We’re pleased to share our latest Liverpool nursery news with parents, carers and families, and of course, with anyone who has an interest in developments at The Childcare Academy
Our Liverpool nursery is 2 years old
Would you believe tca has been incorporated for two years and openly trading for one year and six months? Time has certainly flown! Of course, we see the evidence of time passing in the development and growth of our children and the nursery community. We are also near our capacity, with over 50 children attending the nursery each week. This means we have fewer and fewer full-time places and a waiting list for baby spaces.
Growth and capacity
Therefore, as you might expect, the operational demands of our nursery are ever-changing, with the ebb and flow of our children’s progression and their family circumstances. It’s all a part of life and how the world turns. We are busy responding to tca‘s growth and success, adapting daily to the unique community we serve. We have solid plans to increase the size of our Liverpool nursery at Shipwright’s House. Of course, we will be maintaining the intimate nature and room sizes you all tell us you like and prefer. Look out for our future updates as we start changing the building spaces.
Systems and facilities
You will be pleased to know that our current catering facilities received a Grade 5 (GOOD) food hygiene rating from the Liverpool City Council inspector. Thanks to Rhona and Kevin for achieving this standard! In readiness for the expansion of the nursery, we making plans for even better food preparation and more personalised catering for our children. We will build a brand-new kitchen facility and start using The Nursery Catering Company. This highly reputable catering company has collaborated with the UK’s number-one children’s food author, Annabel Karmel. In the meantime, while making these changes to our catering facilities, we are operating a temporary menu at the nursery.
Professional growth and CPD
Our growth means that we need more professionals on the tca team, and also, we want to refresh the skills of the team members already with us. We are adept at growing our qualified staff through apprenticeships. Tahani, Grace and Rhona have now trailblazed through to the completion of their apprenticeships. More recently, we welcomed Laura to the team, who has settled in very well with support from the rest of the team. And this week, we welcome Kira as a new apprentice following her 16-week traineeship placement with us. Our qualified staff and I all undertake a wide variety of CPD training and learning, including safeguarding, SEND coordination, and early years curriculum management.
Staff progression and lifelong learning
As with all careers, professionals in the early years sometimes have to change jobs and roles, to achieve the professional and personal growth we want and need. This is the case for two of our part-time staff, Rebecca and Abbie. They have successfully applied to specialised early years roles in SEND care and community outreach work, respectively. Such an excellent achievement for both staff – we are very proud of their achievements. Change is a constant, and it provides an opportunity for growth. We have taken the opportunity to promote Jess Hayden to third in charge as Abbie leaves. Also, we have recruited a qualified replacement practitioner, Lois Martin, from a very reputable nursery chain.
The tca team will use these changes as opportunities to teach our children to celebrate achievement and embrace changes that enrich our life experience. I know you will join us in thanking those that move on, welcoming those that join us and ensuring our children build their resilience and enjoy the experience.