Working hours
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Share
Leading a nursery right now takes real strength. The combination of staffing shortages, rising costs, higher needs among children and the ever present pressure of inspections can test even the most experienced leaders.
And yet across the country there are nurseries that are managing to stay calm and steady. Their teams are positive, their standards are high and their culture feels grounded and kind. So what’s helping them hold it all together? More often than not it comes down to strong leadership.
After spending time with many nurseries across the country we have noticed some clear patterns. The strongest leaders do not have it easier, they simply approach things in ways that make a lasting difference.
There are only so many hours in a week and how we use them shapes everything that happens in our nurseries.
It is easy to get caught in the cycle of firefighting, covering staff, sorting small issues and responding to endless emails. Before you know it another week has gone and you have barely had time to focus on the things that actually matter.
Strong leaders make a conscious choice about where to spend their time. They prioritise being visible in rooms, observing practice and supporting their team. They delegate what they can and simplify what they must, creating space for meaningful work that moves the nursery forward.
It is not about doing it all. It is about putting time and heart into the things that make the biggest difference.
Good leaders want their teams to be happy, that is what makes early years such a caring profession. But saying yes to everything does not always help. When expectations are not clear people can start pulling in different directions and pressure builds.
The strongest leaders balance kindness with clarity. They explain their decisions even when they are not the easiest ones. Their teams know where they stand and understand the reasons behind the choices being made.
Respect grows when leaders act with fairness, honesty and consistency. It is not about pleasing everyone, it is about doing what is right for the children and the team.
The best nurseries do not rely on one person to hold everything together. Leadership is shared across the team.
In some settings room leaders can still feel like practitioners rather than decision makers and deputies may depend too much on the manager. When that happens everything slows down when one person is away.
Thriving nurseries look different. Room leaders take ownership, deputies lead confidently and practitioners use their initiative. Everyone plays their part.
When leadership is shared the team becomes stronger, more consistent and better equipped to adapt together.
Paperwork is important but it should always serve a purpose.
Many leaders say they spend more time recording what is happening than improving it but the strongest leaders make paperwork work for them. They meet their compliance responsibilities without letting it take over. Every form has meaning and every process links back to practice and to children’s experiences.
Paperwork supports reflection, learning and growth, it does not replace it and in settings like these staff have more time for what really matters, being with the children.
No one enjoys difficult conversations but avoiding them rarely helps.
Strong leaders deal with issues early and calmly, offering feedback as part of everyday practice rather than waiting for a formal meeting. They are clear about what needs to change and ready to offer support to make it happen.
This approach builds a culture of honesty, respect and trust. Staff know where they stand and feel valued even when something needs addressing. When feedback comes with care it becomes an opportunity to grow rather than something to fear.
The early years sector never stands still. Children’s needs change, new ideas emerge and expectations evolve. The leaders who thrive are the ones who stay curious.
Instead of saying ‘we have always done it this way’ they look for new approaches. They ask questions, learn from others and keep their minds open. Training, reflection and fresh perspectives are not signs of weakness, they are signs of growth.
By staying curious these leaders create a culture where everyone feels safe to keep learning. That is how nurseries move forward together and with confidence.
Every leader in early years is feeling the weight of change right now. You are not alone. Most are working harder than ever to keep their settings steady, their teams motivated and their children thriving.
Remember leadership is not about perfection. It is about staying grounded, being brave enough to make decisions and caring deeply about the people around you. The nurseries that are standing strong are led by people who lead with heart, people like you.
If this blog has struck a chord and you recognise some of these challenges in your own setting, we’d love to help.
At MBK Early Years our Management Mastery programme is designed to support nursery leaders to achieve excellence through teamwork, nurture their team and bring calm back to the chaos.
You can find out more about the programme here
We are also running a Dealing With Difficult People and Situations course on the 17th November at 6:30 PM. The course focuses on building the skills necessary to manage uncomfortable conversations, resolve conflicts, and maintain professional boundaries while fostering a supportive culture. It is perfect for staff at all levels looking for the confidence and practical skills to manage challenging situations and conversations effectively.
You can register here
With the ever-changing regulations and guidance, sign up to our monthly newsletter and mailings to stay current and keep up to date with running your childcare setting.
Simply enter your details below to join our mailing list.
By completing this form you are agreeing to our privacy policy You can unsubscribe at any time
