Meet the manager at Raised in Bristol at Easton Community Centre
We sat down and had a chat with the lovely Easton nursery manager Megan to find out a little more about her and why she does what she does!
Why did you decide to work in Early Years?
I began working with children as soon as I turned 16, my mum worked at our local leisure centre and got me a job doing activity camps in the school holidays which I absolutely loved. They were called EFP's (Escape from parents) which makes me laugh now. I then went to college once I finished school to do my A Levels, very early into starting these I broke my leg playing football which led me to have significant time off college. While I was recovering it was a daunting prospect for me having to catch up so much and I decided to look for jobs. I found a nursery close by offering apprenticeships and I started my level 3. I've worked in Early years ever since and from my very first job in the baby room as an apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to manage my own nursery one day.
Megan doing a creative activity with the Preschool children in the nursery.
What do you like about your job?
Watching my team have such an impact on each child's life. We're setting them up for the next stage, for their future and that is so special. I am always thinking of ways I can help my team reach their full potential in order to provide the very best opportunities for the children in our care.
What made you choose Raised In?
The concept of Raised in Bristol being a social enterprise initially caught my attention, I wanted to work for a company that had more of a social purpose. This was my first Managerial role so it was quite daunting but I was provided with so much support and made to feel so welcome from the get-go and it's a company I'm proud to be a part of.
Megan (second from the right) and her teammates from the Bristol Rover Women’s team
What’s the most rewarding thing that’s happened to you at work recently?
We've just had our Preschool children go off on their next adventure to school. I wholeheartedly feel like we have the most wonderful families here at Easton. Families who appreciate what we do here so much and this often becomes most apparent when our children leave us, as sad as this time is and there are many tears… I know I speak for the rest of the team too when I say we feel immensely proud when we look back on their time with us.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a mum of two, Sylvie (age 5) and Teddy (age 2), We love a good festival or a staycation down in Croyde Bay (in North Devon). I also play football for the Bristol Rovers Women's team which is also run by a community interest organisation the Bristol Rovers Community Trust.
