- In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family
- I enjoy taking the dog for walks, going to the cinema and watching films at home with the family
- I love music and occasionally go to concerts at the 02
Rachel Harris
Orpington ,Kent
Summary
Dedicated Nursery Practitioner with 25 years of experience enhancing children's wellbeing and fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in collaborating with parents and implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Knowledgeable in safeguarding principles and behaviour management strategies, contributing effectively to team dynamics.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Nursery Manager
Pink Elephants Nursery
Bromley , Kent
11.2024 - Current
- Protected confidentiality for children and families by applying professional data-handling standards.
- Owned safe, nurturing practice through consistent safety checks and health compliance decisions.
- Coordinated learning updates with parents to enhance alignment between home and setting.
- Directed first aid and medication delivery using strict protocols and procedure controls.
- Managed early learning requirements by leading communication with staff, parents, and carers.
- Led contribution to staff meetings by tracking updates and relaying key information.
- Took responsibility for parent relationships by guiding development support with empathy.
- Facilitated improvement through reflective practice, reviewing methods and adapting teaching approaches to better meet children's needs.
- Accountable for curriculum delivery by planning EYFS-aligned learning activities and resources.
- Held case-focused support conversations with parents and guardians using tailored guidance.
- Monitored progress by maintaining comprehensive records and preparing detailed updates for meetings.
- Directed daily office administration to keep departmental processes efficient and accurate.
- Led file management processes by organising records and ensuring audit compliance. by maintaining records and correspondence for audit readiness.
- Ensured information flowed across channels to support staff decisions and delivery.
- Maintained document control by protecting confidential records with professional discretion.
- Oversaw onboarding by training new staff on procedures, best practices, and software.
Nursery Manager
Smart Start Nurseries LTD
01.2008 - Current
- Maintained positive relationships with parents.
- Observed and assessed child care and teaching, providing additional support to maximise children's learning.
- Maintained tidy work environment to practise safety and hygiene protocols.
- Ensured company policies, procedures and operational practices were followed.
- Participated in staff training sessions and professional development courses to stay updated on best practices in early years education.
- Maintained confidentiality of all sensitive information relating to children and their families, upholding professional standards and trust.
- Engaged in additional training to gain more knowledge and amplify skills.
- Conducted observations and assessments to identify children's interests and developmental stages, using insights to inform planning and activity design.
- Supported children with additional needs through tailored care plans, working closely with SENCOs to ensure inclusive education practices.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment for children, conducting regular safety checks and adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Regularly communicated children's learning development with parents.
- Administered first aid and medication according to established guidelines, ensuring children's health and well-being.
- Established strong alliances and communication with staff, parents and carers to meet early learning needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, offering guidance on child development and addressing any concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Submitted written reports to parents to provide progress and development details of children.
- Ensured children received high levels of care, support and stayed safe at all times by closing monitoring activities and operations.
- Closely monitored children's behaviour and health, reporting changes or concerns promptly.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for children entering and moving up within the nursery, easing adaptation to new settings and routines.
- Kept up to date on the latest child care regulations and curriculum developments.
- Engaged in reflective practice, constantly evaluating personal teaching methods and strategies for continuous improvement.
- Liaised with parents and guardians, providing professional support tailored to individual cases.
- Monitored children's progress, maintaining detailed records and communicating developments to parents and guardians during scheduled meetings.
- Assisted with the preparation of nutritious meals and snacks, emphasising the importance of healthy eating habits from an early age.
- Welcomed parents upon arrival, providing necessary information about childcare programmes. and responded to enquiries to offer information regarding childcare program.
- Coordinated with external professionals, such as speech and language therapists, to support children's development effectively.
- Used outdoor excursions and indoor activities to support children's physical development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan and coordinate themed events and activities, enhancing the nursery's community spirit and educational offering.
Education
Level 5 - Early Years
Set Training
Gravesend, KEN01-2014
Level 2 - Business and administration
CAD Centre
London, ENG01-2010
BTEC National Diploma - Nursery Nursing
Lewisham College
City of london01-1997
Skills
- Child safeguarding and welfare
- Child safeguarding awareness
- Safeguarding policy implementation
- Safeguarding policy enforcement
- Health compliance
- Health and safety protocols
- Safety management
- Curriculum planning
- Child development
- Inclusive education
- Staff training
- Parent communication
- Team Leadership
- Team collaboration
- Time-management
- Decision making
- Building trust with children
- Active listening
- Calm under pressure
- Calming presence under pressure
- Food preparation
- Meal planning and hygiene
- Confidentiality management
Interests
Certification
- I have numerous CPD certificates that I keep regularly up to date. These include safeguarding, food hygiene, allergy and anaphylaxis, fire warden, safe sleep and more.
Timeline
Nursery Manager
Pink Elephants Nursery
11.2024 - Current
Nursery Manager
Smart Start Nurseries LTD
01.2008 - Current
Level 5 - Early Years
Set Training
Level 2 - Business and administration
CAD Centre
BTEC National Diploma - Nursery Nursing
Lewisham College