Yvonne Hartnell

A little about me

I lead a nursery with children at different stages of early development. A mixed-age room needs routines that work for the group while leaving space for each child’s pace and needs. I pay attention to how a child settles, what helps them feel secure and which information staff need to carry between sessions.

Settling conversations are important because families know the child in ways a new setting does not yet. I want adults to listen carefully, agree what support will look like and revisit the plan as the child becomes more comfortable. Good coordination also means making sure the room is ready and staffed appropriately.

I look for resources that help a team communicate and plan without replacing professional judgement. A checklist can support consistency, while an observation helps us decide what to do next. I value practical systems that leave practitioners free to focus on relationships, play and the everyday care that supports learning.