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A guide to agency work in childcare and education

A guide to agency work in childcare and education
March 13, 2025
young girl blowing bubbles

Embarking on a career in childcare and education is an incredibly rewarding choice.

Agency work in childcare and education can offer a flexible and diverse career path. It allows professionals to work in various settings and gain valuable experience. While making a positive impact on children’s lives. But it can also present unique opportunities and challenges to navigate.

For those considering agency work within this field, we hope this blog post will guide you through what to expect and how to be successful in this dynamic environment.

What is agency work in childcare and education?

Agency work within childcare and education involves working through a recruitment agency that connects childcare professionals with nurseries, schools, and pre-schools in need of temporary or permanent staff. These roles can range from an apprentice role to management level roles.

Benefits of agency work in childcare

  • Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of agency work is the flexibility it offers. Though the hours within daycare settings can be specific there will always be great flexibility on the days you work, whether you prefer full-time, part-time, or occasional work they’ll be something that works for you.
  • Variety: Agency work allows you to experience different childcare and educational settings, from nurseries to schools. This variety can help you build a diverse skill set and allow you to discover which environment and age range you enjoy most.
  • Experience: Working in various settings exposes you to different age groups, developmental stages, and caregiving philosophies. This experience can be invaluable for your professional growth and future career opportunities.
  • Support: Our KiddyKare office team boasts extensive experience in the childcare and education sector, allowing us to offer exceptional support and advice. We are delighted to address any questions you may have and are committed to finding the answers you need.

Tips for thriving in agency work

  • Stay Organised: Keep a detailed calendar of your booked shifts and available days in advance to stay on top of things. Staying organised will help you manage your time effectively and make the most of your agency work.
  • Be Adaptable: Embrace the variety and unpredictability of agency work. Being adaptable to work within shifts that are booked on the day and open to new locations and settings will help you thrive and build a reputation as a reliable and flexible professional.
  • Build Relationships: Even in temporary roles, strive to build positive relationships with children at the setting and staff team. Effective communication and a friendly attitude will leave a lasting impression and may lead to future opportunities.
  • Invest in Professional Development: Take advantage of any training or development resources offered by your agency. Continuously improving your skills and knowledge will enhance your employability and help you stay competitive in the childcare field. Qualified or unqualified it will always make you an attractive candidate when you keep up to date with any changes within the sector you work within.
  • Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from the management and team at the setting and/or your agency to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback will always help you grow professionally and ensure you are providing the best support possible to the nursery team and children within the setting.

Conclusion

Agency work in childcare and education offers a unique and fulfilling career path with the potential for personal and professional growth. By embracing flexibility, staying organised, and continuously developing your skills, you can navigate the opportunities and challenges of agency work and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to diversify your experience, agency work in childcare can open doors to a world of possibilities.

Posted in Childcarers

A day in the life of KiddyKare’s recruitment manager

A day in the life of KiddyKare’s recruitment manager
February 17, 2025
Jodi Walden Recruitment Manager at KiddyKare

Ensuring a thriving childcare sector, staffed with passionate, qualified professionals is no small feat. Behind the scenes, dedicated recruitment managers work tirelessly to connect exceptional candidates with schools and nurseries across the UK.

But what exactly does a typical day look like for someone working in this dynamic and demanding field? In this article Jodi offers a glimpse into the fast-paced world of a childcare recruitment manager. From dealing with the early morning inbox deluge to the satisfaction of placing the perfect candidate, Jodi reveals the meticulous work that goes into this vital role.

Morning Routine

  • 6:00 AM: Wake up and get ready for the day.
  • 6:45 AM: Make my way to work and listen to a book on the way, currently we are listening to Mel Robins – The Let Them Theory.

