Spotlight on ... Janet Lomax-Baker

Why did you decide to pursue a career in childcare?

I've always worked with children, as I initially started out as a teacher before becoming an early years co-ordinator and I then went on to open my own nursery.

Why did you decide to study for your Masters in Professional Practice (Management in Early Years)?

It's something I always thought I'd do when my children had grown up. I wanted to keep learning, so I felt like now was the right time to start. I studied forest schools, so I've gained a lot more knowledge that has helped my own practice and has given me more confidence from an academic point of view.

How did it feel to discover you had gained a distinction in your masters and won the Alexandra Medal for getting top marks in your faculty?

I couldn't believe it - I studied for my masters for my own pleasure, not to gain a distinction, so I was very surprised. I did think they'd got the wrong person for the Alexandra Medal.

What's next for you and Croft House Nursery?

We are continuing with our work regarding forest schools. The nursery is set in a wonderful environment that we can use for the programme, so our main focus is to put that into practice and see the children benefit.