early years educator

nursery room leader

deputy manager

apprentice nursery practitioner

chef

Fennies-Day-Nurseries

A typical day at work is busy, structured and centred around the children’s needs. The day begins with preparing the room and ensuring the environment is welcoming, engaging and safe. Throughout the day I support children through play-based learning opportunities, focused activities, small group work and routine transitions. A large part of my role involves observing children, planning next steps, supporting communication and social development, and working closely with colleagues to ensure consistency helping to support them to provide the best care. I also communicate with parents daily, providing feedback and maintaining positive relationships. No two days are ever the same, but each day is purposeful and child-led with cuddles being a very special part of the day! 

Throughout my time in this role, I have learned a great deal about child development, particularly around communication, emotional regulation and supporting children with additional needs. I have developed patience, adaptability and stronger observational skills. I have learned how important it is to scaffold learning intentionally and to meet each child at their individual stage of development. I have also learned the value of teamwork, reflection and professional discussion in improving practice. Doing my L5 has been so fulfilling while becoming a room leader. 

Management plays an important role in shaping the environment and expectations within the setting. Clear communication, guidance and support from management help create structure and direction. Where management is approachable and open to discussion which I have with Jake, Chloe and Vicky, it allows staff to feel heard and supported in their professional development which my team is aware of as am I. Leadership sets the tone for morale, accountability and the overall standard of care and education provided so I hope that my team know how hard I work to ensure this. 

The workplace culture is collaborative and child-focused. Teamwork is essential, as we rely on one another to maintain ratios, share responsibilities and provide the best outcomes for the children. When communication is strong and everyone works towards the same goal, the environment feels positive and supportive. A culture that values respect, understanding and shared responsibility makes a significant difference to both staff wellbeing and the children’s experiences.

The hardest part of the job is when the children leave for school. After building strong bonds, supporting their development and watching them grow in confidence, it can be emotional to see them move on. Although it is a positive milestone and a sign that they are ready for their next stage, it can feel like a loss after investing so much time, care and energy into their journey.

The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing the difference I make to the children. Watching a child achieve something they previously found challenging, develop confidence in their voice, build friendships or reach a developmental milestone is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I play a part in shaping their early experiences and supporting their growth gives my work meaning and purpose.

Overall, this role is both demanding and fulfilling. It requires resilience, reflection and dedication, but the impact it has on children’s lives makes it deeply worthwhile.

It's weird ro write this now as I remember the anxiety I had just looking for a job on indeed and now I may be able to help someone else navigate this successfully. I have been a member of staff at fennies since June last year (2023) and since then I have learnt so much and continue to develop....now every single day with the support of other members at fennies. I originally came from a school background where you would have to fight to be heard and to ask for the courses needed to support the children efficiently whereas since starting fennies has giving continuous guidance and support where needed. They have a week long induction where you learn all the policies and procedures as well as the daily life/routine before you even start officially working. This is helpful as you go into the field feeling knowledgable and confident in the practice. They also have an app which supports cpd while also acknowledging individuals success stories by giving additional courses to promote career paths progression and official company notes to share appreciation for all staff.

Management are here to help and welcoming to all. We have a connected system so if a branch needs help then they can ask another branch to support which aids in familiarity and consistency for all involved. 

The hardest part of the job role is your own self doubt as everyone works well together and heard but only you can change your mindset. The best thing about working is knowing I am helping children grow and being able to support families as well as colleagues on the way too. 

I have learnt so much that I am now doing something I never imagined. I've progressed to third in charge and now have the time to observe others, support staff in their own progression and educate myself further on different avenues I could take in the future as a practitioner.

If you want a new change, love children, like organisation and are a fan of progression then this may be the place for you. 

A typical day at work is busy, purposeful, and rewarding. Every day brings new opportunities to support children’s learning and development, while working closely as a team. Through my experience here, I’ve learned a huge amount about child development, the EYFS, communication with families, and the importance of teamwork and reflection in practice.

Management are supportive and approachable, and they actively encourage staff to be “BE ALL IN”  recognising commitment, effort, and growth through incentives and opportunities that bring the company together. This creates a strong sense of belonging and motivation across the team. The workplace culture is positive, inclusive, and child-centred, with a real focus on collaboration and shared values.

The most enjoyable part of the job is building meaningful relationships with the children and seeing the impact of your work daily. Overall, it’s a fulfilling place to work where your contribution genuinely matters.

8.25 hours 5 days a week (e.g 7:45 to 5). Expect doing overtime due to staff to child ratio. Overtime isn't paid, the time is given back. Good flexibility, management will accommodate requests to work 4 days a week. Each room has a structured routine that suits the children's needs so going into each day you know what to expect (e.g garden at this time, story time at this time etc). Staff are accommodating to newcomers to the profession and ready to provide guidance/support where needed.

My management team is amazing and the perfect mix of a senior members of staff that calls the shots and people you can go to for support without fear of judgement/being reprimanded.  They make you feel valued and will go above and beyond to accommodate to any issues/commitments you have outside of work (where possible).

