Kelechi Udeh

Motivated and experienced early years professional with strong leadership experience in nursery and preschool settings, currently working as a Preschool Room Manager and undertaking Third in Charge and Deputy SENCO responsibilities. Experienced in supporting the smooth running of a nursery, leading teams, mentoring staff and maintaining safe, stimulating and inclusive environments for children. Strong background in safeguarding, child development, behaviour management, parent partnership, planning, observations, risk assessment, Montessori practice and nursery administration.

A proactive, approachable leader who uses initiative and works collaboratively with management and colleagues to achieve high-quality outcomes for children, families and staff.

Early Years Educator / Preschool Room Manager (3–5 years) at The Fruit Tree Day Nursery, UK (2024-02 – Present)

• Lead the nursery room team, coordinating daily routines, staff responsibilities and high-quality care, learning and development.
• Undertake Third in Charge responsibilities, supporting the management team with smooth nursery operations and operational decision-making.
• Support the nursery as Deputy SENCO and Behaviour Management Lead, identifying additional needs and implementing appropriate support strategies.
• Develop weekly planning, observations and children's next steps through Parenta, responding to individual needs, interests and developmental stages.
• Act as Room Manager Training Lead, supporting staff induction, coaching, mentoring and consistent implementation of nursery expectations.
• Lead and mentor Montessori practice and support colleagues to apply Montessori principles appropriately to children's learning and development.
• Coordinate settling-in processes and transitions, ensuring children, families and staff receive appropriate support.
• Contribute to Ofsted preparation, audits, risk assessments and compliance documentation.
• Maintain accurate learning journeys and communicate children's progress, achievements and areas for development with parents and professionals.
• Liaise professionally with parents and families, responding to concerns and building positive partnerships.
• Delegate daily room responsibilities including mealtimes, room set-up, outdoor play, resource preparation and tidy-up routines.
• Maintain high standards of organisation, cleanliness and hygiene and a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment.
• Open and close the nursery when required, following safety procedures.
• Act as Lead for the Lewisham Marvelous Meals Times Project 2025, designing the action plan and budget and coordinating staff and children's participation.

Supply Teacher (3 months – 12 years) at Now Education, UK (2022-10 – 2024-02)

• Created safe, welcoming and inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments where children developed through play.
• Adapted activities and support to individual needs and promoted independence across varied settings.
• Observed and documented children's progress and maintained safeguarding, health, safety, cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Supported children's daily care needs, including feeding, nappy changing, toileting and nap routines.

Lecturer in Education Management at University of Calabar, Nigeria (2018-07 – 2022-09)

• Provided teaching, supervision, mentoring and academic support to undergraduate students.
• Researched education administration, quality assurance, communication, leadership theories and management styles.
• Contributed to curriculum review, departmental decision-making, committees and academic administration.

Nursery Supervisor / English Teacher at Divine Mercy School, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria (2016-09 – 2018-07)

• Supported effective management of nursery children and staff and supervised the quality of care provided.
• Led observations and assessments and maintained high-quality records shared with families.
• Supported staff development, monitored performance and promoted adherence to nursery policies and professional standards.
• Provided staff training and induction and collaborated on curriculum planning.
• Communicated with parents about children's learning and development and promoted and safeguarded children's welfare.

Early Childhood Montessori Diploma (3–6 years) in Early Childhood Education

Certificate in Early Childhood Montessori Intensive (3–4 years) in Early Childhood Education – Sunshine Teachers' Training (2025-10)

Master of Arts in Education – University of Derby (2024-02)

Certificate in Montessori Method of Education in Montessori Education – Modern Montessori International London (2017-11)

Master of Arts in Human Resource Management – University of Hertfordshire (2016-07)

Bachelor of Arts in Education – University of Calabar (2013-03)