Interview - Kathryn Peckham

Why did you decide to make the move from working as a lecturer and early years consultant to working for a nursery group such as
Childbase?

While as a lecturer I had the opportunity to work closely with many settings and practitioners at every stage of their career, enriching academic knowledge, inspiring and developing practice, there was limited opportunity to nurture settings and individuals over time.

I wanted to be part of something where I could make a real difference.

Childbase, with its innovative attitude to best practice and pursuit of excellence, allows me the opportunity to affect long-term enhancement to the experiences of a great many children.

What does your new job role entail?

Ultimately, I am responsible for the management of the childcare and education team and will be holistically developing, leading and nurturing the Childbase philosophy throughout all 47 Childbase nurseries.

Supported by my team of dedicated childcare officers, I will be visiting and supporting nurseries, delivering bespoke, focused training on all aspects of care and education.

I am also responsible for keeping the company informed with regards to new initiatives, legislation, key documentation and Government regulation. I will be attending a range of multinational conferences and working groups while developing and presenting research interests.

How will you utilise your previous experience?

Having worked in academia, I have a depth of knowledge to enhance informed practice, while my years of nursery experience secures my understanding of the requirements of developing children's needs in safe, secure, happy environments.

Having taught and consulted for a number of years, I am able to deliver messages in ways that enhance and develop practice regardless of stages of development.

What do you hope to achieve as childcare and education manager for Childbase?

To further strengthen the fantastically strong position of outstanding practice Childbase nurseries currently deliver while bringing new ideas and innovative practice to the teams.

I hope to raise the profile of the team through my involvement with parliamentary groups, contributions to published works and by representing my research findings on a global stage.