A NURSERY worker from Orford has revealed her inspiring journey to the top, being one of the longest standing employees at her setting.

Jill Dutton, 41, graduated from Hope University in Liverpool with a degree in early years education and never looked back.

She began her career by joining one of the first nurseries that was taken over by successful chain Kids Planet Day Nurseries, formerly known as Cowboys and Angels and now named Kids Planet Beamont, based on Leigh Street.

Jill joined the setting as a nursery practitioner and quickly worked her way up to deputy manager.

When Kids Planet bought out the nursery in 2008, Jill was re-hired as nursery manager, and sustained the role for 11 years.

“I was really proud of being a nursery manager at Beamont,” Jill said. “I loved it, I was there when it opened from day one and saw the team grow and lots of the team have progressed to leader roles.”

Currently, Jill works as a senior early year’s advisor, guiding and supporting her colleagues in delivering high-quality education.

She spoke of how she thrives in her new role, visiting Kids Planet Nursery settings across the north west and working/supporting different teams.

And much of her success in the early years sector she attributes to the countless learning opportunities that have been provided to her by the company.

These have included earning her Train the Trainer certificate, achieving Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and becoming a Mental Health First Aider.

Currently she is also working towards her National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL).

The advisor emphasised how important it is to always continue learning when working within the education sector.

“We are encouraged to deepen our knowledge and it is important that we stay on top of our own development.

"I’ve always been fully supported by my line managers and wouldn’t have been able to progress as far as I have without the support and encouragement I have had from Kids Planet.

“Without them I would not have achieved my bank of qualifications to make me as successful as I have been. I am forever grateful for the opportunities the team have offered me to grow."

Detailing her favourite stage in her career so far, Jill spoke of how fulfilled she is in her current role as an advisor.

“I love the job that I do now. I am field based; I am not based at a nursery. I get to travel and visit lots of nurseries including new settings.

“I support new managers in my role, and it is quite varied which I also enjoy.”

Looking back on the last 16 years, the 41-year-old expressed her pride in the success of her journey with Kids Planet Nurseries.

“I am proud of where I have got to. I am proud that I get to keep doing the job that I love doing and encouraging others to do it to.”

Gill Mason, training academy director at Kids Planet commented on Jills long standing career, adding: “At Kids Planet, we know that working in early years is a hugely rewarding career with a multitude of opportunities to progress and specialise in certain areas.

“When our staff stay with us for as long as Jill has, we see this as a huge achievement, and testament to our dedication to employees.”