Workday Begins

  • 7:15 AM: Arrive at work, open the office ready for everyone to arrive. Set up my laptop ready for the day and listen to any voicemails.
  • 7:30 AM: Emily arrives and we begin to cover any shifts due to sickness or any emergency shifts required by any school or nursery settings.
  • 8:00 AM: Morning coffee time! I begin to work through and organise emails according to the routine of the day.
  • 8:30 AM: Coffee time while we continue with the above alongside working on any new business requirements.
  • 9:00 AM: Jen and Charlotte arrive and we begin the permanent desk meeting. This covers catching up on any new vacancies, candidates and the stages of the process they are all individually at.
  • 9:30 AM: Catch up with my director Jen.
  • 10:00 AM: Contact the school and nursery settings, discuss and gather staffing support required for any future weeks. I then begin to work on all gaps and ensure all shifts are booked and confirmed to ensure the settings have consistency and guaranteed support.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch time! Normally we will all try and get outside for a walk on our break as we find this helps with productivity for any afternoon tasks

Afternoon Tasks

  • 1:00 PM: Time to return to work. This begins with a catch up with the team and on emails, to ensure I am aware of anything that has happened whilst I was on my break.
  • 1:30 PM: This is the time for any small admin tasks or staff requests such as P45 requests, payroll support, purchase order numbers and any other queries.
  • 2:00 PM: Afternoon coffee time and social media! I work on any updates for the website, blog posts, the staff newsletter and any social media posts including our fabulous temp of the month!
  • 3:30 PM: Temp meeting with Emily where we discuss any remaining requirements and future tasks we need to add to our list for the next day.
  • 3:45 PM: Wrap up the day by completing any remaining task and begin my list ready for tomorrow morning.

Evening Routine

  • 5:00 PM: Time to head to the gym!
  • 6:30 PM: Return from the gym, shower and get cosy.
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner time – cook and prepare tonight’s dinner.
  • 7:30 PM: Relaxation time, tick any small task off my to do list and catch up on my favourite tv shows.
  • 9:30 PM: Time to wind down with a book and switch off, ready for a good night’s sleep.
Posted in Childcarers

Random Acts of Kindness Day 

Random Acts of Kindness Day 
February 12, 2025
random acts of kindness day

Every year on February 17th, the world celebrates Random Acts of Kindness Day. The day is all about making the world a better place through small, thoughtful gestures that show kindness and compassion. Reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Kindness is a powerful force that can bring people together, creating a sense of community and improving our overall well-being. Research has shown performing acts of kindness can boost our mood, reduce stress and increase our sense of happiness. When we do something kind for others, we not only make them feel good, but we also experience a positive impact on our own mental and emotional health.

So how can you celebrate this year? There are countless ways to spread kindness and here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

  • Give a compliment: A compliment can brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued.
  • Buy someone’s coffee: Whether it’s buying a coffee for the person behind you in line or your colleague, small acts of generosity can create a ripple effect of kindness.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to a local charity. Volunteering not only helps others but also gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
  • Positive messages: Write a positive message on a sticky note and leave it in a public place for someone to find. You never know who might need a little pick-me-up.
  • Donate to a charity: Consider donating to a charity that you care about. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.

Here are some of the ways KiddyKare is going to celebrate kindness this year:

  • Surprise each other with treats for the day.
  • Write recommendations on LinkedIn for people we work or have worked with.
  • Give compliments to fellow colleagues within our office building.
  • Send a positive message to all employees before they start their day.
  • Practise self-kindness by ensuring we spend 30 minutes doing something we love.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of the power of kindness. By spreading joy through small gestures, we can create a more connected and caring world. So, let’s celebrate this special day by performing random acts of kindness and making the world a brighter place, one kind act at a time.

Spread Joy, One Kind Gesture at a Time

Posted in Childcarers

Prepare to ace your interview

Prepare to ace your interview
January 20, 2025
young woman at successful job interview

So, you’ve spotted the perfect childcare job – the one with the right hours, the right age group, and a setting that feels like the perfect fit. Now comes the exciting but nerve-wracking part: the interview.

For childcarers, the interview isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about demonstrating your passion, skills, and understanding of child development to ensure the safety and well-being of young minds.

In this blog we explore why thorough interview preparation is crucial and offer some top tips to help you shine and secure that dream role.

