Juice Nursery in Altrincham opened in October 2007 and caters to over 80 children between the ages of 0 – 5 years old. The privately owned nursery is managed by Linda Gibson – a registered nurse and midwife with over 30 years experience, and she works closely with Trafford College to deliver professional training to her employees. Currently there are 4 Apprentices and 6 CACHE students from the College.
Linda believes training and development should be built into all her staffs Personal Development Plan, which is why she uses the College’s Business Training team to ensure they are fully skilled to meet her business needs.
Up-skilling and training staff has played an integral part in maintaining the Nursery’s high standards. Linda explains, “By employing Apprentices within the Nursery we are able to mould staff in the ways of the Nursery and remedy any bad habits. It is important they have the right skills, not only to build a rapport with the children, but also with the parents.”
Linda understands the value of training and up-skilling having completed the Level 3 and Level 4 in Children’s Care Learning and Development herself. She therefore encourages her staff to seek relevant training opportunities for all her employees. Linda comments, “It is important that our staff know we want them to flourish and develop within the Nursery. This is why not only do we offer all our staff a contract of employment, even if they are on an Apprenticeship or CACHE College course, but encourage them to further develop their skills.”
As with all the Apprenticeships and training offered by Trafford College, Linda receives an all round support package which allows her to get on with the day-to-day running of the Nursery. “Margaret (Trafford College Tutor) sets all the work, tasks and deadlines so I don’t have to get involved. She even comes into the nursery for observations meaning there is no day release for staff.”
When asked about what advice she would give to other businesses looking to up-skill their workforce, Linda comments, “It is important to ensure all your staff are fully trained. Employees are more motivated when they know you are investing in them.”
For more information about Business Training at Trafford College, click here.
