Meet The Nursery Manager: Claudia From Fennies Oxted, Amy Road

We caught up with Claudia, our passionate Nursery Manager at Fennies Oxted, Amy Road. With a hands-on approach, Claudia enjoys creating an environment for children to learn safely and securely. She believes that when children feel inspired, their imaginations can run wild and explorations are endless. Her focus on meaningful connections allows each child to grow and thrive.

In this blog, Claudia reflects on what makes our Oxted nursery such a special place. From building strong relationships with the local community to supporting her team and delivering enriching experiences for children, she shares what matters the most to her and how that shapes her approach to every child’s Early Years journey.

• Inspiring the Local Community
• Parent Partnerships
• Early Years Curriculum 
• Team Upskilling and Atmosphere
• Childcare Passions
• Upcoming Events

Join Us At Fennies Oxted, Amy Road

If you are on the lookout for a new nursery where your child can foster a lifelong love for learning, we would be more than happy to welcome you to our nursery in Oxted. Our amazing team along with our bright, spacious environments, help create an environment where children feel secure. Families become part of a closed-knit community as they appreciate a setting that puts meaningful learning for the children at the forefront. Early Years professionals value the opportunity to grow with the organisation, as well as the collaborative culture where ideas can be shared to ensure strong, high-quality practice.

What’s A Fun Fact About You?

I am a very passionate person and I wear my heart on my sleeve in everything I do. I genuinely enjoy making a difference in children’s lives and I take real pride in being part of their Early Years journey. This passion is something I carry with me every day, whether I am supporting children, working with my team or speaking with families.

What Helps You Stay Connected With Your Communities?

I enjoy creating meaningful connections within the local community and making sure children feel part of something wider than the nursery. I place real importance on helping families feel included and supported, which is why I regularly run ‘Stay and Play’ sessions and ‘Grab and Go’ breakfasts. These moments allow parents to feel welcomed into nursery life while also building stronger community relationships.

What’s Something You Have Loved About Your Early Years Career So Far?

I have loved seeing children thrive in their progress through Early Years and enjoying their learning journey along the way. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching children grow in confidence over time, from their early days settling in through to becoming independent, curious learners who are ready for their next stage.

What’s Your Ambition To Help Improve The Early Years Sector?

My ambition is to provide stronger training for my team, ensuring they are fully equipped to support children’s learning and development. I am passionate about raising standards through confidence, knowledge and consistent practice, helping to ensure every child receives the best possible Early Years experience.

How To Create Parent Partnerships At Fennies Oxted, Amy Road?

I focus on relationships, bonding and communication every day. I believe strong parent partnerships are built through consistency, openness and taking time to really get to know each family. Alongside daily conversations, I use regular events such as, parents’ evenings, transition evenings and safeguarding evenings to help families feel involved and supported.

I also value the role of wider parent communities such as NCT groups, helping parents connect with others going through similar stages. Through the Famly app, open-door communication and honest conversations, I aim to create a close-knit community where parents feel informed and genuinely part of their child’s journey.

What’s One Impact You Like To Make On The Team Atmosphere?

I am very hands-on and always there to support my team. I work alongside them in rooms and get involved in the day-to-day running of the nursery. I understand that everyone is different, so I adapt my approach depending on individual personalities and needs. My aim is always to create an environment where the team feels confident and supported, giving them the best chance to be able to do their best work.

What’s One Way You Help To Upskill Your Team?

I observe what is working well in each room and identify areas for development so I can target training effectively. I like to make training engaging and interactive, using approaches such as quizzes and practical discussions to bring learning to life. I also focus on role modelling strong practice so the team can see high standards in action. Alongside this, I support each individual in understanding how they learn best so that development feels personal and meaningful.

Why Did You Choose To Work In Early Years Education?

I absolutely love Early Years education. I am passionate about supporting children through the most important stage of their development. I especially enjoy seeing the transformation from their first days at nursery, where they may be unsure, through to becoming confident little learners ready for school. I also enjoy the variety each day brings and the opportunity to support each child’s unique needs.

What Passions Do You Have Within The Early Years Curriculum?

I am passionate about the curiosity approach and I believe children can achieve so much when they are given the right opportunities and environment. I value all seven areas of learning and see them as interconnected, working together to support a child’s overall development.

For me, the Early Years are the foundation for everything that follows. I strongly believe in embedding learning during these early years in a way that is meaningful and long lasting.

What Kind Of Leader Are You?

I focus on being flexible and supportive, always willing to step in and help get things done when needed. I believe in leading by example and showing strong practice in action, rather than just directing from the side. For me, it’s important that the team feel supported and able to ask for help whenever they need it.

What Would You Like To Achieve In The Next Six Months?

I am excited to see the new curriculum fully embedded across the nursery and I am looking forward to the positive impact this will have on children, families and the team. I am particularly focused on seeing this come to life in everyday practice.

What’s Your Favourite Thing About Coming To Work?

I love the sense of community within the nursery. I really enjoy seeing families and children each day and I value the strong bonds that exist between home and nursery life. These relationships make my role incredibly rewarding.

Do You Have Any Exciting Visits Or Upcoming Partnerships Within The Community Planned?

I am working on strengthening links with Love Oxted and planning a range of community events, including garden parties for parents. I am also developing preschool readiness and transition sessions to support families at key milestones. My goal is to host events regularly, around every six weeks, including some weekend sessions so working families can also feel included.

What’s The Best Thing About Fennies Oxted, Amy Road?

I love everything about Fennies Oxted! The nursery’s location within the local community and its close proximity to the train station make it easily accessible for families. I also value the bright, spacious environments we have, along with the facilities and supportive team. Together, these elements create a nurturing nursery where children can learn and thrive every day.