Waving Goodbye to Summer at Nestlings
- Misty Ardouin
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
As summer slips into autumn, I can’t help but look back at what a whirlwind the past few months have been across our Nestlings nurseries. It’s been one of those summers that feels both exhausting and uplifting in equal measure – full of milestones, changes, and more than a few surprises!
We've been delighted to welcome in so many new families this summer and it’s been amazing to watch them settle in so seamlessly, quickly finding their place in our Nestlings family. We are very excited for future moments and memories to be created together.
Our holiday club was as gorgeous and fun as ever. The rooms were buzzing with laughter, games, and messy play (the best kind). The children threw themselves into activities with so much energy, and it was wonderful to see them forming friendships and making memories that will last well beyond the summer holidays.
We also had the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to our little graduates. Watching children you’ve nurtured take that next big step into school is such a proud moment – though I admit, there’s often a tear or few (from staff and parents alike). It’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Our graduation day was just magical, even though a little chaotic, full of cake, bounces on the bouncy castle, colourful painted faces and pure joy! Thank you to each family who made the effort to join in and help create a proper ending to this momentous time, as a group of our nestlings become fledglings.
There’s also been change within the team. Both settings have embraced new managers; Fran moving over from St Andrews to David Lloyd to support the nursery there with her expertise, then Maria coming back from maternity (hand in hand with her gorgeous daughter) to fill the role at St Andrews. Both teams have welcomed and already created such great working bonds with their new managers. We’ve waved farewell to a couple of familiar faces who are moving on to new chapters, and at the same time, welcomed new staff who are already bringing their own warmth and energy to our Nestlings family. Change is never easy, but it always brings fresh opportunities too.
And then, of course, came the inspections – both of them completely unannounced, as they so often are. My phone lit up almost instantly with messages from each manager: one at David Lloyd as the CIW inspector walked in, and another at St Andrews when the food hygiene inspector arrived. Their nerves were clear, but so too was my confidence in them.
Inspections are always daunting, but I felt calm knowing how capable my managers and their teams are. They know their settings inside out, and the high standards they uphold day after day speak louder than any inspection report. And I was right to trust them:
At David Lloyd, the CIW inspector spent the day immersed in nursery life – joining the children in their play, chatting with staff, and even taking time to speak with parents. It was wonderful to hear so much positive feedback, with the inspector complimenting everything from the warmth of the team, to the quality of care, to the atmosphere across the setting. The inspection was passed with flying colours, a true testament to the consistent dedication and passion the team show every single day. The report will be out in the next 6 weeks and we will be sure to add it to our website when it is.
At St Andrews, the food hygiene inspection resulted in the top rating of 5, a fantastic achievement that highlights the hard work happening behind the scenes every single day. Our chef, Oksana cooks for both settings and is just absolutely amazing! Ensuring all our food for the children is fresh, organic, nutritious and flavoursome! From meticulous kitchen practices and careful record-keeping (which is even more impressive than normal because Oksana came over when the Ukrainian war started and doesn't speak a word of English!) to the attention all staff give to cleanliness and organisation, every detail was noted and praised. It’s reassuring for families to know that the same care we put into nurturing children also goes into maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
Both results made me immensely happy and grateful – not just of the outcomes, but of the resilience and professionalism shown in the moment.
Now, as autumn begins, there’s a sense of excitement for what’s ahead. New beginnings for the children, new energy from staff, and a chance to build on all the successes of this summer. And yes, it's time to start planning for all the Christmas adventures!
Thank you, as always, to our Nestlings families for your trust and support. Here’s to a season of growth, change, and plenty more moments to celebrate.
After such a busy summer, I’m taking a well-earned week off next week – but first, I’m heading to Copenhagen for a few days. I’ve been invited to visit a couple of wonderful nurseries there, and I’m excited to see how they do things and gather some fresh ideas to bring home. I can’t wait to come back and share my insights with the team, adding new inspiration to the Scandinavian-inspired methods we already use here at Nestlings!
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