Meet the Nursery Manager: Valentina from Fennies South Croydon, St Augustines Avenue

We spoke with Valentina, Nursery Manager at Fennies South Croydon, St Augustine’s Avenue, about her approach to leading the nursery and supporting families and her team. Valentina brings a warm and dedicated style, creating a setting where children feel supported and confident to explore. She believes that when children feel secure and understood, they can build strong relationships and develop their independence.

In this blog, Valentina shares what makes our South Croydon nursery such a special place. She reflects on her approach to working with families and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. Valentina shares how these experiences help shape every child’s Early Years journey.

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

Join us at Fennies South Croydon, St Augustines Avenue

If you are looking for a nursery where your child feels supported and encouraged to explore, we would love to welcome you to our nursery in South Croydon. Led by Valentina, our team creates a warm and engaging environment where children can enjoy meaningful learning experiences. Families appreciate the combination of genuine care and thoughtful learning, while Early Years professionals value the collaborative culture and focus on high-quality practice. South Croydon, St Augustine’s Avenue is a place where children, families and teams feel included, supported and confident to grow.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I had a very adventurous childhood growing up in Bulgaria, where I spent lots of time outdoors exploring nature and discovering the world around me. Those experiences are something I still value today, and I love seeing children exploring or being curious, allowing them to create their own memories through outdoor experiences.

What helps you stay connected with your communities?

For me, staying connected with the community starts with building strong relationships with families and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported. I believe that when families feel listened to and involved, it creates a stronger partnership that benefits everyone, especially the children.

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

One of the most rewarding moments in my Early Years career has been leading a previous nursery to achieve an Outstanding Ofsted rating. Seeing the hard work and commitment of the whole team recognised was an incredibly proud moment. It showed the impact that can be made when everyone works together with the same passion and focus, and it continues to inspire me to create the very best experiences for children and families.

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

My ambition is to continue creating an inspiring and inclusive environment where children can thrive and families feel like an important part of the nursery community, while educators feel empowered to deliver the best possible experiences. I believe that when everyone feels valued and supported, it creates a stronger environment for children to grow.

How do you create parent partnerships at Fennies South Croydon?

Parent partnerships start from the very beginning, from the moment families first visit us for a nursery tour. Building trust is so important, which is why we take the time to introduce families to the team and the educators who will be caring for their child. When parents know who will be supporting their child each day, it helps them feel reassured and confident in the nursery. For me, communication is at the heart of strong parent partnerships, from everyday conversations to regular updates, ensuring families always feel connected and involved in their child’s journey.

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

I try to lead with understanding and recognise that every member of my team has a different personality and may need support in different ways. I make time for regular staff meetings where everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts about how things are going and whether there are ways we can improve. We also organise team-building events to help everyone come together, build stronger relationships and create a supportive atmosphere where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and know their voice is valued.

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

I like to lead by example and support my team through everyday practice. I have high expectations because I want children to have the best possible opportunities, and I believe that starts with us providing the highest quality care and learning experiences. I take the time to understand each team member individually and support them in a way that helps them grow in confidence. Creating a positive atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning from one another is something I think makes a real difference.

Why did you choose to work in Early Years Education?

I chose to work in Early Years 27 years ago because I felt it was the place where I could make the greatest impact on children’s lives. Supporting children during such an important stage of their development is incredibly meaningful to me, and I believe this is the sector where you can truly help shape their future. Even after all these years, that passion has never changed.

What passions do you have within the Early Years Curriculum?

I am really passionate about outdoor learning and the freedom it gives children to explore and learn in their own way. Nature has always been one of my biggest passions, and I love seeing the incredible experiences children can have when they spend time outdoors. I also have a Forest School qualification, which allows me to create opportunities for children to explore the natural world, build confidence and develop a real connection with their environment.

What kind of leader are you?

I would describe myself as an ambitious leader with high expectations for both children and my team. I want every child to have the best possible opportunities, and I believe that comes from us working together to provide exceptional care and learning experiences. I set high standards because I know the impact great Early Years practice can have, and I want my team to feel supported and motivated to achieve those standards together.

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

Over the next six months, I want to create a calm and positive environment where the team feels genuinely happy and supported. I want everyone to enjoy coming to work and feel that they are part of a strong, connected team. Through team-building opportunities and taking the time to understand each person individually, I hope we can continue building a nursery where everyone feels valued and able to do their best work.

What’s your favourite thing about coming to work?

The children are definitely my favourite part of coming to work. Seeing their smiles every day and watching them enjoy their time at nursery makes everything worthwhile. Their happiness, excitement and curiosity bring so much joy to each day, and being part of their development is incredibly rewarding.

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

We are looking to plan more outings within the local community, including trips to the theatre, which I have organised before and know can be a fantastic learning experience for children. We also want to make the most of local parks by going on regular nature walks, giving children the opportunity to explore the outdoors, develop their curiosity and learn through real experiences beyond the nursery environment.

What’s the best thing about Fennies South Croydon, St. Augustines Avenue?

The families and the children are what make our nursery so special. The relationships we build with them create a warm and welcoming environment that makes every day enjoyable. I also love the resources we have available, especially the natural materials that encourage children to explore, be creative and learn through meaningful experiences.