Let’s get ready to ace that interview!

Common types of interview

Given the variety of interview types and stages, it’s crucial to know what kind you’ll be facing so you can prepare adequately.

Your interview might be:

  • Face-to-Face: some companies stick with this traditional method throughout the entire interview process and could be the only interview you’ll have with the company. It’s one of the most widely used and longest-standing interview styles.
  • Telephone: often used in the early stages of the interview process, this method helps both parties get to know each other quickly. It helps determine if it’s worth moving forward to a face-to-face interview.
  • Video Call: ideal for remote roles, this method doesn’t require you to be in the same location. It’s also useful when interviews involve multiple people with tight schedules, allowing everyone to meet virtually.

5 tried and tested interview preparation tips

Once you know what type of interview you’ll be having, it’s time to start preparing. Preparation for interviews is essential and demonstrates your dedication and commitment to your job search.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

You can prepare in various ways, and while not all tips apply to every interview style, most can be adapted:

  • Research: investigate the company and common interview questions.
  • Practice: rehearse your answers, practice logging in for a video call, or plan your route, transport and parking for an in-person interview.
  • Presentation: look presentable; take extra time to iron your clothes or polish your shoes to make a great first impression.
  • Punctuality: be on time for all interviews. Log in early for video calls, arrive with plenty of time for face-to-face meetings, and ensure you’re in a quiet place for telephone interviews.
  • Clarity: speak clearly and be concise in your responses.

As your interview concludes, it’s a good idea to inquire about the next steps and what to expect in the upcoming stages of the process. Remember to express your gratitude to the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to speak with them

Best of luck with your interview preparations!

Posted in Childcarers, Interview Tips

How to craft a compelling CV

How to craft a compelling CV
January 20, 2025
Young woman writing CV

A compelling CV is key to landing your dream job. To help your CV stand out in the crowd and land you the interview for your dream job, our KiddyKare experts have created this guide to writing the perfect CV.

Top tip: remember your CV (Curriculum Vitae) is often the first impression you make on potential employers. It’s more than just a list of your experiences; it’s a reflection of your skills, achievements, and professional journey, so let’s make it shine.

What to include in your CV

1. Personal Profile

This is your chance to sell yourself and the traits you think make you a great candidate for the role. You can do this by describing yourself and your goals in a few sentences. Tailor this to the role you are applying for to highlight the skills you can transfer across to your new role.

2. Highlight Your Work Experience

We find starting with your most current role allows your career timeline to be followed easily. In each section include your job title and a description that details your job specification. This allows future employers to match your skills and roles to the job specification of their vacancy.

Top tip: if you’ve had a break in your employment history, regardless of the reason, make sure to include this period in your CV. Whether it was due to job searching after a temporary contract, parental responsibilities, further studies, or taking a gap year, detailing these intervals helps maintain a clear and complete employment timeline.

3. Showcase Your Education

Include your most recent and relevant education, and add in any courses you’ve undertaken – however make sure they are relevant to the job in question.

4. Key Skills

This is where you can highlight any professional skills you feel would make you stand out from other candidates. These can be personality traits you can bring to the company that will ensure you succeed, or knowledge-based skills that you have learnt throughout your experience.

5. Tailor Your CV for Each Job Application

If you’re applying for a different role, that isn’t like your current or previous roles, it is best to tailor your CV to show how your skills, experience and personality traits match with the new role you’re applying for.

As you know, lots of skills can be transferred across to many roles and sectors, however tailoring you CV to highlight your most relevant skills for a new role, allows your suitability to come across clearly to the hiring manager.

Final Tips

Keep it concise: keep your CV short and to the point, this helps the company read about you without running out of time. Two pages is ideal.

Use a professional format: a fancy font, won’t help and if anything, it could put someone off. A most used font like will keep it clear and save you some time.

Proofread: spell check is there for a reason and will really show attention to detail. Also ask someone else to read through your CV to spot any errors and make sure it makes sense.

