Shivani

Nursery Manager

What is your name and role?

My name is Shivani and I’m a Nursery Manager at Monkey Puzzle West Kensington.

What fills your heart with happiness about your role?

It fills my heart when I can see the progress children have made, whether it’s learning to pull themselves up using furniture, learning how to dress themselves or having the confidence to try and persevere with an activity or ask. As much as the children bring me joy, it brings happiness when staff members are passionate about their role and have improved with the training and coaching, I’ve delivered, as well as being able to support parents with issues they’re facing at home.

How did you get your career started?

I joined Monkey Puzzle in January 2021, as a Deputy Manager, and since then, I have worked my way up. Within 18 months I was promoted to a manager following a progression plan to showcase my skillset and grow as a professional.

How are you supported at Monkey Puzzle to develop and progress your career? (What training/development do you access?)

So far I have completed a range of training with Monkey Puzzle, from safer recruitment to disciplinary, giving me the knowledge I need to carry out my role effectively. During my time here I have completed my L5 in managing children and young families and I am currently undergoing a L3 in SENDCO to gain more knowledge in that area. I also have 24/7 access to our Eloomi platform to complete training relating to our policies and procedures such as health & safety, safeguarding, promoting positive behaviour and so forth.

What is your potential next step?

In the near future I would like to explore becoming a Quality Manager. Being able to support all nurseries with upskilling their staff and quality of learning and experiences provide to the children.

What would you say to anyone with a choice of early years childcare as a possible career path?

It is hard work, it’s not just about playing with the children, but understanding their needs and wants as well as their families and having the skills and knowledge to support them. The job/career is extremely rewarding and gives a sense of self & job satisfaction seeing your impact upon the families. If you would like to join the childcare field, join with Monkey Puzzle through the apprenticeship scheme, providing you with a chance to gain knowledge and experience at the same time whilst earning a living wage.