The owner of Little Explorers in Lancashire explains how their core values are central to their practice and to the development of the children in their care.
I am the owner of three nurseries rated outstanding by Ofsted and our values and principles are the foundation of everything we do. Working with the staff and parents, we drew up a list of core values and discussed how they would affect what we do in practice and how parents could support us. We believe that these values are central to our practice and to the happy and healthy development of the children in our care.
The vision
I’ve always believed that young children learn best through play, hands-on exploration, and connecting with the world and people around them. From that belief, I’ve set out a few non-negotiables that guide everything we do.
These non-negotiables include prioritising play-based learning, emphasising social and emotional development, providing a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. The vision is not merely a statement; it is an actionable philosophy that shapes the culture of the setting.
By firmly establishing my beliefs about how children learn best, I ensure that all staff, parents, and stakeholders understand the direction in which the setting is headed.
This vision isn’t just words on a page—it’s something we live and breathe every day. It shapes our decisions, our environment, and how we interact with children, parents, and each other.
Sharing the vision with my team
From the moment someone applies to work with us, I make sure they understand what we’re all about. During interviews and inductions, I talk about our approach, what we expect, and how our values show up in everyday activities.
We also hold regular team meetings where we reflect on how things are going, share ideas, and keep building our skills. For me, professional development is key—if the team understands why we do what we do, they’re more confident, and the children benefit from that.
Working with parents
I also believe that parents are a crucial part of this journey. When families come for a visit, I give them a leaflet called "Why We Do What We Do," which explains our approach and the thinking behind it.
It’s a great conversation starter and helps parents see why play-based learning matters. We also use social media to give regular updates and share what the children are learning. It’s all about building trust and making sure everyone feels part of what we’re doing.
Standing by our vision
I’m passionate about staying true to our values, even when it means having tricky conversations. For example, some parents want to see daily artwork sent home. I completely understand where they’re coming from, but I explain that our focus is on meaningful engagement, not just creating something to take home. I hold meetings to talk through these decisions and help parents see that everything we do is with their child’s best interests at heart.
Helping staff understand the ‘why’
It’s really important to me that the team understands the reasons behind our choices. When they know the "why," they can explain it clearly to parents and feel confident in their work.
If a parent asks why their child isn’t bringing art home every day, our staff can say, “Because we’re focused on the process, not the product.” That kind of understanding makes a huge difference.
Staying true to what we believe in
Once you’ve built a strong ethos, it’s easy for it to slowly slip if you’re not careful. Our setting is calm, homely, and carefully set up with open-ended, meaningful resources. Sometimes parents kindly offer us donations, like plastic princess castles or character toys, but if they don’t fit with our vision, I politely decline. It’s not about being ungrateful—it’s about protecting the environment we’ve worked so hard to create.
Conclusion
This journey has shown me how powerful a clear, shared vision can be. When everyone—staff, parents, and children—is on the same page, the whole setting thrives.
By staying focused on our values, being honest with families, and investing in the team, we’ve created a place where children can truly flourish. It takes commitment, but it’s so worth it.
May 2025