Career Development
We are very proud of the opportunities Child Base offer for career progression. Michelle Nokes, manager at Cherry Trees Nursery, writes about her career at Child Base.
I started working in August 1990 when Woodlands, the Child Base nursery in Milton Keynes, opened. I was 22 and an unqualified practitioner.
In 1994 I began studying for an NVQ3 in Early Childcare and Education and completed it in 1995 whilst on maternity leave with my son, Cameron. I was promoted to Assistant Manager at Meadow View Day Nursery (Newport Pagnell) in 1996.
In 1998, after having my second son, Archie, I wanted to reduce my hours so being a Deputy Manager was no longer a viable option. I secured a role at the company head office working 20 hours over 3 days in administration. Over the next few years my role developed and I took on management of direct debits and system support. I also administered system training to management staff and administration assistants. This fitted perfectly round the children and gave me the opportunity for taking on some extra study.
In 1999 I started my Early Childhood Studies degree which was 4 years part-time. I attended 2 evenings a week. In 2002 I had my daughter, Isabella, and completed the degree in 2003 - gaining a BAHons in Early Childhood Studies.
In early 2006 I was appointed Nursery Manager at Cherry Trees. In September that year I undertook the Early Years Professional Status course which was a fast track intense few months! I completed this in early December and was notified that I had been successful in February 2007.
I love being back with the children and having the responsibility for the nursery. My head is full all of the time and every day is different. I enjoyed my time at Head Office and I could not have completed the degree and had such a favourable work-life balance without it, but now I am in the nursery I am much more fulfilled. I work 4 days a week and so am still able to take or collect my children from school several times a week, while giving 100% to the demands of a busy nursery with the support of my staff team. During my progression I have been given the flexibility to build my family life and my professional one.
I would summarize by saying that I thoroughly enjoy working for Child Base. They have given me the opportunities to grow and develop from a youngster just starting out on my career to a fully fledged member of the management team, responsible for my own nursery.
Michelle Nokes, Nursery Manager