In our series showcasing the sector’s nursery managers, we find out about Claire Mills, manager at MiChild’s Newhouse Nursery in Blackpool

What was your route to becoming a manager?

I began working at Newhouse Nursery when we opened in 2018, starting off my career as an early years practitioner in the baby room. After a few months I was promoted to baby room leader and thrived in this role, working closely alongside my deputy manager and manager as third in charge. When we returned to work following Covid-19 in July 2020, I was given the opportunity to return as deputy manager. This was a huge compliment and a big accomplishment for me and I was still able to fulfil the role while working in the baby room.

In September 2021 I decided to start a new chapter in my career path and began an early childhood studies degree at university. My passion and knowledge grew and when the opportunity arose to become nursery manager two months later, I jumped at the chance. Now I have completed my degree I am able to use my knowledge and experiences to upskill my staff team and the future leaders in the early years industry. I still love working in the rooms with all the children and believe that this is not just a job for me but a chance to offer experiences and opportunities for the children and staff at Newhouse every day.

What’s the best thing about Newhouse Nursery?

Working at Newhouse Nursery is like working with your best friends every day. We are a small team of 12 practitioners and we all work towards the same goals to provide high-quality childcare, offering experiences and opportunities for the children at our nursery. We pride ourselves on offering a home-from-home experience and have close relationships with all our parents and carers.

What is the best training you’ve been on?

My degree in early childhood studies from Blackpool and The Fylde University has given me knowledge and confidence to become a strong leader for my team. I also attend regular in-house training sessions with MiChild, which provides bespoke knowledge and training to ensure we are providing quality childcare. I love attending MiChild conferences and always come away with more knowledge and confidence and ideas on how to enhance the nursery and staff team.

What’s the most challenging part of being a nursery manager?

Currently it’s recruitment of staff. However, MiChild has a fantastic support network, and we are lucky to have nurseries close by to support us, as and when needed, and a very supportive senior management team.

What are you most proud of achieving?

Achieving my degree, as during my studies I continued to work full time as a manager, as well as looking after my own family. There were often days I didn’t think I would make it, but with the support of friends, family and work colleagues I did it. I am also proud for having my first Ofsted inspection in 2023 as nursery manager and being able to support my staff team throughout the day with a positive outcome.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party?

Doris Day, Princess Diana and Rosa Parks.

What do you do to look after yourself when things get stressful?

As well as a supportive senior management team I also have a very supportive deputy manager who is always available to support me within my job role. Outside of work I enjoy reading as an escape from the outside world.

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

The first years of a child’s life are the most crucial within their learning and development and I would love to change the perspective on how early years practitioners are viewed compared to teachers working in schools, and the amount of support offered. Many people think that practitioners play and sing all day, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s so much more to the role and I do feel we are often undervalued within the childcare sector. Often, we must fight for the support a child needs and by the time they have gone to school, sometimes it’s too late.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to be more confident and have more belief in my capabilities, as I would never have imagined that I could become a nursery manager. I am so proud of the journey that I have been on and the opportunities and support I’ve been given to get me to where I am today and will continue to work in early years for as long as possible