Clever Clogs appoints area manager

Award-winning Clever Clogs Nursery Group has appointed Lauren Heward as area manager, strengthening its senior management team.

Lauren will work closely with group operations director Sharon Lewis to support managers at Clever Clogs Day Nurseries in Belmont and Bowburn, and Little Ladybirds Day Nursery in Stockton, ensuring the highest standard of care for more than 700 children.

With nearly 20 years of experience in childcare, Lauren began her career as a nursery nurse and progressed to senior management roles, where she successfully turned around underperforming nurseries rated ‘Poor’ by Ofsted.

Originally from Oxfordshire and now based in Stockton, Lauren is looking forward to building on the strong reputation of the three nurseries. 

Since starting at the end of last month, she has been getting to know staff and spending time across the nurseries with the children.

Lauren said: “My husband is in the Royal Air Force, and we were living in military accommodation, but had decided that it was the right time for us to get on the property ladder.

“It was always our plan to relocate from Reading where we were living to the North East, so I started looking for jobs and found this one with Clever Clogs Nursery Group.

“It was perfect, everything they were looking for I had experience in, and it was so similar to the role I was in.

“I researched the nurseries, and I liked their ethos, the curriculum and the aesthetics. 

“It felt right to me, they came across like a family, so I applied.

“When I had the interview, I knew it was the job I wanted, the team was so lovely and there was a really nice, welcoming feel about the nurseries.”

Sharon added: “We are delighted to have secured someone of Lauren’s experience.

“We knew when we interviewed her that she was exactly who we were looking for. 

“It was clear she shared our passion and commitment to the continued development of our nurseries and providing the very best care to the children who attend.

“Although just a few weeks into the role, Lauren has already become part of the Clever Clogs family and is proving to be an excellent addition to our senior management team.”

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