Writing a good CV takes time and effort, but it’s worth it to create a document that truly represents your professional journey. This way you can add current experience to an already strong document.

Good luck with your job search!

Posted in Childcarers, Interview Tips

The KiddyKare team unwrap their favourite Christmas traditions

The KiddyKare team unwrap their favourite Christmas traditions
December 13, 2023
KiddyKare Team in Christmas Jumpers 2023

Tis the season to be jolly, the season to spread cheer, and the season to share our favourite Christmas traditions! Here at our KiddyKare, we’ve assembled our team of spirited elves, each with a heart brimming with Christmas nostalgia to find out what brings them out in a festive glow.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and cuddle up by the fire, as we embark on a heart-warming journey through our cherished Christmas favourites.

Jodi

Which of the KiddyKare team members is most likely to be an elf in disguise?
Gemma is 100% KiddyKare’s festive elf!

What is your favourite winter beverage?
Hot chocolate with cream & marshmallows, always!

What is your favourite Christmas memory from childhood?
The Christmas eve feeling!

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?
I am an early shopper; I always start at the end of October beginning of November.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Miracle of 34th Street.

What’s your favourite Christmas treat?
Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Destiny’s Child – 8 Days of Christmas

What makes the best last-minute present?
You can’t go wrong with a gift card!

What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
The John Lewis advert is always my favourite.

If you had to go on holiday for Christmas, where would you go?
New York

Emily

Which of the KiddyKare team members is most likely to be an elf in disguise?
Gemma – Definitely Gemma!!

What is your favourite winter beverage?
Gingerbread Latte – I have already had one this year.

What is your favourite Christmas memory from childhood?
Me and my sister waking up super early and sitting at the end of our parents bed to open our stockings.

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?
I started in June this year and I was done in October.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Miracle on 34th Street, without a doubt will always get me in the Christmas Spirit.

What’s your favourite Christmas treat?
Where do I start, my list is endless, however I have to say nothing beats a tub of twiglets at Christmas for me!

What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Fairytale of New York – The Pogue’s

What makes the best last-minute present?
Chocolate – you can never fail with chocolate!

What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
Toys’R’Us – the tune just reminds me of my childhood at Christmas.

If you had to go on holiday for Christmas, where would you go?
It would have to be somewhere cold and cosy but honestly, going away for Christmas doesn’t appeal to me!

Gemma

Which of the KiddyKare team members is most likely to be an elf in disguise?
Absolutely me 😂

What is your favourite winter beverage?
Hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream and a dash of baileys.

What is your favourite Christmas memory from childhood?
Starting to non-believe and then finding a present stuck up my chimney. He must be real!

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?
The day before.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Elf and Love Actually are strong contenders, I can’t choose.

What’s your favourite Christmas treat?
Home-made, warm mince pie with cream, nom.

What’s your favourite Christmas song?
So hard, but I will have to go with Slade, Merry Xmas everybody.

What makes the best last-minute present?
All my gifts are last minute so I can’t really say. 😂

What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
Toys R us is 90s NOSTALGIA!

If you had to go on holiday for Christmas, where would you go?
New York to see all the giant Christmas Trees… Magical!

Kelly

Which of the KiddyKare team members is most likely to be an elf in disguise?
Jodi.

What is your favourite winter beverage?
Hot chocolate with extra cream.

What is your favourite Christmas memory from childhood?
Believing in the magic of Christmas.

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?
August (I have a big family and busy for over 20+ people).

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Love Actually.

What’s your favourite Christmas treat?
Christmas selection of sweets.

What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Pogue’s Fairytale of New York.

What makes the best last-minute present?
Gift-card.

What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
Coke-cola advert.

If you had to go on holiday for Christmas, where would you go?
Lapland.

Jen

Which of the KiddyKare team members is most likely to be an elf in disguise?
Definitely Gemma!

What is your favourite winter beverage?
A mulled wine on a cold frosty day/ evening!

What is your favourite Christmas memory from childhood?
Christmas Eve with family, preparing the Christmas plate for our visitors and going to sleep with the pillowcase by my feet.

