Natasha Brookes
Sully,Penarth
Summary
Accomplished Montessori educator with extensive experience in nursery administration and management and training. Demonstrates exceptional skills in staff mentoring, leadership, and safeguarding practices, ensuring compliance with educational policies. Proven track record in admissions coordination and front-of-house operations, enhancing parent communication and relations. Adept at implementing quality assurance practices and maintaining confidentiality while providing outstanding customer service.
I am passionate about creating calm, engaging, and child-centred learning environments that foster independence, confidence, and a love of learning. With extensive experience in Montessori education, training, leadership, and operational management, I bring a well-rounded skill set that supports both classroom excellence and effective school administration. I am a strong communicator, highly organised, and committed to continuous professional development..
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Training and Professional Development Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2025.10 - 2026.03
- Lead the design and delivery of training and CPD across 14 nursery settings
- Deliver Montessori training, mentoring educators in philosophy and teaching practice
- Develop staff knowledge in safeguarding, SEND/ALN, behaviour, and pedagogy
- Oversee apprenticeship programmes (Level 2–5), including mentoring and progress tracking
- Liaise with external training providers and ensure compliance with standards
- Monitor training impact on practice, outcomes, and inspections
- Support leadership development and workforce planning
- Maintain training records, CPD logs, and compliance systems
- Represent the organisation at sector events and partnerships
- Boosted staff morale through fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Identified skills gaps, leading to the design of targeted training modules.
- Conducted regular follow-ups post-training to ensure knowledge retention and application.
- Reported on training program needs and challenges, collaborating with management to address improvements.
- Reviewed training materials and curriculum to verify alignment with company standards and industry advancements.
- Implemented an interactive e-learning platform, enhanced accessibility of training resources.
Early Years Quality Manager & Training Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2024.12 - 2025.10
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and safer recruitment processes
- Delivered staff induction and ongoing training programmes
- Led performance management and disciplinary processes
- Maintained staff records and conducted audits
- Delivered training in safeguarding, health & safety, and policies
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures
HR and Training Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2023.11 - 2024.12
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and safer recruitment processes
- Delivered staff induction and ongoing training programmes
- Led performance management and disciplinary processes
- Maintained staff records and conducted audits
- Delivered training in safeguarding, health & safety, and policies
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures
- Identified skill gaps among workforce, enabling targeted training interventions.
- Increased staff retention rates through career development planning and execution.
- Streamlined onboarding process by designing an intensive induction programme for new hires.
- Monitored training budgets to ensure cost-effective delivery of services.
Early Years Quality Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2019.10 - 2023.11
- Ensured high-quality care, education, and compliance across 14 nurseries
- Led quality assurance audits and continuous improvement strategies
- Supported safeguarding processes and incident investigations
- Liaised with regulatory bodies and ensured CIW/NMS compliance standards
- Delivered staff training and mentoring programmes
- Managed parent communication and supported complaint resolution
- Conducted observations, audits, and staff development reviews
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened team adherence to performance standards by conducting regular quality audits.
Nursery Manager / Office Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2019.03 - 2019.10
- Managed daily nursery operations and administration
- Maintained records and nursery systems
- Handled enquiries, registrations, and parent communication
- Supported staffing, ratios, and compliance
Montessori Preschool Room Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2018.10 - 2019.03
- Ensured Montessori principles were embedded in practice
- Led a team delivering high-quality Montessori education
- Created and maintained a prepared learning environment
- Planned and delivered lessons across all Montessori curriculum areas
- Maintained the Montessori Classroom
- Managed curriculum delivery and observations
- Supported staff development and parent relationships
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team-building activities.
- Worked closely with parents to ensure consistent approach towards child's development at home and nursery
- Managed class resources efficiently, ensuring availability of necessary educational materials.
- Organised classroom layout according to Montessori principles for optimal learning atmosphere.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations within the classroom setting.
- Supervised, guided and assessed children while learning in classroom environment.
- Prepared learning areas with engaging resources to maintain children's interest and passion for learning.
