Headteacher Irene Drummond describes a typically hectic week at Chatham Place Nursery School in Liverpool, and at home too . . .
Monday
This is my twenty-third year as headteacher. I love my job and my only regret is not having enough time in school these days - I'm a teacher advisor and represent nursery schools on committees and task groups relating to ICT and special needs.
Yesterday was spent at home preparing for a carpet fitter arriving at 7am today. I then head into work for a 9am meeting with our Foundation Stage consultant, closely followed by discussions with Alistair McGowan from the NCC Group, conducting an independent ICT Infrastructure Review on behalf of our LEA.
As Alistair and I tour the school four-year-old Abbie runs up excitedly calling him the 'sausage man' - we can't make the connection.
I then share ideas with Karen Boyd, a former parent, on her input to the maths training later in the day and admire equipment she's made. We spend the afternoon playing with maths resources with staff from private day nurseries - we're delighted that our hard work is so well received.
I go home to an ashen-faced carpet fitter - he apologises for breaking my dining table.
Tuesday
I'm pleased to arrive at work to find today's agency nursery nurse is one of our ex-students. I catch up on her career before a two-hour nursery headteachers' meeting. LEA Development Plans and proposals for developing our schools are on the agenda. It is proposed that our school moves into a new-build with Picton Sure Start about a mile away.
I pop into the parent toddler group - see Pauline and her grandchild and reminisce about the child's dad, who I taught. Then catch up on arrangements for tomorrow's school outing.
Arrive home to find the carpet fitter has removed one broken table leg.
Wednesday
Children, parents and staff go to Chester Zoo, but I stay behind to work on our Neighbourhood Nursery business plan.
The buses return with a load of shattered daytrippers who've had a brilliant day. I go home to find a message from the fitter saying he can't find anyone to turn new table legs.
I spend the evening working out how many parents live in the Sure Start area and research the location of other nurseries, playgroups and childminders before going to bed.
Thursday
The day starts with a parent consultation meeting regarding our relocation - they worry about retaining the special ethos of our school.
Once home, I write up the minutes of the parent meeting and reflect with pride on how well they articulated their wishes and our shared aspirations for the children. Another message from the fitter - he thinks he'll need to buy me a new dining suite!
Friday
I listen to queries staff have about the forthcoming changes. Some are worried about transfer of service and a meeting with their union is suggested.
I do registration with a class and talk about why we need to walk in the corridor. Two children think they will get sent to prison. Many contribute enthusiastically to a discussion about prisons and offer methods of escape.
Then I'm out to Everton Early Childhood Centre for a masterclass with Marion Dowling - such a privilege. We discuss children's thinking and logic and how they make connections - I remember Abbie greeting Alistair as the sausage man and eventually make the link. Though very different in appearance he must have reminded her of the school photographer who asked the children to say 'sausage' - a tip for producing a smile rather than a cheesy grin!
Amazingly I find Tony, the centre headteacher's husband, has a lathe, so I arrange to take the broken table leg to the conference we are attending here tomorrow.
Saturday
The administration assistant, senior teacher, architect, my table leg and I attend the early years conference. We see and hear inspirational ideas for children using the outdoor environment and Tony repairs my table.