How early do you start your Christmas shopping?
Usually only late November, I try to finish by the second week in December.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
I love Elf, it makes me smile and I can watch over and over again!

What’s your favourite Christmas treat?
Nothing beats one of my Mums homemade ‘whirly mince pies’!

What’s your favourite Christmas song?
‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey.

What makes the best last-minute present?
The gift you know you will be ‘told off’ for buying as an extra present for someone special.

What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
The coca-cola advert of course!

If you had to go on holiday for Christmas, where would you go?
Lapland with my children and family!

Posted in Childcarers

Tricks or treats: we unmask our staff’s spooky secrets

Tricks or treats: we unmask our staff’s spooky secrets
October 27, 2023
girl dressed as witch for Halloween

🎃👻 Get ready to embrace the spooky season, because Halloween is creeping up on us! As the leaves fall and the air grows crisp, it’s that time of the year when we dust off our cauldrons, carve our pumpkins, and prepare for a night of frightful fun.

But what makes Halloween so special? Why do we eagerly anticipate its arrival every year? Well, in the spirit of the season, our ghoulishly enthusiastic staff members are here to share their favourite bits about Halloween.

Jodi

  • What’s your favourite Halloween treat? Mr Kipling Fiendish Fancies
  • What’s your favourite Halloween movie? The Witches
  • If you had to dress up as anything at Halloween, what would you be? A Ghostbuster
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin flavoured treat? Pumpkin soup
  • Based on your personality which fictional witch are you? Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Emily

  • What’s your favourite Halloween treat? A Milky Way
  • What’s your favourite Halloween movie? Hocus Pocus, I watched it this weekend!
  • If you had to dress up as anything at Halloween, what would you be? A skeleton
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin flavoured treat? Pumpkin spiced latte
  • Based on your personality which fictional witch are you? Mildred Hubble

Gemma

  • What’s your favourite Halloween treat? Toffee apple
  • What’s your favourite Halloween movie? Rocky Horror Picture Show
  • If you had to dress up as anything at Halloween, what would you be? A cat
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin flavoured treat? Pumpkin pie
  • Based on your personality which fictional witch are you? Luna Lovegood

Kelly

  • What’s your favourite Halloween treat? Maltesers
  • What’s your favourite Halloween movie? Hocus Pocus
  • If you had to dress up as anything at Halloween, what would you be? A dead bride
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin flavoured treat? Pumpkin Spiced Oreos
  • Based on your personality which fictional witch are you? Sarah Sanderson from Hocus Pocus

Jen

  • What’s your favourite Halloween treat? Chocolate apple
  • What’s your favourite Halloween movie? Hocus Pocus
  • If you had to dress up as anything at Halloween, what would you be? A spider with cobwebs in my hair
  • What’s your favourite pumpkin flavoured treat? Pumpkin pie
  • Based on your personality which fictional witch are you? Glinda the good witch from The Wizard of Oz

Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or a newbie to the world of ghouls and werewolves, why not share with us your cherished Halloween traditions, memories, and experiences. Head on over to our Facebook page to post your Spooktacular ideas and photos! 🕷️🦇

Posted in Childcarers

Why should you find a new role with KiddyKare?

Why should you find a new role with KiddyKare?
September 12, 2023
Rocket girl and boy playing happily

KiddyKare is a respected and reputable childcare recruitment agency that was established in 2008. We  have proved to be reliable, professional and proactive, having built up strong working relationships with independent settings and corporate chains for over 15 years.

The KiddyKare team has a wealth of knowledge within the childcare sector and we are all childcare qualified. Our team prides themselves in finding the right role to suit each candidate, tailoring each search specifically for the needs of each individual.

KiddyKare can support you with your job search in a variety of ways and below are just some of the ways we can help you find your new dream role!

Permanent recruitment

Every month KiddyKare supports many candidates who are looking for a change in their career. We work alongside independent nurseries, large nursery chains, schools, and independent nanny families, so whichever role you think fits your career next step, we can help.

