Being a Room Leader with Bright Horizons

Shannon Ainge

Long Road Day Nursery and Preschool

I started my journey Bright Horizons in 2014, after completing a Level 3 CACHE Childrens and Young Peoples Workforce qualification at Cambridge Regional College. I was able to use my knowledge and experience I gained throughout this course allowing me to become a full time Nursery Nurse at Long Road.

Upon joining the team, I was provided with the opportunity to complete my Paediatric First aid and Child Protection training where I was then supported to obtain the role as a key person working to gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Framework and the development matters. This also allowed me to refer to my previously gained knowledge of Childrens development. I worked as part of a team, completing everyday tasks and supporting a safe and enabling environments. Throughout this time I was able to develop my knowledge and understanding as well as work as part of a team.

After completing this role I was supported to progress into the role of a Deputy Room Leader in August 2016. This provided me with the opportunity to work alongside the Room leader allowing me to develop the knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Room Leader and how to provide support to a team to allow them to reach their full potential and develop their knowledge in children’s development.

In March 2017, I progressed to the role of Maternity cover Room Leader where I was provided with the opportunity to participate in ‘The Room Leader Development Programme’, allowing myself to gain leadership knowledge and skills to support and organise a team while the current Room Leader was absent. During this time I was able to coach and mentor new team members, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Late 2017, I was offered the opportunity to become a full time Room Leader where I remain. In my current role I manage a team of 8 staff with supporting and organising an effective learning opportunities for the children. Recently, I’ve completed a ‘Designated Safeguarding Lead’ training, which allowed me to support the nursery further and be able to learn new roles and responsibilities in order to support the nursery.

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