Ladybird garden West Cambridge Nursery
As part of our HR Division Spotlight, Catherine Pearson, Head of Childcare Services within the HR Division, has shared her experiences:
1.) What does your role entail?
My role as Head of Childcare Services is to oversee the Childcare services that are offered to those who work and study across the University. The Service offers support to families and their children in a variety of different ways; We have an Information Service (inc. term time only Stay and Play Sessions), four Workplace Nurseries, a University Holiday Playscheme and new this summer a Multi Sports Club (both open for bookings for the summer.)
It is my job to ensure that we offer a high level of support to families throughout their time at the University, but also to look at ways of how we can develop and adapt to meet the needs of the service users.
2.) Are there any particular projects you’re working on currently at the moment that you would like to share?
We have a pretty big project on our hands at the moment as the whole service is currently under review by external consultants. We are looking at how we are currently supporting our families, what's working well but also if there are areas that we can develop. The Childcare sector across the UK is challenging at the moment in a number of different ways, we want to ensure that we provide the best support and care to our families and providers to help aviate pressures where possible. We are hoping to implement any recommendations in the new academic year.
3.) What is the one of your favourite parts of your job at the University?
A rewarding part of my job is visiting our Childcare sites across the University. The Stay and Play sessions at West Cambridge community room are always well attended, its lovely to see families across the University connecting with each other. Please do get in touch if you are interested in popping down, its a great opportunity to meet people in similar situations.
4.) Are there any aspects of your role that have been challenging that you would like to share?
Being fairly new to the University and generally higher education, its been quite an new and interesting world to navigate through sometimes slightly challenging. It definitely throws the occasional curve ball to keep you on your toes!
5.) How long have you worked at the University and have you had more than one role here?
I have now been at the University for 18 months, though it still feels like yesterday that I started. In the past I have worked across nurseries, primary and secondary schools and within the community. Majority of my roles have been within education departments across Local Authorities in Cambridge and London, working with children with SEND and their families.
6.) Is there anything else you would like to add?
It's an exciting time for the service, we are enjoying reflecting on our current service and exploring different ways we can build on the existing offer but also ways we can develop through potential different avenues.
Watch this space!
For more information about our service, please visit Childcare Services website.