Mrs. Karen Thomas has over 23 years of experience working in childcare, holding various roles from nursery manager to deputy manager. She has managed several nurseries, helping to turn around struggling settings and gain "Good" Ofsted ratings. Her most recent role was as Assistant Manager at Asquith Nurseries, where she supported the manager in maintaining high standards of care. She holds a degree in Early Years Foundation Stage and various qualifications in childcare, education, and management.

1. Mrs. Karen Thomas
Mobile 07983623278 Email: karenthomas121212@yahoo.co.uk
EXPERIENCE
I have worked in childcare for 23 years; my experience spreads across many areas
from within a Nursery setting to People, leader, and Managerial skills.
Asquith Nurseries 2014- Date
After having worked as Nursery Manager for 13 years, I decided to take a step back,
but also to work full time along with my studies as an Assistant manager. This
allowed me to have a little less workload in my job role, leaving time to also focus
on my Degree.
During my time here, I have been supporting the manager and staff to build an
outstanding setting. We carrying out regular “quality and standard” checks every 12
weeks to ensure the childcare we offer is excellent. Also everything we offer has a
trail of evidenced for parents, families, and Ofsted.
More recently, I have ensured our setting and staff are up to date with information on
British Values and Prevent Duty.
Pollards Hatch 2013-2014
A Leader, due to my returning to studies, completing my Foundation degree in Early
years. It is a small homely setting, half days and term time only. This allowed me to
study, however I loved the setting it was not fulfilling enough for me. I extended the
settings hours to full days, but the holidays were to long.
Manager - Bouncing Bees Nursery, 2012 – 2013
The Owners of ‘Bouncing Bees Daycare’ approached me to open and establish their
setting; this gave me the opportunity for a new challenge. I implemented all legal
requirements and regulations set by Ofsted, office records, risk assessments, policies
and procedures, I also set all room layouts and training for new staff.
I worked hard on marketing projects to promote the company, along with open days
and evenings in the nursery for new parents to view the premises and meet the staff,
giving us good opportunities to strike up relationships with the parents and entice
them to enroll their children at our nursery.
Covering Manager - IDA Nurseries 2011- 2012
A chain of Nurseries, I was placed in all Nurseries by the Director to support the
existing managers in developing the nurseries. This involved a new layout for the
nursery, new learning tools for the children. I also updated all Policies and
Procedures along with updating office records whilst supporting staff and seeing to
parents needs.
Manager - Friday Hill Nursery, Chingford 2008-2011
This Nursery was near closure when I joined as a Manager; the nursery had no
manager for approx 4 months and was being monitored for possible closure by Early
years.
I managed the team and process’s to implement government funding and working
towards a better reputation for the Nursery.

2. I managed to gain the reputation back for the nursery holding open days for families
to view the nursery and meet myself and the team, this built up our clientele and the
nursery was turning over a good profit, we also gained a Good Ofsted inspection.
Manager - St Giles Church Preschool, Nazeing 2005-2008
This is a small Nursery ‘Mornings and term time’ placed with in a small community
adapting to change from diverse cultures.
I managed this nursery for 3 years moving it forward into the 2000 centre as the
Nursery had been run mostly by staff involved with the Church’s “WI”
Paper work and legal requirements needed implementing and updating, we gained a
Good rating from Ofsted.
Women’s Aid, Harlow, and Broxbourne 2002-2005
I gained great experience working with-in a family unit “Parents as Partners” also
with many outreach agencies.
I worked with women and their children to support them in moving their lives
forward and dealing with many new situations together.
Deputy Manager 1992-2002
I started my career at ‘The Griffon Day Nursery’ during my time here I experienced
many positions and placed myself on all training available.
EDUCATION
Brays Grove 1977-1982
Harlow College 1990- 1992
Harlow University 2013-2015
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in Early years Foundation Stage
Level 4 Childcare and Education
NNEB
Play Skills
Management and leadership L3
Health and Hygiene Level 2
UP TO DATE TRAINING
SENCO
Fist Aid
Health and Hygiene
Food safety
Designated safeguarding Person and Level 1
IOSH
Fire safety
References on request