the community. I saw potential at Busy Bears in Preston to create a ‘home from home’ setting for staff, children and parents. We have replicated this family community model with School House Day Nursery in Blackburn in 2003 and Summerfield Day Nursery in Lytham St Annes in 2007. Our Summerfield nursery is almost 40 years old and some of the children are the second generation of the same family.

How do you recruit and work with your staff?

We recruit for an individual who lives and breathes children, who loves spending time with them and is passionate about childcare. Also someone who is very articulate about their own future. I look for someone who wants to invest in their own self-development, as I know this will contribute to the children’s future. We help staff achieve qualifications whether that is NVQ, Early Years Professional Status, degrees or other professional qualifications. We have six EYPs in the management team of seven, three of whom achieved this while working at our settings. It’s created a consistent level of learning and quality across all three settings.