Meet The Manager: Josie From Fennies Epsom, Hook Road

We caught up with Josie, our brilliant Nursery Manager at Fennies Epsom, Hook Road. With over 11 years of experience in the Early Years sector, and 9 of those being at Fennies Epsom, Josie has played a pivotal role in fostering an environment where both the team and the children can develop into the best versions of themself. Her thoughtful approach and dedication to Early Years education are reflected in every aspect of nursery life.

In this blog, Josie shares what makes the Hook Road nursery such a special place. From creating engaging learning opportunities to celebrating children’s everyday achievements, she reflects on the meaningful moments that make her role so rewarding and why she loves being part of the Fennies Epsom journey.

• Inspiring the Local Community
• Parent Partnerships
• Early Years Curriculum 
• Team Upskilling and Atmosphere
• Childcare Passions
• Upcoming Events

Join Us at Fennies Epsom, Hook Road

With Josie’s thoughtful leadership and a dedicated team by her side, Fennies Epsom, Hook Road offers more than just exceptional childcare. Whether you’re a parent looking for a nurturing, engaging environment for your child or an Early Years professional seeking a place to develop and flourish, this is where it all comes together.

What’s a fun fact about you?

Outside of my role at the nursery, I’m a very passionate artist. I spend a lot of my free time creating bespoke prints and drawings, especially of pets. It’s a lovely creative outlet that balances well with my busy life as a mum of two. One of my children is currently attending the nursery, which gives me a personal connection and deeper insight into the family experience here. Juggling motherhood, work and art keeps me energised and inspired every day.

What helps you stay connected with your communities?

Staying connected with the local community is so important to me because it helps families feel supported and engaged. I actively seek out and share free, accessible activities in the area that parents can enjoy with their children. This might be anything from local storytime sessions, nature walks, community festivals or seasonal events. By sharing these opportunities, it helps parents find ways to keep their children active and socially engaged, even outside nursery hours. It also encourages parents to meet each other, building friendships and a real sense of community spirit around Fennies Epsom. I believe these connections make a huge difference in early childhood wellbeing and family happiness.

What’s something you have loved about your Early Years career so far?

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been my personal journey within the Early Years sector. I started as an apprentice with limited experience, and through dedication and passion, I’ve grown into the role of Nursery Manager. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside fantastic teams, helping them deliver outstanding activities and learning experiences that truly nurture each child’s development. Watching children thrive as a result of our efforts is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also been wonderful to mentor new team members, seeing them grow and gain confidence in their roles. Early Years work is challenging but it’s deeply rewarding to know that you’re making a meaningful difference in young lives and families.

What’s your ambition to help improve the Early Years sector? 

My ambition is to continue raising the bar on the quality of care and education we provide, ensuring every child in our setting receives outstanding support tailored to their individual needs. We are creating a vibrant community culture where families feel connected and supported, not just by us, but by the broader local network. I want to foster an environment where parents naturally feel encouraged to engage with each other and with community resources. In the long run, I hope to see the Early Years sector evolve to place even greater emphasis on community integration and wellbeing, complementing educational goals.

How do you create Parent Partnerships at Fennies Epsom?

Parent partnerships are at the heart of what we do. It all begins from the very first moment families step through our doors during their initial nursery tour. I take the time to personally guide them around, building a relationship based on openness and trust. I make sure to listen carefully to what parents and children are looking for, understanding their hopes, concerns and expectations. This initial connection lays a strong foundation for ongoing communication. 

After the tour, I proactively reach out to families to introduce myself and answer any further questions, ensuring they feel truly heard and supported. Once children have started, we keep the conversation going through regular check-ins, not just from me but from the whole team, so parents always feel included in their child’s day-to-day experiences. We also host coffee mornings every other Tuesday to provide a relaxed space for parents to connect with one another and with us. 

Our open-door policy encourages parents to drop in anytime, making the nursery feel like a welcoming second home. I try to be relatable by chatting about weekends or interests, which helps build genuine relationships beyond just the formal nursery environment. Parents can also get involved by coming in to read with children or share skills from their own professions, enriching our curriculum. To keep everyone in the loop, we send daily and weekly memos highlighting what the children are learning, so parents can continue the learning journey at home. These multi-layered efforts help build trust, partnership and a strong sense of community.

What’s one impact you like to make on the team atmosphere?

Creating a positive, inclusive team culture is something I’m very passionate about. I strive to build an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique strengths, regardless of their role or level. We’re very clear that while roles differ, hierarchy doesn’t limit collaboration or open communication. It’s important that all voices are heard and respected. 

I encourage a strengths-based approach, focusing on what each team member brings to the table rather than dwelling on weaknesses. This mindset builds confidence and motivation across the team. When new people join us, I make sure they are mentored carefully and feel part of the team right away. I believe this positive environment directly impacts the quality of care we provide, because happy, supported teams create happy, thriving children.

