Our new blog series, Meet the Manager, gives you a closer look at the inspiring individuals leading our nursery teams. We’re starting with Natasha Day, who leads our Westminster Millie’s House setting.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I like to grow and plant unusual vegetables and fruits like purple carrots and Cuca melons (those adorable tiny “watermelon-lookalike” cucumbers!) with my grandchildren. Being outdoors and enjoying nature is a beautiful way to connect both with my grandchildren and the children in the nursery, and a great way to spark curiosity. Children are naturally drawn to anything that looks a little surprising or “different,” so you’re giving them the perfect invitation to explore.
What is your favourite thing about coming to work?
The immense pride I feel, knowing we have collectively created such a beautiful environment for our children and families, fills my heart with happiness. Watching the children learn, develop imagination and curiosity, grow in independence, and become confident walkers and talkers, with excitement for what comes next.
Why did you choose to work in early years education?
From an early age, I felt at home in early years settings, spending my school holidays at the kindergarten where my mum worked. Later, when I became a very young mum myself, I was keen to be actively involved in my children’s learning and development. I was given the opportunity to study while volunteering at their nursery, and as my curiosity grew, so did my understanding. I began to recognise why children behave as they do and the meaning behind their actions, which sparked a genuine passion for child development.
I became eager to explore a range of educational approaches, including Montessori and Steiner, deepen my understanding of schematic play, and learn how best to support children’s individual development. This journey led me to feel strongly about sharing knowledge and ideas with other childcare professionals and parents, so that together we can give children the best possible start in life.
What passions do you have within the Early Years curriculum?
Expressive Arts and Design, embedded within literacy, creates exciting new experiences for all children. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the wonder on their faces when they learn something new, whether it’s introducing a book or song through puppets and storytelling or watching them re-enact the narrative in their play. These moments highlight the power of creativity in deepening understanding and sparking imagination.
What’s the best thing about Millie’s House Westminster?
The love, respect and care we have for every child truly shines through, and this is exactly how our parents describe us at Millie’s. Our team is deeply dedicated, and this commitment is evident throughout the nursery.
How do you create family partnerships at Millie’s House Westminster?
We welcome families from the very beginning and take time to introduce our team. By getting to know parents, we gain a deeper understanding of who is special in each child’s life and strengthen our home–nursery connections.
Every three months, we host relaxed social gatherings for parents, with refreshments provided. These events give families the opportunity to meet one another, build friendships, and receive support from our team in an informal and welcoming environment.
We also enjoy connecting families who share similar backgrounds, such as those from the same country, enabling them to speak their home language, share experiences, and even arrange playdates.
Regular parent consultations allow us to discuss each child’s development in detail, while our daily feedback - supported by our app, which records all care diary information - keeps parents informed about what their child has enjoyed and experienced each day. With our open-door policy, we are always approachable, available, and happy to help.
Find out more about our Westminster setting here.