Our new blog series, Meet the Manager, gives you a closer look at the inspiring individuals leading our nursery teams. We’re starting with Amber Cespedes, who has been managing our South Hill nursery since 2022.
- What’s a fun fact about you?
Coming from a military family we frequently travelled, living in different places such as Wales and Germany. My own children have Dominican heritage and were so lucky to have spent a whole year living there and experiencing a different culture. My love for cold-water swimming has recently returned, there is a big sense of community, and I am thoroughly enjoying being back in the water.
- What is your favourite thing about coming to work?
Every day is an adventure. One day we could be stranded on an island digging for treasure, and the next we could be creating our own passports heading for our unknown holiday destination. Children’s imaginations are wild and free, which allows each day to take us anywhere, and then start all over again the next day.
- Why did you choose to work in early years education?
After completing Child Development in secondary school and taking my first placement at a daycare setting, I knew it was the career for me. It allows me to keep my inner child alive and be a part of helping children become independent, strong individuals.
I also love helping families when they need it the most, offering support and advice. Seeing the happiness and gratitude on children and parents faces is incredibly rewarding.
- What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?
I am very passionate about outside learning as well as in-the-moment planning, as this ensures that the children’s learning is always child-centred and based on their current interests. SENCO also holds a strong place in my heart, making sure that each child has the very best start in life, and working with parents and outside agencies to ensure we have an inclusive setting.
- What’s the best thing about South Hill?
Our proximity to town and our small capacity allows us to offer excursions to different places such as zoos, farms, theatres and local attractions. We are very involved in the local community visiting our local farmers market, library and museum frequently. And even taking part in events such as pancaking racing in our town centre. Our in-house extra-curricular activities also include weekly Zumba, cooking, baby yoga, Forest School and Beat Baby.
- How do you create family partnerships at South Hill?
We have a very warm family feel, with different parent mixers that take place in the year including a summer BBQ and an Illuminate Trail. We operate an open-door policy with three parents’ evenings a year and regularly gather parent feedback. Our parents love that we have staff members that have been with us for up to 24 years.