We screen all candidates prior to putting them forward to a role.  This ensures we can match the setting with the correct candidates for each role. But it is also to determine we find the roles that are best suited to your individual search.

Our screening process

KiddyKare completes an initial call with each candidate via telephone, where we ask questions to make sure we have all the correct information on your file.  This helps us when sending over all the details of any roles we can support with.

We also have a short application form for you to complete alongside providing some ID documents and any qualification certificates. We will ask you to complete these whilst we look at the different roles that we have for you.

The role may be but are not limited to the following – Apprentice Practitioner, Nursery Practitioner L2 or L3, Senior Practitioner, Room Leader, Third in Charge, Deputy manager, Manager, Operations / Area Manager, Quality Manager, Teaching Assistant, Nursery Teacher, Nanny.

Interviewing support

Once you have discussed the details of the roles KiddyKare can support with, you will be able to decide if you would like to go forward with an interview for each individual role. KiddyKare will then support with arranging the interviews for you at a perfect time for yourself and the setting, we will also gather all the information for what you’ll need to take with you on the day, any forms you may need to complete and what to expect from the interview.

The KiddyKare office team are all childcare qualified so are always happy to support with answering any questions prior to you interview.

Once you have attended your interviews, KiddyKare with gather the feedback. We will then arrange to discuss this with you on the phone. You will also be asked to provide feedback on how you feel the interview went and which setting you feel was the best fit for you.

Job offers and negotiation

When the setting provides you with an offer for a job role, KiddyKare will gather all the details regarding the job offer and any formal paperwork which we pass over to you to review. Once you have reviewed your offers you can then take time to look over these, ask any questions you may have and make your own decision. If there was anything you would like to negotiate, we will also do this for you.

Your new role

After making your decision, KiddyKare will continue to support with your start date and going into the setting to complete any documentation that is needed before you start your new role. We are here to make the process as calm as possible and the transition between roles as smooth as possible.

Flexible recruitment

KiddyKare can also support with flexible work within the independent nurseries, large nursery chains, schools, and independent nanny families that we work with in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Henley.

The flexible role means you are employed by KiddyKare on a flexible basis where you can pick the days you work. Nurseries, however, are open from 8-6pm so the hours required are 8-hour shift patterns of these hours.

Sign up process

You start with an initial sign-up call with one of the KiddyKare consultants.  They will run through some questions about you to make sure this role will work for you and that we will be able to provide you with shifts.

We do require a couple of things for this role such as a clean DBS certificate. This needs to either be completed by KiddyKare, or if you already have a DBS this needs to be on the update service.  If you require a new DBS you will need to pay for this as it is a document you can keep for any future roles.

Alongside ID and proof of address we also require a childcare reference from someone who has seen you interacting with children. This cannot be from a family member.

If you decide to join the KiddyKare team, we invite you in for an ID check where we will gather all these documents, so there’s no need to worry.  During the check we review all your documentation to make sure it is correct.

Once you have completed this ID check you will take home some information on the role you have applied for, timesheets and a KiddyKare T-shirt. If you have any questions at the ID check, or at any other time, our team do their best to answer these before you start your new role.

Ready to get started

Once your pre-employment checks are complete you will be ready to start your new role.  You will receive a welcome email from KiddyKare and be added to our temporary bookings.

We will begin to liaise with you about when you would like to start your role and the availability you can work that week.

KiddyKare cover a variety of shifts at locations such as nurseries, schools and emergency nanny cover which means you will be offered a variety of work depending on what’s available that week.

As we begin to offer you shifts, we may send over a couple of locations that you cannot get to but its fine to just say no to these settings. Once you have been working with KiddyKare for a while we will all become more familiar with the settings that you can attend.

We hope this has helped outline how we can support with your own personal job search as well as make you familiar with the process when you work alongside KiddyKare for each different position.

We look forward to working with you!

The KiddyKare Team.

