We have some big news here at Once Upon a Time. After over 7 years with us and more than 5 years as our manager, Toni is going to be leaving us in the summer. She has decided to take some time away to spend more time at home with Theo and the rest of her family, and after everything she has done for the nursery over the years we think she deserves a break!
This was Toni’s first ever nursery manager role and she has done the most incredible job through some very difficult circumstances including Covid and, of course, the birth of her own child, Theo. The role of manager at Once Upon a Time is like no other job – in one day you can be a cook, a cleaner, a handyman or many, many other things which mean no two days are the same! Toni grasped the opportunity with both hands and has worked wonders. Anyone who knew the nursery 5 years ago will have seen first hand the work that Toni has done. Her passion to make the nursery the best it can be is inspirational. She has built a team of passionate and devoted staff who provide a level of care we are so proud offer to our families. She knows every child and every family and she has built the nursery family into the wonderful community it is today.
How to replace the irreplaceable? Well, we are in luck! I am delighted to announce that Ella Coles, who many of you will already know, is going to take the role of Manager from the start of July onwards. Ella has been with us for six years and has worked in senior positions for the last two. She is currently finishing her level 5 qualification in Nursery Management and has already shown that she has what it takes to continue Toni’s incredible work and push on to put her own stamp on things. We are delighted that Ella has chosen to accept the role and continue her career with us, and we certainly believe the opportunity will help her to fulfill her incredible potential.
As Ella has worked with us for 6 years and already works very closely with Toni, we do not expect any significant changes when Toni leaves at the end of June. The staff remain very supportive and happy that there will be a natural continuation.
Toni is not leaving for a new job, and as a reflection of her dedication to the nursery, she has offered to remain in a support role to help Ella during the early months of her new position. As you can imagine, it may be a daunting prospect both for Ella and for everyone else in the nursery so it is a great comfort that Toni will be present on a part time basis from July onwards until Ella finds her feet.
We appreciate that this is big news for everyone and if anyone has any questions then please get in touch. In the meantime, please join us in congratulating Ella on her new role and in thanking Toni for all of her efforts over the years. We will be in touch closer to the time regarding further details and plans for a send off!