Katie Nicholls

Katie Nicholls is a 36-year-old early years professional with 19 years of experience in childcare. I am a kind, thoughtful, and bubbly person who works well as part of a team. I have worked my way up the career ladder, and I am currently Deputy Manager at Little Acorns Nursery in Aldbourne. I have strong communication skills, work well in a group, and I am proactive in helping when needed.

Deputy Manager at Avenue Day Nursery (2021-01 – Present)

Supporting the Nursery Manager, ensuring high standards of care and education, and deputizing in the manager's absence. Key duties include staff supervision, ensuring regulatory compliance (like Ofsted and EYFS), managing the nursery environment, and liaising with parents and external agencies.

• Leadership and management: Support the Nursery Manager, lead staff, and supervise daily operations
• Staff support: Supervise, guide, and appraise staff; model good practice; and manage staff rotas
• Childcare and education: Ensure a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for children, aligned with the EYFS framework
• Health and safety: Ensure all safeguarding policies and procedures are followed and that the nursery is a safe environment for everyone
• Parent and community engagement: Build strong partnerships with parents, communicate effectively, and handle inquiries professionally
• Administration and compliance: Assist with administrative tasks, maintain accurate records, and ensure the nursery meets all legal requirements
• Operational duties: Manage staff rotas, oversee staff duties, handle administrative tasks, and ensure resources are used efficiently

Room Leader 0-2 Room at Avenue Day Nursery (2017-01 – 2021-01)

Care for children aged 0-5. Prepare, carry out and evaluate daily activities. Plan for key children and work with and observe key children working with the EYFS.

• Care for children aged 0-5
• Prepare, carry out and evaluate daily activities
• Plan for key children
• Work with and observe key children working with the EYFS
• Supervise staff and students in training and maintain a proactive and professional team
• Ensure all daily routines are adhered to and records kept up to date
• Maintain staffing levels, arranging cover when needed
• Plan and carry out activities in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage
• Carry out daily and weekly jobs within the nursery
• Hand over to parents evening and morning
• Hold parents evening with key children's parents
• In the absence of Manager/Deputy Manager to assist with the overall management of the nursery

Nursery Nurse at Avenue Day Nursery (2014-01 – 2017-01)

Deputy Supervisor/Room Leader at Sixpenny Daycare (2013-01 – 2014-01)

Room Leader 3-4 room

Room Leader at Sixpenny Daycare (2008-01 – 2013-01)

Room Leader of the 2-3 room

Nursery Assistant at Sixpenny Daycare (2007-01 – 2014-01)

Nursery Assistant

– Ramsbury Primary School (1995-01 – 2001-01)

GCSE in Multiple subjects – St John's Community College Marlborough (2001-01 – 2006-01)

CACHE Level 2 in Child Care and Education in Child Care and Education – New College Swindon (2006-01 – 2008-01)

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education in Child Care and Education – New College Swindon (2006-01 – 2008-01)