In this episode, Alice is joined by John, Talent Acquisition Lead at Happy Days Nurseries, to reveal why Happy Days is the ultimate place to launch and grow your career in

 early years education.

Discover how Happy Days supports your journey every step of the way with opportunities for career progression, flexible working patterns perfect for parents, a 50% 

childcare discount, paid Christmas closure, and plenty of wellbeing perks.

John also shares his inspiring story from apprentice to leadership, highlights the unique SHINE values that set Happy Days apart, and gives you an inside look at the 

supportive, community-focused environment that makes every day rewarding.

If you’re passionate about working with children and want to build a fulfilling early years career, this episode is a must-listen!

Thinking about starting your career in early years education? In this episode, Alice and John dive deep into the recruitment process and share essential tips on how to 

shine as a candidate.

Discover how to craft a standout CV that highlights your passion for working with children, plus learn how to ace your childcare interview with confidence and 

professionalism. John also explains the importance of safer recruitment steps in early years — including DBS checks, reference checks, and why they’re key to keeping 

children safe.

Whether you’re applying for your first role in childcare or looking to take the next step in your early years career, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you 

stand out and succeed.

Curious about working with children but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Alice and John break down all the ways you can kickstart your career in early years — 

from apprenticeships and college courses to volunteering and on-the-job training.

John shares what qualifications (if any) you really need, why experience doesn’t have to be a barrier, and how Happy Days can help you build a career that grows with 

you. If you’re thinking of taking that first step into childcare, this episode is for you!

In this episode, Alice chats with John, Talent Acquisition Lead at Happy Days Nurseries, about why working in early years is such an amazing and rewarding career. 

John shares what makes it so special — from shaping children’s futures to feeling a real sense of purpose.

They dive into what kind of people thrive in early years, how Happy Days supports everyone regardless of background, and why it’s a career that’s open to anyone who 

loves working with children.

If you’re curious about whether early years could be your next adventure, don’t miss this episode!

Nursery Need-to-knows: Room To Room Transitions

In this episode, Alice is joined by Nicola, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Verwood, to explore the importance of smooth transitions between rooms in early years settings. Nicola shares her expertise on how thoughtful transitions support children’s emotional wellbeing, independence, and development.

They discuss how Happy Days Nurseries approach room-to-room transitions with care and structure, how staff support children who are more anxious or shy, and the signs practitioners look out for when deciding if a child is ready for change. Nicola also highlights the vital role of the key person in making every step of the journey feel secure and positive for both children and their families.

If you’re a parent or carer wanting to understand how we make moving rooms a calm and confident experience for children, this one’s for you!

Nursery Need-to-knows: key person

Ever wondered who your child bonds with most at nursery — and why it matters so much? In this warm and insightful episode, Alice is back with Nicola, Nursery Manager at Happy Days Verwood, to explore the key person approach and how it supports children through every stage of their nursery journey.

We’ll chat about:

• What exactly a key person is — and why every child is assigned one
• Building strong, trusting relationships that help children feel secure, settled, and seen
• How your key person becomes your go-to for updates, support, and partnership in your child’s learning
• What happens if your key person is on holiday or off sick

Whether you’re new to nursery life or just curious about how we do things at Happy Days, this episode will leave you feeling reassured, informed, and inspired.

Pop in those earphones and discover why a key person might just be your child’s first best friend at nursery.

Nursery Need-to-knows: Settling-In Sessions

Ready to turn those first‑day jitters into confident smiles? In this chatty deep‑dive, Alice and Nicola — Nursery Manager at Happy Days Verwood —unpack exactly how settling-in sessions work and why they’re such a game‑changer for children and parents alike.

We’ll cover:

• What a settling-in session actually looks like – step‑by‑step, from hello to home time.
• The science of feeling safe – why short, positive visits help children build trust and explore with confidence.
• Your role as a parent – practical tips on when to stay close, when to take a coffee break, and how to handle those tearful goodbyes.
• Personalising the plan – adapting sessions for different ages, personalities, and additional needs.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how we tailor settling‑in to each child and how you can team up with your key person to make nursery feel like a second home from day one.

Hit play, grab a cuppa, and let’s get those first days sorted!

Welcome to the Final Episode of the Season, preparing your child for nursery!

In this season, we’ve been sharing everything you need to know to prepare your child for nursery — helping to make that first day feel a little less daunting.

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at what a typical day at nursery looks like. We’ll talk about daily routines, how food and mealtimes work, and much more to help you feel fully prepared for this exciting new chapter.

Tune in for helpful early years insights and practical tips to ensure your child’s nursery experience is positive and enjoyable.

Welcome to another episode from the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, preparing your child for nursery!

This season is all about preparing your child for nursery and ensuring you have all the essential information you need.

In this episode, we’re focusing on how to mentally prepare for the transition to nursery. We’ll also answer important questions about key persons and funding, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support your child every step of the way.

Tune in for expert advice, practical tips, and helpful insights to make the nursery journey smoother for both you and your child.

Welcome to a New Season of the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, preparing your child for nursery!

This season is all about helping you feel confident and prepared as your child begins their nursery journey. From the obvious essentials to those often-overlooked details, we’ll cover everything you need to know before they start.

In this episode, we’re focusing on the key things to consider before your child’s first day — including essential resources, what clothing they’ll need, and how to prepare effectively.

Tune in for practical advice, expert insights, and helpful tips to make your child’s transition into nursery as smooth as possible.