I'd say day to day the mood is pretty high but there will be moments where all the staff are stressed/tired but it's never a daily issue.

Difficult parts of the job: Being expected to travel to other Fennies sites to cover when your nursery is overstaffed. There is no restriction on how far they can ask you to travel

Enjoyable parts of the job: most of it really. The children, the relationship you develop with parents, your key children, creating fun activities, the outdoor space, watching a child grow and progress under your care, having a good team


During my time working for Fennies I enjoyed working with the staff in the room and the children however it has been let down by higher ups. Staff are constantly sent to other nurseries which could be up to an hour and a half away to cover due to lack of staff at these settings. Higher ups and owners of the company are rude and ignorant, they do not speak to you when they come round and you are made to take your attention off the children in order to set and tidy  the room to please the owner for the owner to not even come into the room to see it. They have no regard for your feelings or mental health and encourage in house promotions and even promising these for them to then give them to new staff. There is serious favouritism within the nurseries and staff aren’t reprimanded when speaking to other staff members disrespectfully. If it wasn’t for the children and majority of the staff members a lot of the staff would have left already. Nearly every month there is issues with pay, don’t receive pay until around 6pm on pay day and many staff have not been paid until the following week.  Avoid Fennies at all costs! 

Working at Fennies Nursery has been a truly fulfilling experience. From my very first day, I was welcomed into a warm, supportive team dedicated to fostering children’s growth and curiosity. The environment is cheerful and vibrant, brightly decorated rooms, engaging learning corners, and lots of laughter create the perfect backdrop for little ones to thrive.

The leadership is both nurturing and professional. They encourage creativity in lesson planning and regularly provide constructive feedback, which has boosted my confidence and teaching skills. Training is thorough, covering early childhood development, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, ensuring that every child feels safe and valued.

My colleagues are passionate, collaborative, and always ready to share ideas or lend support during busy drop-off and pick-up times. While the pace can feel fast especially during peak periods there’s a wonderful energy that keeps morale high.

Overall, Fennies Children’s Nursery offers a heartwarming, growth-oriented workplace where both staff and children flourish together.

This company has very high staff turn over, with very few loyal staff remaining. It sadly lost its sight of what is the core of childcare, the care of children. Sadly It cares for nothing other than making money and meeting legal requirements and won’t go above and beyond. They put on a good front but behind the scenes, all staff are replaceable so are told to shut up and get on or leave. They don’t take safeguarding seriously, staff talk inappropriately in front of children and mangers do nothing. Staff are lucky if they’re a managers favourite. Staff are paid differently, less qualified being paid more than senior staff. Managers come and go just as much as the rest of the staff. Staff work long hours, pay penny’s and with very little thank yous. Staff are passionate and caring but not looked after. Honestly it’s one to miss, worst company to work for, much better ones out there. 

Think twice if you want to come here. 

Not enough permanent staff which clearly shows the problem of school management and staff are not being treated well. Lots of overtime with no pay. Everyday finishes at least 20 mins later without pay if you are not a bank staff. They would pressure staff to attend all events (week nights and Saturdays) without giving appropriate pay back or time off. 

Staff being left out of ratio a lot of times in the outdoor area. No resources for children to play with. All our toy boxes are empty. I’m surprised in a big setting like this, they have no budget for getting new toys? Only 3 bikes for 50ish 3-year-olds to share. Ridiculous. 

Always moaning and nagging from the management which really brings the atmosphere down. 

The only good thing is the children and staff in the room are nice. But if I had a choice, I would never work for Fennies. 

I joined Fennies in may of year as part of the team to open the new branch in Twickenham, I was apprehensive after having had a bad experience at my previous company, but from the moment the induction started I felt a renewed sense of joy and excitement for the job that I love. 
I have reunited with former colleagues in this setting and we work really well together, the team at Twickenham are the best I’ve worked alongside. I’ve found management across the board to be personable and approachable, CEO’s are happy to stop and engage you in conversation when visiting and actively take your points on board. 

We all know nursery hours can be long, but Fennies have helped me to coup back a work life balance with a four day contract and one day off during the week which really helps with my studying. 

All in all my experience so far has been very positive. 

Overall the nursery is a good place to send your children to.
The only drawback is that staff turnover is poor.
They employ far too many unqualified staff, they do not meet the needs of the existing staff.
Staff leave children out of ratio, leave the rooms as they please.
Room.leaders are not.supportive to the staff what they want always,  qaffaling about for no apparent reason. 
Not taking responsibility in workload or supporting their team members.
They need to. Employ.good.professional staff who know what they are doing and who are supportive to their teams.needs.
Room leaders not allowing staff to plan out activities only what they seem.fit.
Lack of communication between managers ,room leaders and practitioners.


Top Job Titles	Average salary
Early years educator 60 salaries reported	£25,475 per year
Nursery room leader 8 salaries reported	£27,875 per year
Deputy manager 4 salaries reported	£30,500 per year
Apprentice nursery practitioner 31 salaries reported	£21,340 per year
Chef 18 salaries reported	£13.76 per hour

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