- Provided continuous care during daily routines, promoting classroom boundaries, respect and positive classroom etiquette.
Montessori Preschool Teacher
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2018.04 - 2018.10
- Delivered child-led learning using Montessori methods
- Observed and tracked child development
- Created a prepared learning environment
- Supported children’s independence and holistic development
Supply Teaching Assistant / LSA / HLTA
New Directions Education
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Supported children with additional needs
- Delivered small group teaching and classroom support
Head Playworker
Pro-Stars Holiday Club
2017.01 - 2017.08
- Led activities and ensured safeguarding and safety
- Encouraged physical activity through sports-based games, reinforcing importance of fitness from a young age.
- Developed strong rapport with children by actively engaging in creative play and learning activities.
- Implemented creative arts and crafts projects to encourage self-expression and creativity in children.
Youth Activities Counsellor / Trainer
Disney Cruise Line
2014.01 - 2017.01
- Delivered activities for children and families
- Trained new staff and ensured safety compliance
Earlier Roles
2011.01 - 2014.01
- Nursery Practitioner and Playworker roles alongside university
- Student Mentor (Cardiff Metropolitan University programme)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Years Development and Education
University of South Wales
Pontypridd 2011.09 - 2014.07
Diploma of Higher Education - Integrating Montessori Practice (IMP)
Montessori Centre International
2019.10 - 2020.09
Diploma of Higher Education - Children’s Care, Play Learning and Development
Educ8
2018.07 - 2019.07
Montessori Train the Trainer
Westwood Training And Consultancy
2026.01 -
Skills
- Montessori teaching and training
- Child observation and curriculum planning
- School administration and management
- Staff mentoring and leadership
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Parent communication and relations
- Admissions coordination and front-of-house
- Policy implementation and compliance
- Organisational and time management skills
- IT proficiency (MS Office and nursery systems)
- Management experience
- Quality assurance practices
- Human resources experience
- Conflict resolution with parents
- Front-of-house operations
- Exceptional customer service
- Multi-tasking abilities
- Accuracy in tasks
- Confidentiality maintenance
Certification
- Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (2025)
- Safeguarding Children (Wales) Category B & C (2024–2025)
- Paediatric First Aid (2024)
- Fire Warden Training (2024)
- Food Safety Level 2 (2024)
- NDNA Leadership & Management Training (2024)
- Early Years Inclusion Training (ALN, Person-Centred Practice)
- Team Teach Training (2018)
- Safeguarding Level 1 & 2 (2017)
- Disney Certified Maritime & Safety Training (2014–2015)
Additional Experience
- Supported the opening of three new nurseries (2020–2022)
- Designed and implemented Montessori classroom environments
- Resource sourcing and environment planning
Affiliations
- Yoga
- Zumba/Dancing
- Painting
- The outdoors
- Reading
Languages
English
Native
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Montessori Train the Trainer
Westwood Training And Consultancy
2026.01 -
Training and Professional Development Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2025.10 - 2026.03
Early Years Quality Manager & Training Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2024.12 - 2025.10
HR and Training Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2023.11 - 2024.12
Diploma of Higher Education - Integrating Montessori Practice (IMP)
Montessori Centre International
2019.10 - 2020.09
Early Years Quality Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2019.10 - 2023.11
Nursery Manager / Office Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2019.03 - 2019.10
Montessori Preschool Room Manager
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2018.10 - 2019.03
Diploma of Higher Education - Children’s Care, Play Learning and Development
Educ8
2018.07 - 2019.07
Montessori Preschool Teacher
The Green Giraffe Nursery (Family Adventure Group)
2018.04 - 2018.10
Supply Teaching Assistant / LSA / HLTA
New Directions Education
2017.01 - 2018.01
Head Playworker
Pro-Stars Holiday Club
2017.01 - 2017.08
Youth Activities Counsellor / Trainer
Disney Cruise Line
2014.01 - 2017.01
Bachelor of Science - Early Years Development and Education
University of South Wales
2011.09 - 2014.07
Earlier Roles
2011.01 - 2014.01