Why I Love Working at Jabberwocky Nursery- by Lol, the Assistant Manager

Hello! My name is Lauren, or as most the Jabberwocky Family know me- I am Lol (or Lol Lol!). I have worked at Jabberwocky for just over 7 years now, it was my first ‘proper’ job after finishing my degree at university where I received a BA Honors in Early years and Psychology.

I am the second oldest of 5 siblings and I grew up in a busy home, where my Mum (Leanne, for those of you who don’t know!), childminded for 16 years! I was always surrounded by children and was often told “children just love you” or “you are so good with little ones.” I often said I wanted to be a paediatrician or a solicitor, because I thought that would make me lots of money- but my passion took over my desire to be ‘Rich’, and I pursued the career I knew I’d always been destined for.

I remember walking into Jabberwocky for the first time and thinking, ‘okay, yes, this place is lovely, I can see myself working here, with these children, in this environment’. I could see there was potential for professional growth, and I could see the potential for the growth of the nursery. During my time at Jabberwocky, I have watched and been part of it as it has grown, changed and flourished over the years. It is certainly a totally different place than it was 7 years ago! But the message and intention remain the same- a totally unique nursery where the care, opportunities and experiences of young children are, in my opinion, pretty outstanding and special!

So, when asked to think about why I love working at Jabberwocky, I spent some time reflecting, and for me, the things I love are as follows.

I love the relationships I have built with the families over the years. It fills my heart with pride and joy when children I have cared for and their parents/carers come back to visit me at Jabberwocky, stop me in the supermarket, or cross the road to chat to me. I can truly sense the impact I have had on their lives and the value I hold in their stories, and I love this.

​I love the challenge; every day really is different, every child is totally individual, and this drives my passion. Getting to play a big part in their journey, by supporting them through their early emotional, behavioural and social challenges, is exciting to me. Seeing them change, grow, flourish and develop.

I love the opportunities we offer; I mean, I don’t know of many nurseries that are able to take the children to the beach, pumpkin picking and to so many off-site adventures, do you?

I love forest school; I have watched the arboretum grow from next to nothing to a forest school fantasy wonderland. I built the mud kitchen there out of pallets from scratch! I helped to raise the chickens from the day they hatched! I helped to dig the pond and install the rope swings! I have helped it to become what it is today, and I am so proud of that!

I love working with a variety of people in a team of staff, supporting and guiding them as they develop in their careers. I particularly enjoy working with apprentices and supporting their professional growth and development, helping them to be the best practitioners that they can be.

I love what Jabberwocky has taught me, I have grown up so much here, as a person and as a professional. I have learnt to be a leader, I have learnt to have confidence in myself, my knowledge and my opinions. I have learnt to teach others; I have learnt patience and resilience.

I love that working here keeps the magic alive, when you spend your days surrounded by little ones, where their eyes light up at my stories, or our shared pride as they put their shoe on for the first time, the magic of finding joy in the little things is a daily pleasure and I love that!

I love being a leader. I started at Jabberwocky as a early years practitioner, I then shared the leadership of the Bander room with a colleague, I then became Room leader of the Pre-School, and eventually have become the Assistant manager. I am organised and I am a stickler for routine and rules, I love doing a job to very best of my ability and I love being able to give that part of myself to Jabberwocky. I truly love that my name is associated with the nursery’s brilliant reputation!

Working at a busy, ever-growing, ever-changing nursery, has by no means been a breeze, but I do love my Job. I love the impact Jabberwocky has had on my life, as well as the impact I have had on Jabberwocky.

So I think that summarises it, why I love my job at Jabberwocky.