Posted in Childcarers

Our amazing KiddyKare team

Our amazing KiddyKare team
August 14, 2023
Kids playing in forest

At KiddyKare we’ve got a fantastic team who are ready to help find the perfect match between childcarers, nurseries and schools.

So you that you can get to know us a little bit better we sat down with each member of staff to find out more about them.

Jen – our KiddyKare Director

Q: What inspired you to work in childcare?

From a young age I enjoyed spending time with children. They brought out my creativity, imagination and offered joy and enjoyment. I decided to train as an NNEB Nursery Nurse and thoroughly enjoyed the placements and course.

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job at KiddyKare?

A sense of achievement …

Supporting businesses and candidates in a field I am passionate about and have worked in myself.  I enjoy working with my dedicated KiddyKare team.

Q: Who have been the strongest influences in your life?

My parents are my role models they have nurtured me, guided me, and comforted me.  They have taught a strong work ethic – to aim high, work hard and value your relationships.

My husband is a strong influence he instils positivity, support and above all to be determined to achieve my goals.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Raising two adorable boys alongside growing and developing KiddyKare.

Q: Who is your favourite children’s author and why?

Enid Blyton- I love the book The Faraway Tree, it reminds me of when I was a child. I have enjoyed reading it to my children.

Q: Where did you last go on holiday and why did you choose it?

We went to Croyde in Devon, we love the area. We chose it because it is close to the beach and we could spend time in the rock pools, surfing, wave jumping and eating pasties and ice-creams.

Jodi – our Development Manager

Q: What inspired you to work in childcare?

I love looking at the world and being able to explore the world through a child’s eyes, having a chance to provide them with a childhood where they can learn and thrive. Plus, why not have a career where you can have fun every day!

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job at KiddyKare?

At KiddyKare I love that my role is completely different to my role in Nursery Management, but I am still able to use my childcare knowledge daily to support the KiddyKare client data base. I can relate to the situation at each individual settings so that I ensure we provide the best support for each individual circumstance.

Q: Who have been the strongest influences in your life?

Without a doubt this would have to be by mum, she has been by my side through everything in life and I know she will still be by my side everyday moving forward.  She taught me everything I know and has shaped me to be the person I am today – a person I am very proud to be.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I am proud of being the person I am today, using the experiences and situations I’ve been through to learn and grow as a person.

Q: Who is your favourite children’s author and why?

That’s a hard one, it would have to be Roald Dahl – I remember Roald Dahl books being a big part of my childhood and I love how they have stood the test of time by still being a huge part of children’s literature today.

Q: Where did you last go on holiday and why did you choose it?

The last holiday I went to was Mallorca, I decided on this trip as Spain wasn’t a country that I had explored much, and I had seen lots of people visit. The country looked beautiful in everyone’s pictures with beautiful blue seas, which were even better in person!

Emily – our Compliance Consultant

Q: What inspired you to work in childcare?

The early years are such a crucial time within a child’s life, and I wanted to ensure children had the opportunity to the best care and start possible.

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job at KiddyKare?

For me it’s networking! Working in childcare, you come across many different personalities and people within the sector. But even more – it’s recruiting and supporting the industry you encounter!! Speaking to a variety of settings, learning their approach, hearing of their highs, and offering support when needed will always be something I enjoy. With KiddyKare I can do this daily!

Q: Who have been the strongest influences in your life?

My parents without a doubt! They have taught me so much in a life and will forever keep me grounded. From a young child to an adult my parents have taught me how to be strong, independent, and work hard for what you want – this is a skill I have carried through life with me!

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Overcoming the hurdles that I have faced and use them to my own advantage!

Q: Who is your favourite children’s author and why?

Julia Donaldson – I enjoy the way the rhyming patterns keep the children engaged. My firm favourite will forever be Day Monkey, Night Monkey – the amount of learning opportunities Julia puts into the story in such a short time is a true skill.

Q: Where did you last go on holiday and why did you choose it?

South of France – Eymet to be precise. My parents adore the South of France and every few years I join them on a trip to explore the region – we are already planning our next trip.

