🌸 “It’s Who I Am”

We caught up with Amy just three days into her new role as Preschool Manager at Cherry Blossom, one of YMCA Cheltenham’s early years settings. With nearly two decades of experience in childcare, she’s now stepping into leadership, learning as she goes, and staying grounded in what matters most: giving children a safe and happy space to grow.

Can you start by introducing yourself?

Amy: I’m Amy, and I’m the Preschool Manager here at Cherry Blossom. I’ve literally just started. Today is my third day in the role!

How are you feeling so far?

Amy: Yeah, fine. Obviously a lot of it is new. The day-to-day things out there in the classrooms I know, but this side of it, the office side, is very different. But it’s good. I’ve been doing this job since I was 17, so it’s quite nice to be learning a different side of things.

What was your role before?

Amy: Before this, I was the Preschool Room Leader. I was also part of the management team, so if Millie or Sharon weren’t here, I’d step up and lead preschool. So it made sense to take over from Millie when the time came.

What’s a day in the life like so far?

Amy: Busy! Laughs On day three, it’s busy. You’ve got staff coming in saying, “Can you just do this?” or “Can you just check that?” Then you’ve got emails and messages from parents. I was a bit overwhelmed yesterday. I was like, whoa. But I get it now.

I’m trying to pace myself. Just do one thing at a time rather than thinking I can do everything at once. Because it doesn’t work like that.

Do you feel supported?

Amy: Definitely. Millie’s brilliant. She’s giving me a bit of space to get on with it, but I know she’s there if I need her. Sharon, our deputy, is amazing. She’s the one everyone goes to. The whole team is great. I feel really supported on both sides.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Amy: Honestly, I’ve always loved my job. When I had my own children, I didn’t think I’d go back into childcare. But it’s just me. It’s what I absolutely love to do.

I did wonder if I’d miss being in the room with the children. But I’m still here in the setting, and I’ll still go into the rooms and see them. And it’s really nice to be told by people like Millie, “You can do this. You’ll be really good at it.” It makes you feel good, knowing someone sees potential in you.

Is there a moment that’s really stayed with you?

Amy: There’s one little girl I always think about. She had some additional needs. We didn’t know exactly what, because they don’t diagnose that young. But her journey here was amazing. At first, she wouldn’t give eye contact or communicate much at all.

By the time she left, she was coming in for cuddles. Her language had come on loads. She could sit at a table with her friends. She was so settled. We worked really hard with her, and honestly, we didn’t want her to go to school.

It’s those little wins that are the big things for them.

That sounds so meaningful. Do you feel like people understand that side of early years work?

Amy: Not always. I think some people just see it as “the kids are just playing.” But actually, they’re learning so much through that play. Social skills, language, textures, even how to sit and eat at a table.

We’ve had parents say their children won’t eat vegetables at home, and then we tell them, “They had carrots and sweetcorn today.” They’re like, “Really?” But when they’re with other kids, they want to join in. It’s amazing to see that.

What does community mean to you in your role?

Amy: For me, it’s about involving everyone, accepting everyone, not judging anyone. At Cherry Blossom, everyone’s welcome. And we do try to get out into the community. Our Sproutlings go to the local library for Bounce and Rhyme, our Saplings do stay-and-play at local schools. Even just going for walks and saying hello to people. That matters.

What’s one thing people might not realise about working in a preschool?

Amy: Just how important it is. Those first five years are everything. There’s so much development. Emotionally, socially, physically. It’s a foundation for life. And the trust that families place in us? That’s huge.

YMCA Cheltenham is celebrating 170 years. What does it mean to you to be part of it?

Amy: It feels amazing. The work YMCA does is outstanding. The amount of families they support, and all the different services. I didn’t realise how much was going on until we merged and I got to know more. Being part of that now is really special.

If you could sum up the impact of your work in one word, what would it be?

Amy: Amazing. Honestly, I just think what we do is amazing.

What do you hope people remember about the support you and your team provide?

Amy: I hope they remember how much we help their children grow. The support, the care, the happy memories. Getting them ready for their next steps. That’s what it’s all about.

📍 Cherry Blossom Preschool is part of YMCA Cheltenham’s Family Work, where we believe every family should have the support they need to grow, connect and thrive.