In our series showcasing the sector’s incredible nursery managers, we find out more about Lorraine Kara, manager of The Hackney Day Nursery and Preschool, part of the Family First Nurseries Group.

Why did you want to work in early years? 

I loved working with the children at my local Sunday school in Zimbabwe. When I moved to the UK I heard about the early years, and felt that I could make a difference in children’s lives and share my culture with them. 

What was your route to becoming a manager? 

I studied for my Level 2 Children Care and Education at Hackney Community College and was then given the opportunity to study for Level 3 while working full time as an apprentice in a Montessori nursery. My career progressed to room leader and then I became an early years Level 2 childcare assessor for Smart Training. Finally, I heard Barack Obama talking about how important it is to have more black leaders, to be role models and open doors for other black leaders.  This gave me drive and not long after I got offered an excellent opportunity as a nursery manager.

What are you most proud of achieving as a manager? 

I am incredibly proud that I converted my nursery from Inadequate to Good within six months.  I used my knowledge of leadership and team building theories and it helped me to motivate my team to never to give up. We had tough times, but we pulled together and lifted each other to achieve our success. 

What is the best training you have been on? 

I believe it was Early Years Leadership’s Leadership Excel programme. For ten weeks I got to learn about myself as a leader, reflect on my practice with other nursery managers, and learn about how my personality traits can impact how I lead my team. 

If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be and why? 

Julian Grenier CBE wrote the new Development Matters guidance. I want to dive more into how to bring the EYFS curriculum into my team’s practice daily. 

Dr Mine Conkbayir’s thoughts and research on neuroscience are eye-openers for me. I want to learn more about self-regulation and co-regulation to better understand how to be there when a child is going through big emotions. I have a three-year-old at home, which helps me at home and work. 

And Liz Pemberton, The Black Nursery Manager. I have created a nursery that I believe is inclusive, but I have more to learn on how to have that uncomfortable conversation about race and racism. I would love a space for children to have a positive awareness of their racial identity. 

What do you do to support your mental wellbeing?  

I listen and dance to a variety of music from gospel to 90’s R&B.  This lifts my spirits up. It never fails me. I find talking to my operations manager and childcare specialist manager when I am overwhelmed makes me feel supported and appreciated.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Be true to yourself, follow your heart and don’t be afraid to leave a table that doesn’t fit your beliefs or core values. 

What is the one thing you would change about the early years sector? 

The value we put on what we do and how we impact young children. I would like to see us get the respect we deserve in the education system. We need to stop fighting each other and work together. I am sure we could solve our recruitment issues. 

What is the most challenging part of being a nursery manager? 

The lonely moments when you need someone to talk to, someone to share your anxieties with, and it isn’t possible to share them with your team.  Luckily, now being part of the Family First Nursery Group I can reach out to my fellow managers and the extended support structure.

What three things would you take to a desert island? 

My Bible, God’s words can help me through anything, even in a desert. 

My daughter is always with me.

Plus, some books to read, they are a must, we’ve got to keep learning.