Opening a new nursery is always about much more than the bricks and mortar. It’s about building a place where children thrive, families feel supported and staff are inspired to deliver an excellent early years education experience. That all starts with the right leader.
As co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, I’ve met many passionate early years professionals – here, we speak with Scott Humphrey, our new manager at Monkey Puzzle Lightwater.
Scott brings nearly 20 years of experience, a clear love for early years education and a real connection to the local community. From the moment we met him, we knew he was the perfect fit to run the setting.
Here, I’ll share what makes someone like Scott the ideal nursery manager – and what others can look for when building a brilliant team.
Passion that starts at the roots
When choosing the right nursery leader, it’s not just about what they’ve done – it’s about why they do it. True passion shows up in the little things: how someone talks about children, their excitement for learning and the pride they take in helping others grow and develop.
With Scott, that passion is impossible to miss. From his earliest days as an apprentice to now having lead teams across multiple Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ nurseries, his journey is one of unwavering commitment and care. He never lost sight of what matters most – creating joyful, nurturing environments where children can grow, explore and thrive!
And that passion is infectious. It shapes the whole atmosphere of the nursery – one where energy is high, smiles are plenty and everyone feels part of something special.
Community at the core
Great nursery leaders understand that early years settings are at the heart of the community. The best of the best see building local connections as not just a ‘nice-to-have’ but as an essential ingredient in creating a warm, supportive setting for children, staff and parents.
That’s exactly how Scott approaches it. Even before the nursery has opened its doors, he’s already out there, forging meaningful relationships – from the local café to the nearby church and even the village dentist! We want our settings to be part of the furniture in their communities, and Scott is making sure that is exactly the case for Monkey Puzzle Lightwater.
When we spoke to Scott during the interview process, his commitment to community connection shone through right away. He talked about creating strong partnerships with local schools, tapping into support networks and making families feel part of something bigger. He’s tuned into what local parents are looking for – and, just as importantly, what they might need that they themselves are not aware of yet.
That kind of emphasis on placing the nursery at the heart of the town or village creates a sense of belonging that children and families carry with them long after they leave.
A holistic approach
Early years education should be as dynamic and exploratory as the children it serves. That’s why the best nursery leaders embrace a holistic approach – one that nurtures children indoors and out and adapts to their individual interests, needs and rhythms.
Scott’s philosophy couldn’t be a better match. As a qualified forest school leader, he brings a deep respect for nature-based learning and the role it plays in a child’s development. He understands that climbing, spotting animals or feeling the fresh air on your face can be just as powerful as anything inside the classroom.
His ‘curiosity-first’ mindset means that learning is never one-size-fits-all. Instead of rigidity, Scott creates environments that evolve with the children – encouraging exploration, risk-taking and resilience in safe, nurturing ways. Whether it’s sparking wonder in the world around them or being mindful of the outdoors, Scott’s approach supports both learning and wellbeing.
Understanding the bigger picture
While passion and people skills are essential, a great nursery manager must also have a firm grip on the bigger picture – the operational aspects behind the scenes that keeps everything running smoothly and sustainably, behind the scenes.
Understanding and staying on top of ever-changing regulations is crucial to the success of the nursery. For example, being well-informed about policies such as 30 hours of tax-free childcare ensures families get the support they need, while also helping the nursery remain compliant to the rules.
In early years education, regulations are constantly changing, and it’s vital for the manager to stay in the know about these shifts. They need to be confident in understanding the different funding options available and the legal requirements they always face. When a manager has a clear grasp of this, they create a more secure environment for both families and the business.
When the manager understands the bigger picture, they make sure families feel confident and cared for and the business runs smoothly and sustainably. In our industry, this expertise is more important than ever – it’s not just nice to have; it’s essential for long-term success.
The perfect nursery manager is someone who combines passion, knowledge and a strong sense of community. A nursery manager shapes the culture, impact and future of a nursery – so, don’t rush the recruitment process – hiring the right person can transform everything.
For more information on opportunities with Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, visit https://monkeypuzzlenurseryfranchise.com/
