From Early Years Educator to Third in Charge: How Fennies Nurseries supports career progression in early years

For many educators, career progression is one of the biggest reasons they choose to stay in early years.

Career progression in our sector is about having opportunities to keep learning or take on new responsibilities. By seeking out these chances, it makes movements into leadership roles smoother and more seamless. When there is a genuine path ahead that educators can take, they are more likely to build long-term careers in the sector, continuously growing along the journey.

The early years career path is changing

Some may say that leadership looks different from what it looked like a few years ago. Nursery leaders focus on more than just running the nursery day-to-day but working closely with their teams to help them develop and grow.  

As educators progress, their influence extends beyond a single nursery room. They begin supporting practitioners across the nursery, and their experience starts to shape the wider team. The strongest leaders are often the ones who continue learning themselves while creating opportunities for others to do the same.

Why professional development matters?

The quality of a nursery is shaped by the people within it! Educators who continue developing their skills bring that learning back into their everyday practice, which raises the standard of care and education across the setting.

Professional development also strengthens a nursery over time. Experienced educators can guide newer colleagues, and that knowledge becomes part of the way the whole team works. Children benefit from more consistent practice, and families gain confidence in the people caring for their child.

What career progression looks like in practice?

A clear progression pathway gives educators the confidence to take the next step, whether that is becoming a Room Leader, Third in Charge or Nursery Manager.

Stephanie’s journey from Room Leader at Fennies Epsom to Third in Charge at Fennies Horley shows how the right support can turn ambition into real career progression in Early Years.

Stephanie’s career progression journey

After more than 10 years in Early Years, Stephanie Curtain progressed from Room Leader at Fennies Epsom to Third in Charge at Fennies Horley. Here’s what she learned along the way.

Why did you want to become a Third in Charge?

For Stephanie, the next step felt natural! She wanted the opportunity to have a wider impact on the nursery team, beyond just her room.

“I wanted to have a wider impact. As a Room Leader, you support the people around you every day. In this role, I can help educators grow across the nursery and holistically support the human behind the practitioner.”

How do you help educators grow?

One of the most rewarding parts of Stephanie’s role is supporting practitioners through their development and qualifications.

“I love modelling high-quality practice and helping educators build confidence in their role. Watching someone grow professionally is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

What was the biggest adjustment when moving nurseries?

Although every Fennies nursery shares the same values and approach, each setting has its own team and community.

“The biggest thing was building rapport with a new team and earning that trust. Every nursery has its own dynamic, and understanding that has been a huge part of the transition.”

What gave you the confidence to take the next step?

Stephanie says open conversations with leaders across Fennies helped her see that progression was genuinely possible.

“The communication at Fennies is so open. I was able to have honest conversations with managers and leaders across the company, which helped me understand what progression could look like.”

How did you progress so quickly?

When Stephanie looked back on her career path, she mentioned how big of a role reflection played in guiding her on her journey.

“I looked at how much my team had grown and realised I wanted to do that on a bigger scale. Fennies gives you the confidence to progress, and I’ve genuinely found that to be true.”

How Fennies supports career progression in early years

Career progression should feel achievable, not uncertain. At Fennies, development is built into everyday practice, with support that helps educators take the next step when they are ready.

Progression starts with conversations

Regular development conversations help educators understand what progression looks like and how to prepare for it.

• Clear career discussions with nursery leaders

• Honest feedback and regular reflection

• Support to identify strengths and development goals

Opportunities across Fennies

Progression can happen in different ways, whether that is a promotion, a new leadership opportunity or a move to another Fennies nursery.

• Internal progression across roles and settings

• Opportunities to develop leadership experience

• Ongoing support from managers and the wider education team

Investing in futures

When educators are supported to grow, the benefits are felt across the whole nursery community.

For Educators

• Greater confidence when taking on leadership responsibilities

• Clearer career progression pathways across different roles

• Ongoing professional development that builds skills over time

For Children

• More consistent practice across the nursery

• Experienced educators who can support meaningful learning experiences and development

• Better continuity as confident teams work together effectively

For Families

• Stronger communication with experienced educators

• Trusted relationships built through consistency and confidence

• Reassurance that their child is supported by a well-developed team

Tips from an Early Years Leader

Career progression looks different for everyone, but some habits make a real difference over time. To finish, Stephanie shares two pieces of advice that have helped her grow from Room Leader to Third in Charge.

Build trust first

“Moving to a new nursery taught me how important relationships are. Before anything else, I focused on building rapport with the team and earning their trust. Once that foundation is there, everything else becomes easier.”

Take opportunities when they come

“I don’t know anywhere else in early years where you can progress so quickly like you can at Fennies. If an opportunity comes up and you feel ready to learn, don’t be afraid to go for it.”