All Posts

Well… week one is done. 💚 And if I'm being completely honest, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Monday arrived and I felt completely lost. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, what I was supposed to know, or whether everyone else seemed to understand something that I had somehow missed. 😂 Tuesday wasn't much different in terms of knowing what I was doing… but something started to change. I was learning. I was beginning to understand more about what I'd actually steppe

There’s something comforting about returning to a team you already know. The people feel familiar. The routines feel familiar. There’s less of that awkward “new person” feeling, and in some ways it can feel like slipping back into something you already understand. And honestly, it was lovely to be back with people I’d worked with before. But I quickly realised something else too. It wasn’t the same. When you’ve spent years being the person making decisions, leading teams, sol

There’s something that happens when you spend long enough in the wrong environment. You slowly begin to question yourself. Not overnight. Not because somebody tells you that you’re not good enough. But through the little things. The constant second-guessing. The feeling that your voice doesn’t matter. The daily battle between what you know is right and what is happening around you. Over the past few months, I forgot how good I was. That feels strange to write because for year

This week, for the first time in my life… I made myself unemployed. And honestly? That sentence feels both terrifying and relieving at the exact same time. I have worked since I was old enough to have a job. I’ve always been the person who pushes through, figures things out, keeps going, keeps smiling and keeps showing up no matter how stressed, exhausted or overwhelmed I felt. Because that’s what we do in early years, isn’t it? We adapt. We survive. We carry on. Even when we

I waited a long time to join this company. I had really high expectations. I genuinely believed this was going to be the fresh start I needed — a chance to grow, challenge myself, and fall back in love with early years again. And over the last few weeks, I’ve questioned everything. Not just the setting. Not just the systems. But myself too. Because one thing I keep hearing in early years is: “The grass isn’t greener.” “All nurseries are the same.” But honestly? I don’t believ

Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself noticing more. Little things at first. Moments that didn’t quite sit right. Things I questioned quietly in my head but carried on with, telling myself I was still new, still settling in, still understanding how things worked. I’ve been observing, reflecting, and trying to make sense of it all. But this week felt different. This week, I stopped brushing it off. I stopped second-guessing myself. And I attempted to act. And if I’m hones

I’m not going to sugar coat this week. It’s been brutal. I’ve applied for around 20 jobs in the last couple of weeks. Anything that feels like it might give me a bit of breathing space… I’ve gone for it. At this point, I’ve even applied to be a milkman. Because if I’m honest, I’m not just “settling in” anymore. I’m trying to figure out how to get out. This week, I even offered to work in the kitchen. I thought a change of scenery, a bit of a break from the room, might help re

Week two is done… and this one nearly broke me. I’m not even going to dress it up — Tuesday, I had a full wobble. The kind where you question everything, wonder what you’ve done, and for a brief moment consider just walking out and running away to join the circus. It sounds dramatic, but in that moment, it felt very real. Because what people don’t talk about enough is how hard it is to start again especially when you’re not new to the profession. I’ve gone from being the pers

My First Week. Starting a new role after 18 years in one setting was always going to be a big change, but I don’t think anything fully prepares you for just how much of a shift it can be. This week has been challenging in ways I didn’t quite expect emotionally, mentally, and physically. Stepping into a completely new environment, learning new systems, meeting new people, and trying to find your place within an already established team is a lot to take in all at once. I have

Planning for early years education can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many things to consider - the children's interests, developmental stages, learning goals, and of course, the daily routines. Over the years, I have found that having the right tools at hand can make a world of difference. One of the best ways to simplify this process is by using an EYFS activity planning tool that is easy to access and use. Today, I want to share how these tools, especially print

Running a nursery involves managing a lot of paperwork. From safeguarding records and accident forms to staff training documents and policies, staying organised is essential. Over the years I’ve found a few simple office tools that make a huge difference when it comes to keeping documentation organised and easy to access. Below are some of the tools I regularly use in my nursery office. (This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchas

In four weeks, I will leave the nursery I have led for the past six years. Even writing that sentence still feels unfamiliar. This small nursery, the team within it, and the culture we have built together have been a significant part of my professional life and identity. I have loved leading here. I have loved watching it grow. I have loved the people within it. And yet, I am leaving. Not because I want to leave them — but because I need to grow. Loving what you built Over th

As I prepare to step into a room leader role later this year, I’ve found myself in a period of learning and unlearning. I’m not in post yet, but I am already consciously shifting my thinking, noticing when my “manager head” takes over, and gently reminding myself what it means to be fully present in the room. Recently, I spent time sitting on the book mat with a small group of eight children aged two to three. There was no planned activity, no learning intention written down,

A day at Little Minds Early Years is not defined by ticking boxes or simply getting through the timetable. It is shaped by relationships, observation, and responsiveness. Much of my time is spent supporting practice, being present on the floor, modelling interactions, observing children, and helping staff reflect on their own approaches. Leadership in early years is often misunderstood. It is not just about policies, rotas, or compliance. It is noticing when a practitioner ne