Meet The Manager: Benedict From Fennies Walton, Tennis Close

We caught up with Benedict, our passionate Nursery Manager at Fennies Walton, Tennis Close. With a creative background in acting, Benedict brings warmth, energy and a unique approach to Early Years education, weaving arts and imaginative play into everyday learning experiences.

In this blog, Benedict shares what makes Fennies Walton a truly special place. From strong parent partnerships to a nurturing team atmosphere and inspiring activities, he reflects on the moments that matter most, ensuring every child thrives and feels supported as they embark on their early learning journey.

• Inspiring the Local Community
• Parent Partnerships
• Early Years Curriculum 
• Team Upskilling and Atmosphere
• Childcare Passions
• Upcoming Events

Join Us at Fennies Walton, Tennis Close

With Benedict’s thoughtful leadership and a dedicated team by his side, Fennies Walton offers so much more than exceptional childcare. Whether you’re a parent looking for a nurturing, creative environment for your child or an Early Years professional seeking a collaborative setting that values growth and individual strengths, Walton is a place where everyone feels welcome.

What’s a fun fact about you?

Before joining Fennies, I pursued a career in acting, which has had a huge influence on how I work with children today. I love bringing storytelling, role play and creative arts into everything we do at nursery. These activities not only build children’s confidence and communication skills, but they also encourage imagination and problem-solving. I think it’s really rewarding to see children express themselves in new ways and gain confidence through creative play.

What helps you stay connected with your communities?

I believe that a nursery should feel like a home away from home, and that means being closely connected with both our families and the wider local community. We work hard to ensure parents feel heard, valued and included in everything we do. From community events to simple daily conversations, I try to make Walton a place where families feel supported and where children feel safe, making our nursery special.

What’s something you have loved about your Early Years career so far?

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been leading a team in creating an inspiring and engaging learning environment. Being able to shape the nursery setting, introduce new initiatives and watch children and staff thrive has been incredible. It’s deeply fulfilling to see children develop confidence, curiosity and resilience while knowing that our team’s dedication and creativity is making a real difference every single day.

What’s your ambition to help improve the Early Years sector?

My ambition is to create a setting where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their authentic self. I want to foster curiosity, creativity and emotional wellbeing in a way that gives each child the tools to succeed in life. At the same time, I aim to support my team in professional growth, so they can feel confident, empowered, and able to provide the very best experiences for children, which ultimately raises standards across the sector.

How do you create Parent Partnerships at Fennies Walton?

Strong parent partnerships are built on communication, transparency and trust. I make it a priority to be approachable and responsive, answering queries and providing updates as they arise. Our Walton newsletter is one of the ways we give families insight into what happens behind the scenes, from curriculum highlights to team updates. Beyond that, we host events that allow parents to engage directly with their child’s learning, which strengthens the bond between home and nursery and makes families feel truly part of our community.

What’s one impact you like to make on the team atmosphere?

Creating a positive team atmosphere is crucial, especially when working with young children who are sensitive to the energy around them. I strive to maintain high morale, encourage laughter and foster a culture where the team feels supported and valued. Positivity is contagious, and when the team feels happy and motivated, it shows in the care and attention they bring to every child’s learning and wellbeing.

What’s one way you help to upskill your team?

I focus on sharing my experience and encouraging peer learning. By drawing on past experiences in different settings, I can guide the team through challenges and offer strategies that work in practice. We also use peer observations and reflective discussions to help the team take ownership of their development, build confidence, and think independently. Regular team meetings and one-to-one sessions allow us to identify opportunities for professional growth and ensure the team has the tools and knowledge to excel.

Why did you choose to work in Early Years education?

I’ve always wanted to be a positive role model for children and provide enriching experiences they may not encounter elsewhere. Early Years education is such a pivotal time in a child’s life, and it’s exciting to contribute to their learning, curiosity, and love of discovery. These formative years shape a child’s confidence, emotional skills and enthusiasm for learning, and being part of that journey is a privilege that keeps me motivated every day.

What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?

I’m particularly passionate about expressive arts, creative play and supporting emotional development. Activities like role play, music, storytelling and creative projects allow children to express themselves, work collaboratively, and develop important social and cognitive skills. Emotional regulation is another area I prioritise, helping children recognise and manage their feelings in positive ways. Combining creativity with emotional growth makes learning exciting, meaningful, and fun for the children.

What kind of leader are you?

I lead by example, striving to be visible, approachable and actively engaged in the day-to-day life of the nursery. I interact with children and the team in the way I hope they will interact with one another, promoting consistency and respect. I encourage problem-solving, offer guidance and work alongside the team to find solutions. Leadership, to me, is about trust and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. 

What would you like to achieve in the next six months?

Over the next six months, I want to continue growing Walton’s reputation and presence in the local community. I aim to expand partnerships with local organisations, enhance family engagement opportunities and empower our team to take ownership of their development. Strengthening connections, celebrating achievements and creating new experiences for children and families are key priorities for the months ahead.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to work?

The relationships with children and parents are what I enjoy most. Every day offers opportunities to connect, share experiences and see the impact of our work. Watching children explore, play and achieve milestones alongside staff and parents is incredibly fulfilling. Those genuine, joyful interactions make coming to work exciting and rewarding every single day.

Do you have any exciting visits or upcoming partnerships within the community planned?

We’re planning some exciting experiences to connect children with the wider community, including trips to the fire station and visits from the local police. These activities help children understand the world around them, learn valuable life skills and build meaningful connections. We also host regular stay-and-play sessions that invite families to participate in creative, educational activities alongside their children.

What events have you got in the near future at Fennies Walton?

Our upcoming events include themed stay-and-play sessions, family engagement activities and celebrations of cultural or seasonal milestones. These events give parents a chance to see our curriculum in action, engage with their child’s learning, and be part of the vibrant nursery community. We’re always looking for ways to create memorable experiences that bring children, families, and staff together.

What’s the best thing about Fennies Walton?

It has to be our outdoor space. It’s fantastic for outdoor learning, play, and exploration, allowing children to develop physical skills, creativity and curiosity in a safe environment. Of course, the children and the team make Walton truly special. Their energy, passion, and dedication create a nurturing, lively, and inspiring environment that makes our nursery stand out and ensures every child and family feels valued.