Meet the Manager: Simone from Fennies Horley, Albert Road

Today, we were fortunate enough to sit down with our Nursery Manager, Simone from Fennies Horley, Albert Road. She has just recently joined the nursery, and we got to sit down with her and ask some questions about her career in Early Years so far and what she’s looking to achieve in the future. 

Throughout this blog, we’ll discuss Fennies Horley, why it’s a great nursery for your child and why it’s a great place for educators to work. Simone will answer questions on the following topics!

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

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have four children of my own, so whether I’m at work or at home, I’m always providing quality care for children. Being both a parent and an Early Years professional gives me a unique perspective on child development, allowing me to approach my role with both expertise and empathy. It also means my life is always full of energy and fun! There’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded by children, whether they’re my own or the ones I care for at our nursery in Horley!

What helps you stay connected with your communities?

I believe in building strong relationships with local businesses and organisations to provide children with opportunities they might not ordinarily experience at home. By collaborating with places like libraries and small businesses, I can help create engaging experiences that enhance their learning. Moments like these not only enrich their education but also help strengthen our ties with the community.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been managing different nurseries, each offering unique insights into how to create an outstanding learning environment. One of my proudest moments was turning around a struggling nursery. Seeing the impact that all of the hard work had on the children, the team and the families, was an incredible feeling and reinforced my passion for Early Years education.

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

I want every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential by creating an environment where they feel safe, supported and excited to learn. To achieve this, I focus on continuously improving the curriculum, incorporating more hands-on learning experiences, and working closely with families to ensure they feel engaged in their child’s development. I also believe in investing in staff training, as passionate and well-supported educators are key to providing the highest quality of care. By making these improvements, we can give children the strongest possible foundation for their future.

How do you create Parent Partnerships at Fennies Horley?

At Fennies Horley, we prioritise strong parent partnerships through an open-door policy, ensuring that I am a visible and approachable presence within our Horley nursery every day. Parents see me actively engaged in the daily operations, which helps build trust and familiarity. We encourage parents to take part in their child's learning journey by keeping them informed about nursery activities and development milestones. Regular weekly updates share important changes and initiatives, helping parents understand the bigger picture and feel reassured about what happens within the setting. For example, our focus for this month is on Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), ensuring parents are involved in supporting this key aspect of their child's growth.

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

I have revitalised the leadership team by giving them greater responsibility and empowering them as leaders within our Horley nursery. By fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy, I aim to bring back the energy and passion for Early Years education. We are here for the children, and our goal is to reignite the magic of learning, so by ensuring that our educators feel valued and inspired every day, this will have an invaluable knock-on effect for the children.

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

I believe in continuous professional development, and one of the ways I support this is through spontaneous leadership meetings whenever new developments arise. This allows us to adapt quickly while ensuring that decisions are effectively communicated throughout the team. Rather than overriding, I empower team leaders to filter information down in a way that best supports their rooms. Additionally, we hold monthly staff meetings where we discuss learning themes, providing educators with a structured framework while still allowing them the creativity to tailor activities based on their strengths and children's needs.

Why did you choose to work in Early Years education?

I see the bigger picture of education, it's about ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Early Years is the foundation of lifelong learning, and by fostering curiosity and a love for discovery from an early age, we’re shaping their future. The impact of high-quality Early Years education extends beyond our nursery in Horley, it also positively influences families and the wider community, and I’m passionate about being part of that journey.

What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?

I am deeply passionate about identifying and nurturing the strengths of each educator to enhance the learning experience for children. One of my key areas of expertise is under-2s development, which I previously led in a project and contributed to a research study. The first two years of life are crucial, and I strive to ensure that this age group receives the same recognition as older children. I also strongly advocate for the benefits of risky play, outdoor learning and Forest School, as these experiences help children develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

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

My overarching aim is to enhance the overall quality of education while ensuring that both children and staff feel genuinely happy and fulfilled in our environment at Fennies Horley. Witnessing this growth and positive change is the most rewarding aspect of my role.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to work?

For me, education is more than just a job, it’s a vocation. I come to work each day with a sense of purpose, knowing that I’m making a meaningful impact on children, families and my team. I love the diversity of the role, the daily interactions with children, and the opportunities to support my team’s professional growth. Seeing the positive outcomes of the strategies we implement is incredibly fulfilling.

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

Yes! We have some exciting plans in the pipeline, including a future Forest School initiative, which will allow children to engage in outdoor learning and develop essential life skills through nature-based experiences. We are also organising a Hot Chocolate Picnic Day to celebrate a national awareness day, bringing a cosy and interactive experience to our children. Additionally, we’re planning visits to local stores where children will explore mathematical concepts through real-life money-handling experiences.

What events have you got in the near future at Fennies Horley?

We have some brilliant events planned, including parent evenings which will allow us to connect with the parents in a relaxed setting. In the coming weeks we will be hosting our ‘Music and Movement Open Morning’ on March 1st 2025  at Fennies Horley, Albert Road, where parents and children will be able to enjoy a morning of harmonious fun and learning.

What’s the best thing about Fennies Horley?

Without a doubt, our teachers are our greatest asset. They are highly attuned to the needs of both children and parents, ensuring that families feel involved in their child’s learning journey. This strong sense of community helps create a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that sets Fennies Horley apart.