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Operations director Louise Monangeplays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the group’s three sites and is responsible for overseeing an environment for children’s growth, development and wellbeing.
She has strong leadership skills and effectively manages 65 staff, providing clear direction, performance expectations and the motivation to achieve. Drawing from her first-hand experiences as a practitioner and manager, Louise understands the intricate roles within a nursery. To optimise efficiency and effectiveness, she meticulously sourced a competent management team, including experts in accounts, marketing, catering, curriculum, under-twos and human resources, which allows nursery managers to focus on their core responsibilities.
Louise initiated dedicated wellbeing rooms to foster an environment of support and rejuvenation. Additionally, she pioneered the positions of wellbeing lead, wellbeing ambassadors and children’s wellbeing ambassadors. She is also an active voice for the sector and has appeared on TV and radio.
Her commitment to CPD and staying updated on the latest research, trends and best practices sets a remarkable example for the team. She is always looking for professional growth opportunities and actively participates in webinars and online courses and is pursuing a Master’s degree in leadership.
Louise is currently overseeing the development and implementation of a bespoke curriculum. She is ensuring it aligns with educational standards and meets the needs of all children.
Along with ensuring all aspects of each nursery – from scheduling to facilities and health and safety protocols – are in place and functioning effectively, Louise monitors recruitment and identifies staffing needs, including training. She is working with Men in the Early Years to work towards a more gender-diverse workforce.
She conducts regular evaluations and audits and prioritises the health and safety of children, staff and visitors. She has created a bespoke group set of policies and procedures to ensure compliance across all the nurseries.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Danielle Hamer– Bright Horizons
Danielle demonstrates an infectious passion, which she shares across the 19 nurseries that she oversees as regional director in the North West and North East regions of England.
Children’s care, wellbeing, development and safety are at the top of Danielle’s very long priority list, and everything she does is ultimately for them. Fundamentally, Danielle believes that skilled and well-supported practitioners are key. To fulfil this, she offers support to her colleagues and takes great pride in their development. She is dedicated to making sure that all team members have opportunities for a rewarding career path.
FINALISTS
• Tracy Berry – The Old Station Nursery Group
• Rachael Lyons – Elmscot Group
• Sarah Yates – The Old Station Nursery Group
CRITERION
Open to senior employees of nursery groups working across some or all of the company’s settings, who display exemplary leadership and management skills in enabling consistent high quality across the nurseries for the benefit of children, families, staff and the group.
