Meet The Manager: Kristal From Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road

We were thrilled to catch up with Kristal, our incredible Nursery Manager at Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road. With a passion for creativity, community connections, and Early Years education, Kristal has brought a fresh perspective and a nurturing presence to the nursery. Since joining, she’s been focused on building strong relationships with children, parents and her team, and she’s just getting started!

In this blog, Kristal shares her insights into what makes our Blyth Road setting such a unique and welcoming setting. From her love of expressive arts to her leadership approach, find out what drives her and why she’s so excited about the future.

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

Join Us at Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road

With Kristal’s inspiring leadership, a passionate team and a welcoming, creative environment, Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road is more than just a nursery, it’s a community! Whether you’re a parent looking for a nurturing start for your child or an educator seeking a place to grow your career, there’s a place for you here.

What’s a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me? I’m actually a bit of a singer! I love music, and it naturally weaves its way into my everyday life at nursery. The children especially love it when I break out into song, whether it’s nursery rhymes, silly songs we make up together, or even just a cheerful tune during transitions between activities. Singing is such a beautiful and accessible way to connect with children, it lifts the mood, encourages language development and builds joyful bonds. It’s a little thing that brings big smiles, and I love being able to share that with them.

What helps you stay connected with your communities?

I think it’s incredibly important that nurseries are not just places of learning but also active parts of their communities. One of the ways we stay connected is by regularly arranging outings that allow both the children and the team to engage with the world around them. Whether it’s visiting local shops, parks or cultural landmarks, these experiences help children learn about where they live and how they fit into the bigger picture. It also gives the team the opportunity to connect with others, build local relationships and bring fresh learning back into the setting. It’s these real-world connections that make education meaningful and memorable.

What’s something you have loved about your Early Years career so far?

One of the most memorable and impactful experiences in my Early Years career was attending a study programme in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Being there in the heart of where the Reggio Emilia philosophy was born, I got to see firsthand how the environment, creativity and child-led exploration come together in a truly magical way. It deepened my belief in the power of curiosity and the importance of listening to children as capable, imaginative thinkers. This experience has shaped how I view the role of an educator and continues to influence how I lead my team and design our nursery environment.

What’s your ambition to help improve the Early Years sector?

At the heart of my ambition is a strong belief that every child deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported as an individual. I want to be part of shaping a sector where diversity is embraced, learning is joyful and children’s unique qualities are truly honoured. To make that happen, I focus on creating a setting where all children can thrive emotionally, socially and intellectually. I believe this can only happen when we build inclusive spaces and work in partnership with families. When children feel valued, they become confident learners ready to take on the world.

How do you create Parent Partnerships at Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road?

Parent partnerships are at the core of everything we do. At our Blyth Road nursery, we strive to be an extension of each child’s home, a place where families feel just as supported as their little ones do. That starts with open, consistent communication. We have a warm, welcoming environment where parents can pop in, chat and take part in their child's learning journey. We regularly host stay-and-play sessions, organise outings where parents can join and are currently exploring the introduction of a parent committee to ensure their voices help shape what we do. From grab-and-go breakfasts to welcoming feedback and suggestions, we’re always working to deepen those relationships.

What’s one impact you like to make on the team atmosphere?

I’ve always believed that a strong, united team creates the best environment for children. One of my priorities as a manager is to bring positivity, consistency and a nurturing approach to leadership. I strive to be someone the team can rely on, not just for guidance, but for encouragement and emotional support too. Creating unity means ensuring everyone feels part of something meaningful, where they’re heard, valued and supported in their roles. That sense of togetherness is something I work hard to cultivate every day, and it makes a real difference in how we work as a team.

What’s one way you help to upskill your team?

Upskilling is about embracing every moment as an opportunity to learn. I take a very hands-on approach, working closely with the team in the rooms and leading by example. We’ve introduced regular mocksteds, which not only prepare us for inspections but also give the team confidence in their knowledge and practice. I also collaborate with our room leaders to develop action plans that set goals for improvement and professional growth. Most importantly, I try to create a culture where asking questions and seeking knowledge is celebrated, because when we keep learning, we keep growing.

Why did you choose to work in Early Years education?

I’ve always been passionate about shaping the future, and for me, that begins with the youngest generation. Early Years education is the foundation of everything to come, it’s where empathy, curiosity and resilience begin. A huge part of my inspiration came from my own nursery teacher, Miss Tilly. She made me feel safe, seen and excited to learn. That feeling stayed with me, and I’ve always wanted to give that same experience to other children. Being able to play that role in a child’s life is such a privilege and a responsibility I take to heart.

What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?

My heart lies in expressive arts and design. I’m deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which encourages children to explore their creativity through open-ended play, art and storytelling. There’s nothing better than watching a child confidently create something from their own imagination. Whether it’s painting, singing, building or dramatic play, I want children to feel free to express themselves, explore their ideas and take pride in their creations. It’s about more than just having fun (though that’s important too!) It's about helping them develop a strong sense of self and confidence in their own voice.

What would you like to achieve in the next six months?

Over the next six months, my focus is on building a truly happy, inclusive and enriching environment for every child and parent. I want families to walk through our doors and instantly feel that this is a place where they are respected, valued and truly listened to. From planning activities around children’s individual interests to creating spaces that feel calm and joyful, everything we do is about making children feel safe and excited to learn. I also want to continue building strong connections with parents and growing our community presence.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to work?

Without a doubt, it’s the people, both the children and the team. There’s such a wonderful energy at our Bromley nursery. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and appreciated, and that feeling hasn’t faded. As a manager, it can sometimes be hard to gauge how your presence is received, but here, there’s a genuine sense of warmth and mutual respect. I look forward to coming in each day and being part of something that truly makes a difference.

Do you have any exciting visits or upcoming partnerships within the community planned?

Absolutely! We’re always looking for new ways to connect with the community and bring the outside world into the nursery. In April, we’re welcoming a mobile farm to celebrate spring, something the children are already super excited about! We also hosted a Sip and Clay session for Mother’s Day, and we’re planning more creative events like this in the coming months. We’re also keen to explore more of London with the children, visiting cultural landmarks and community spaces.

What events have you got in the near future at Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road?

There’s always something exciting happening at our nursery! We’ve got several themed events and open mornings coming up that will give both current and prospective families a chance to get involved. Whether it’s a seasonal celebration, a parent workshop or a curriculum-themed activity day, our events are all about bringing people together in meaningful ways. They’re a great chance to connect, learn and have fun, and they’re a big part of what makes our community so strong. 

You can even book yourself a ticket for our upcoming open morning, ‘Our World, Our Story’ on the 10th of May. It’s a great chance to explore the diverse cultures that make up our nursery community and help bring people together through creativity, learning and connections. 

What’s the best thing about Fennies Bromley, Blyth Road?

Honestly, there are so many things I love about this nursery. The building itself is beautiful, it feels more like a home than a traditional school, which creates such a warm, comforting atmosphere for children. But above all, it’s the people. The team here is fantastic! They’re so supportive, dedicated and passionate about what they do. And being part of a larger company like Fennies means we benefit from amazing resources and shared knowledge, while still having the autonomy to shape our nursery culture. It’s the best of both worlds, and I feel proud to be part of it.

What kind of leader are you?

I’m the kind of leader who wants to see everyone thrive. I believe in creating opportunities for growth and helping my team prepare for their next steps, whatever those may be. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others, not holding onto hierarchy. I try to be approachable and collaborative as when you give people the space and support to succeed, amazing things happen. And that’s not just for them, but for the children and families we care for too.