National Nursery Practitioner Day 2025
October 17th is National Nursery Practitioner Day, and we want to say a huge thank you to all our staff members for their constant hard work and dedication to providing the best childcare for your little ones!
This year, management teams at each setting have taken their own approach to celebrating their staff members, and we’re sharing just a few of the ways our teams have celebrated themselves and each other over the last week. We also want to show just how amazing our practitioners really are through a few words from some of our educators and management team on what they love most about being a nursery practitioner.
Morley
At Muddy Boots Morley, staff are enjoying a dress down day and enjoying a few treats themed around well-being. Parents were also invited to share what they love about their key workers, and these kind words are being shared with staff this week!
“Being an early years practitioner is such a special job. I love watching the children grow and achieve their little milestones — their first words, first steps, learning to count or share. It’s such a lovely feeling to know I’ve been part of those moments. I enjoy being someone they can come to for comfort, their safe space when they need it. Being trusted with someone’s precious little person is such an honour, and I really value that trust. I truly appreciate how important this job is, and it means so much to know I’m helping to shape little minds and lives every day.”
“Being a practitioner provides a massive sense of pride and fulfilment. To be able to say I’ve played a key part in so many children’s early years and to see them grow, develop and start their next journey into school is just as rewarding now as it was 25 years ago when I first embarked on my journey as a practitioner. What other job can you form such amazing bonds with others and gain a variety of different little besties year after year after year. ❤️”
“Being a nursery practitioner is so special. Being children’s safe space when they are away from their parents, giving endless cuddles, watching them grow, being so proud of them when they learn new things and being a part of that journey. Seeing each individual child’s unique personalities develop and blossom. The special bonds we make with children and families. It is not always easy and there is certainly challenges but seeing them smile and enjoy their days really makes you remember why you love it so much.”
Wilberfoss
Over at Wilberfoss, the management team have put together a lovely display of staff photos with speech bubbles full of messages and special thanks from parents and staff. Team members also enjoyed some delicious bacon/sausage sandwiches for breakfast as an extra little thank you - delicious!
Drighlington
Parents at Drighlington have also been sharing their thanks for the team members, posting messages to the Famly newsfeed which are being shared with staff. It’s lovely to see just how supported our staff are, not just by their team members but families too!
“I love my job! When I first started in childcare I was in preschool, it was fast paced, energetic and with lots of creative potential. I am now in the baby room which is very different, but suits me now and my maternal nature. At Muddy Boots I feel like I can give the babies what they need, from daily cuddles to a variety of sensory exploration.”
“It’s really nice working at Muddy Boots because I love to see the progression and development of the children. The way they welcome me on a morning makes me feel like a super star! I love getting to meet children and families from all walks of life and creating a wonderful relationship. The support goes beyond the walls.”
“Since moving to the baby room at Muddy Boots I have gained my confidence as a practitioner. I truly enjoy the diverse experiences this environment offers. Watching the little ones grow and achieve their milestones is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful to be a part of their journey.”
Stamford Bridge
At Stamford Bridge, managers have put together individual gift bags for the staff with candles, sweets, chocolate, fizzy drinks, and a personalised note from the team. They’ve also printed out positive comments and messages from parents to decorate the staff room with. Parents at Stamford Bridge are also invited to write messages to staff on a dedicated post in their Famly newsfeed, bring extra little thank yous to staff throughout the day.
“I enjoy being a practitioner at Muddy Boots because no two days are the same, we can be creative and provide a wide range of activities for the children. I also like that we work closely with the parents and are able to form good relationships with them and the children. Finally I enjoy watching the children learn and grow and have an impact on them achieving their milestones.”
Gildersome
Parents at Gildersome have also been sharing special messages and thanks to their child's key worker and any other staff within the setting. This has also been extended to staff, giving them the opportunity to thank and support each other. These comments are being added to a display board in the nursery, showcasing all the wonderful support for the staff team.
“I genuinely enjoy being a nursery manager. What I find most rewarding is seeing the children learn and develop in our care. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where they can learn, play, and grow. I also value the opportunity to lead and support our dedicated team of educators, helping them to excel in their roles and make a real difference in the lives of the children and their families”
“Being a practitioner is one of the most rewarding professions, I love being a part of the children’s learning, development and growth. Seeing the children thrive and flourish, and knowing I am part of that, will always be one of my favourite and proudest achievements. Seeing the children’s happiness through the activities and experiences we offer is so heartwarming! I also love the bonds we create with the children and their families, like we’re a home from home, it’s such a great feeling when I know the children feel safe, cared for and loved with us and it’s also a wonderful feeling knowing we have created an environment where the families feel safe to choose us to care for their children. Being a practitioner isn’t just about showing up, it’s about how and what we can do to nurture the children, they are and always will be at the centre of all that we do, that’s what I love! Being a practitioner is such a special job and I feel so lucky (and proud) that this is my job and this is what I get to do 4 days a week ♥️”
“I absolutely love being the deputy manager! Each day is filled with new experiences, making this role really exciting. It’s truly rewarding to witness the children’s learning and development. Knowing that our hard work is positively influencing their early years and preparing them for school is very fulfilling. My role also includes supporting and mentoring our wonderful staff team, helping them to grow and thrive in their positions. Together, we create a nurturing environment for everyone involved.”
We are incredibly grateful for all our staff at Muddy Boots, and we know you are too! If you’d like to share a special thank you to a staff member, your child’s key worker, or just the nursery team, send a message on Famly, or post a comment on our social media pages (Leeds Facebook, York Instagram & Facebook).
Team Muddy Boots x
