Lifeguard - Anonymous employee Dean Close Foundation Employee Review

During my time as both a nursery practitioner and a team leader, the strongest aspect of the setting was the team culture. I worked with incredibly supportive, passionate colleagues, and we built a strong bond that made even challenging days feel manageable. There was a real sense of community within the staff and with the families we worked with. The parents were understanding and engaged, and it felt like we were making a genuine impact. The facilities were good, and being part of a wider chain gave us access to resources and knowledge that enriched our practice and allowed us to extend learning opportunities for the children.

Unfortunately, support from management was inconsistent and often lacking. Training was not offered proactively, and requests for professional development were rarely fulfilled. Resources were minimal, and we often had to purchase our own, which while common in this field, was not supported or acknowledged. There was a noticeable absence of constructive feedback, with management often unavailable or critical without guidance. Higher management visits were superficial and focused only on senior staff, with little regard for the views of practitioners. Induction processes were poor, and as a team leader, I received no support or guidance when onboarding new staff. Feedback I gave about team needs or room structure was often dismissed, leaving me feeling unheard and unsupported.

Good salary and benefits at little trees

Toxic upper management and favouritism