What job/study are you doing right now and tell us a little about it?
I’m currently the manager of a private day nursery. I lead a staff team to provide the best care and early education for children under 5. I absolutely love my job, it’s so rewarding and every day is different.
Did you do any further/higher education?
I did my Level 2 and 3 in Childcare at college then went on to do a Level 4 in Management and I’ve recently completed my Level 5 in Early Years.
How did you decide on your career path and what is/was most interesting about your work?
I went into childcare from leaving school and loved it! I’ve worked at several Nurseries, some in St Helens and some in Manchester, I’m now back in St. Helens and worked my way up to be manager. I love my role as I can support the staff team but I absolutely love watching the children grow and become confident and ready to take on ‘big school’.
Can you share a couple of fond memories of your time at St Cuthbert's?
I have lots of amazing memories from my time at ‘Cuthies’ - they were some of the best years as a child and gave me the confidence to go on to college and begin my starting point of my career.
Did you have a favourite/influential teacher? What made them so important to you?
Mr Archer he was always so lovely, kind and funny. I wasn’t a fan of school when I was there but looking back it was a special time! Mr Archer made it more special by making lessons fun!!
What advice would you give our current students?
Enjoy every second, it goes by so quickly and in years to come you will look back and wish you would have enjoyed it so much more. I wasn’t academically gifted but without school I wouldn’t have been able to grow and become the person I am today. Be confident in yourselves and don’t stress too much!
Name: Gemma Oakes