In our series showcasing the sector’s nursery managers, we find out about Lachme Kaur, nursery manager at Little Limehouse Pre-school in East London

What was your route to becoming a manager?

I have been working in early years settings and schools for 29 years. At school I had a different plan, but when I was put in a nursery for work experience, everyone who crossed my path said to me “this is your vocation”. I joined an apprenticeship programme and did my Level 2 with a fantastic mentor who promoted, encouraged and motivated me. I went on to complete my Level 3 through distance learning, a foundation degree and a degree with Middlesex University. I have been a manager for about 15 years at different settings.

What’s the best thing about Little Limehouse Pre-school?

Little Limehouse is a charity-run setting with a lot of links to the community. A lot of settings are quite rigid with a prescribed way of working, but here I have the freedom to try lots of different things. Making a difference, using my experience and knowledge, is the best part of my job. I am a leadership person not a management person, I want people to want to go where I am taking them rather than just leading them. I also love working with my children, their stories are so funny. A lot of families say they have brought their second or third child here because I am here, which makes me feel really lovely.

What is the best training you’ve been on?

Last term we had 22 children with additional needs, about eight of whom had Education, Health and Care Plans. I recently completed Best Practice Network’s early years SENCO programme which was so informative – it was very well organised and structured. I learned a lot that I can put in my practice on a day-to-day basis, and that I can see the results of immediately.

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

 In the last 20 years there has been a decline in the quality of training available. Practitioners come in with qualifications, but they don’t have the practical experience that marries up with that. There is a lack of focus on children’s personal social and emotional development, and a lack of understanding that a child is not going to be writing and drawing if they are not emotionally stable. I find that challenging and difficult to manage.

Which three people would you invite to a dinner party?

Mirza Ghalib, the most read and quoted Urdu poet from the Mughal era, to understand the depth of his beautiful language. Dr Maria Montessori, because I would like to find out whether she would have moved with the times. I think the Montessori approach has many wonderful aspects, like the resources that encourage independence, but there are ways the approach is sometimes interpreted that don’t sit right with me. The last one is Nazir Afsal, the former chief crown prosecutor for Northwest England. He has prosecuted high-profile cases to do with child abuse, violence against women, and grooming. He has a relentless drive to protect and do good for people.

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

I attended cognitive behaviour therapy, when I was having a tricky time with one of my settings, and it looks at understanding different types of stress and what you can do. My go-to is music; I have different music for different moods and situations. I might watch a funny film, or write a letter to my friend. I engage in crafts; I surround myself with my favourite people.

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

Recognition of the role of nursery managers, and all early years staff. I do a lot of staff appreciation here, but a lot of the work we do is not valued as a profession. What advice would you give your younger self? Know your rights. People are sometimes scared of being seen to be trouble makers, but you are allowed to stand up for yourself. Be kind to yourself, work smart instead of working hard all the time, and see mistakes as learning opportunities.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Music, because that will transport me back to certain memories. I am a social being so a deserted island is really not for me – so  I would need a mode of transport and someone to bring me back!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Know your rights, people are sometimes scared of being seen to be trouble makers, but you are allowed to stand up for yourself. Be kind to yourself, work smart instead of workring hard all the time, and see mistakes as learning opportunities.