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My experience at Teddies

When I saw the advert for nursery manager at Teddies Brentford I knew that I would love to work there, but I had to consider the needs of my 14-month old daughter Ellen. So when I visited the nursery (which was being refurbished to 50-places), I decided to take Ellen along. Her excitement at the large play room and garden was obvious.

Both Ellen and I were successful in our applications and although I was happy which my decision, I was still apprehensive about leaving her even though I was on site. I needn't have worried as the nursery staff were very professional and attentive to our personal needs. They took the time to find out about previous childcare, family history, Ellen's likes and dislikes and even asked if her cuddly toy clown and sailor would be joining her in her daily nap!

Although I was the nursery manager, I decided it was best for the staff and Ellen not to see me during the day. I admit that this was difficult, but the staff kept me updated verbally and through Ellen's diary, which was invaluable, not only to show daddy what she had been doing during the day, but also as something to keep and show at her 18th birthday.

Each day was filled with singing, messy activities, walks to the park and building important relationships with other children and staff. This meant I didn't feel the pressure to do all these things on the weekend and I could enjoy the time spent playing with Ellen and generally being a mum.

Ellen soon progressed to Little Learners. I was concerned about her leaving all her old friends and carers, but once again the staff were impulsive to my needs and made the transition very smooth. Ellen, myself and daddy were introduced to her new key carer and Ellen was taken on visits to her new room. Again the staff took the time to talk to me and Ellen and the previous staff in her baby care room.

During her time in Little Learner Ellen's confidence grew. On occasions this could cause some embarrassment - one day, when sitting at a friends house, Ellen said to her friends mum, "can I have a cup of tea and I'm happy to do your ironing!" Although I found this amusing, it reassured me that nursery was building Ellen's confidence that she would need later in life.

From Little Learners Ellen progressed to the Learning Centre at the Fulham nursery. Not surprisingly, I was worried about Ellen moving rooms and also to a new environment and staff team. However, the staff were superb in collating information relating to Ellen, ensuring the new key carer had all the relevant information before she joined. Ellen thought some of the staff came with her from the Brentford nursery as they were all wearing the same Teddies t-shirts! The staff were consistent in their approach and followed the same routine. Both myself and Ellen settled very quickly.

Before long, Ellen moved to the school room in another nursery. This was Ellen's final move, and for me the last piece of the jigsaw. Ellen and her friends were slowly prepared for school. She learnt among other things, colours, shapes, numbers, personal skills, how to sit for longer periods of time, and to help others. Having a child who came home and talked so enthusiastically about her day was wonderful.

Four and a half years after joining, Ellen left the nursery to start school. We both had mixed emotions, but watching Ellen write her name on a piece of paper and help other children made me so proud. Thank you to every member of staff who gave a small piece of themselves, to give my child the best start in life.

Amelia Harwood
Manager, Area Manager, Quality and compliance manager, Childcare development manager