Spotlight on…Stephanie Robinson

You celebrated 20 years of service at Honeybuns Stafford in December…

I started working at Honeybuns Nursery in December 1996 as an apprentice, gaining my NVQ Level 3 as a trainee. I have since gone on to gain further qualifications, which have allowed me to progress to nursery manager. I knew from a young age that it was my passion to work with children, and from the moment I stepped into the nursery and was greeted by small, smiling faces, I knew this is where I wanted to be and have not looked back since.

The Honeybuns Group has offered me the opportunity to train my team to offer the highest standards of care to all children. I have cared for many children over the years and gathered plenty of memories.

What has changed over the years?

I have certainly got older and maybe a little wiser. The introduction of the EYFS and the professionalisation of those who work, lead and manage an early years setting has had an upward path over the past 20 years, gaining the recognition that we deserve. I do miss the simplicity of just being able to play alongside the children before we were bombarded with an enormous amount of paperwork.

What have been your highlights?

It has been a wonderful sense of achievement to watch the children succeed and grow and be ready to take the next step of their learning journey into school. I feel privileged that parents trust me and my team to leave their children in our care, and to have built many strong relationships with the children, families and the wider community of Stafford.

What are your plans/hopes for the future?

I hope to continue until my retirement – I do not see my role as just a job, it is a vocation and for the love of the children. They are our future and a generation to hopefully be proud of.