What kind of leader are you?

I lead with a people-first approach. My leadership style is inclusive, approachable and based on strong communication. I listen carefully to my team’s needs and ideas, and I strive to create an environment where they feel trusted and empowered rather than micromanaged. I believe in giving team members the tools and opportunities they need to grow professionally and personally. Supporting my team’s development is key to building a happy, confident workforce, which ultimately benefits the children in our care. I want to foster a culture where everyone feels valued, motivated and excited to come to work each day.

What’s one way you help to upskill your team?

Upskilling is tailored to each individual’s journey and interests. I begin by understanding each team member’s strengths and what motivates them. This helps us create personalised development plans that build on skills they enjoy and are naturally good at. At the same time, I encourage the team to step outside their comfort zones to gain confidence in areas where they have less experience. This approach helps broaden their skill set while keeping them engaged and supported. I want everyone to feel their opinions and career goals are listened to and valued. Regular one-on-one conversations help us review progress and set achievable next steps. This way, team members feel ownership over their professional growth and are supported to reach their potential in a way that’s meaningful to them.

Why did you choose to work in Early Years education?

My path into Early Years was somewhat unplanned, I kind of fell into it. I began working in a large childcare chain as an unqualified team member. Early on, I noticed some children needed additional support, which sparked my interest in child development and special needs. I took the initiative to train myself in ways to better support those children, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact. That experience ignited a real passion for childcare. I also have a strong love for working with babies because it taps into my nurturing side. Having studied child development at school, I was fascinated by how much growth and learning happens in those Early Years. The combination of passion and the joy of helping young children reach their potential keeps me committed to this career every day.

What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?

I’m passionate about ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected throughout their learning journey. This philosophy extends to the team as well. We want everyone involved in the child’s learning to feel valued and engaged, creating a true partnership. Each child is unique, and it’s essential that we tailor our approach to their individual learning styles and interests. Tuning in to what excites and motivates each child helps us nurture a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Reading is a particular focus for me; I’m committed to making it accessible and enjoyable for children of all ages, supporting their gradual progress from babies to preschoolers. I also aim to provide children with experiences they might not otherwise have access to, helping them feel part of their wider environment and community. These opportunities enrich their learning and help build confidence, curiosity and social skills.

What would you like to achieve in the next six months?

Over the next six months, I want to deepen our parent partnerships so that families truly feel like integral parts of their children’s learning journeys. Building trust and connection with parents is fundamental to the nursery’s success and the children’s wellbeing. I’m also keen to raise awareness of Fennies Epsom within the local community, expanding our network and reputation as a nurturing, outstanding setting. Environmental awareness is important to us, so I want to continue and grow our litter-picking initiatives and other eco-friendly activities that benefit the local area. Additionally, I aim to forge more mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses and organisations, including care homes, where children and older adults can learn from and enjoy each other’s company. These connections enrich the children’s social development and strengthen community ties.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to work?

The absolute best part of my day is walking into the nursery and being greeted by the smiling faces of both the children and the team. It’s such a joyful, uplifting moment. Seeing the children’s excitement and love for learning is truly inspiring and reminds me why I do what I do. The rooms have such a warm, friendly atmosphere, filled with curiosity and laughter. I love knowing that every day we’re making a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Whether it’s a big milestone or a small moment of discovery, it all adds up to something really special.

Do you have any exciting visits or upcoming partnerships within the community planned?

Yes, we have several exciting initiatives coming up! A beekeeper will be visiting soon to introduce the children to the fascinating world of bees, which ties in beautifully with our focus on nature and sustainability. We’re continuing our community litter-picking efforts, which the children really enjoy being part of. An MP is scheduled to visit soon, giving us the chance to showcase our work and strengthen community ties. We also have a trip planned to Bourne Hall Museum, which complements our current ‘Artist of the Month’ program featuring Vivienne Westwood. On top of that, we’re working closely with local authorities to build more meaningful partnerships that enhance our curriculum and community involvement.

What events have you got in the near future at Fennies Epsom?

We’re really looking forward to hosting our Open Morning on July 12th. This event will have a fun and inspiring theme called ‘When I Grow Up,’ where children will explore their dreams and aspirations about future jobs. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and parents to engage with the nursery, meet the team and celebrate children’s imagination and ambitions.

What’s the best thing about Fennies Epsom?

Fennies Epsom offers a truly warm and nurturing environment that inspires both children and educators. We are incredibly lucky to have a state-of-the-art cooking studio where children can explore food and develop practical skills, as well as a beautiful garden area that encourages outdoor play and learning. The team here is one of the most inclusive and caring groups I’ve worked with. They genuinely support each other and share a deep commitment to the children’s wellbeing. On top of that, the wider support network provided by Fennies means we can focus fully on what matters most, providing excellent care and education without being overwhelmed by administrative pressures.