Kelly – our Recruitment Resourcer

Q: What inspired you to work in childcare?

Since I was a young child I have always been surrounded by children, helping to look after them and teaching new things like saying my name. Since then, I have always had a passion for looking after children and being a person who loves to join in a child’s playtime but gaining skills as well.

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job at KiddyKare?

Talking to clients, relating situations to my own experiences.

Q: Who have been the strongest influences in your life?

My dad – he taught me to carry on with things even if sometimes it might become tough.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Becoming a better person for my own self and achieving the small goals for a bigger outcome.

Q: Who is your favourite children’s author and why?

Michael Rosen because of his book – We’re going on a bear hunt.

Q: Where did you last go on holiday and why did you choose it?

I went to Rome in March- I chose it as it has always been on my bucket list to visit. I love learning about history and romance it has, plus the food.

Gemma – our Recruitment Consultant

Q: What inspired you to work in childcare?

I’ve always loved being around children. I like being creative and showing off my fun side to help children fall in love exploring the Arts.

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job at KiddyKare?

I really enjoy visiting the local colleges where we talk with the students and give insights to our own childcare background.

Q: Who have been the strongest influences in your life?

The strongest influence in my life is my mum.

Q: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

My proudest accomplishment in my childcare career was winning room leader of the year. This was out of 60 settings owned by the company I worked for.

Q: Who is your favourite children’s author and why?

I am an avid Harry Potter fan so would have to say J. K. Rowling. I love how her stories connect from the first ever book up to the seventh story of the Deathly Hallows. The characters, places, spells, creatures, and story lines are all so unique. I’m a proud member of Hufflepuff and even have two cats named Tonks and Remus!

Q: Where did you last go on holiday and why did you choose it?

The last place I went on holiday to was Bulgaria where I went skiing for the first time. The opportunity came up and so I went with a big group of friends. It was fun to try something new and very different to my usual beach destination holiday.

Posted in Childcarers, Managerial, Nannies, Nurseries

Five activities to celebrate Halloween

Five activities to celebrate Halloween
October 31, 2022
Children holding carved Halloween pumpkins in front of their faces

1. Pumpkin picking

Why not turn picking your pumpkin into a day out? Lots of farms in many parts of the UK now have pumpkin fields, which makes for a fun day out with the family. Buy entry tickets to the farm you would like to visit and spend the day eating spooky treats, picking an array of pumpkins to take home, and taking part in the Halloween themed activities they have to offer.

2. Paper plate spiders

Paint two paper plates in the colour of your choice, once dry you’ll need to stick these together – you can do this using glue or another method if that’s easier for you.

Next on to designing your spider using pipe cleaners in the colour or colours of your choice. Simply stick these to your plate. Spiders may have 8 legs, but your spooky spider can have as many or as little as you want. After you can bend these to create weird and wonderful spiders’ legs!

To make your spider extra spooky add googly eyes or if you want to be creative, why not draw on your own spooky eyes and face.

3. Pumpkin carving

Grab a pumpkin carving kit from your local pumpkin patch and find your perfect design. Why not try a character from your favourite Halloween book or movie?

Top tip – If you have younger children, why not get them to paint a face on their pumpkin?

4. Spooky monster biscuits

Do you have a favourite monster? Create them on your biscuit, use all your creativity to design the spookiest biscuit monster in the house!

Here are KiddyKare’s topping ideas:

  • Melted Chocolate
  • Icing Sugar
  • Coloured sprinkles
  • Edible eyes
  • Smarties
  • Jelly sweets
  • Jelly worms

Halloween decorated gingerbread biscuits on plate

5. Spooky stories

To wrap up your activities why not read your favourite Halloween stories. To help get you started here are a few KiddyKare’s recommendations for you to try.

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Halloween Trick or Treat by Eric Carle
  • Little Monsters by David Walliams
  • Peppa’s Pumpkin Party by Peppa pig
  • Five Little Pumpkins by Ben Mantle
  • Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Posted in Childcarers

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