V is for Values: The ABC of Nursery Management
This article is taken from our 2025 edition of the ABC of Nursery Management guide. You can explore more topics and expert insights by downloading your copy here.
V for values: the foundations of competency
What simple but effective set of words guides, influences and shapes your early years provision? Values. Values are constantly at work; they define what matters most to you and are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide behaviour and decision-making.
Whilst quality, teaching, strong leadership, and excellent communication are all crucial, the foundations of any success are your values. Values shape your culture and create a sense of purpose for you, your team and your families. When values are clearly defined and consistently upheld, they set the tone for a positive, nurturing, and effective learning environment for all.
Why do values matter? Values are more than just words on a vision statement. They are the guiding principles that influence every interaction, policy, and decision within an Early Years provision. They provide:
- Clarity and Direction: A strong set of values ensures consistency in leadership and day-to-day operations.
- A Strong Team Culture: When your team share common values, collaboration and confidence improve.
- Trust and Engagement with Families: Parents feel confident leaving their children in an environment that aligns with their own values and expectations.
- Better Outcomes for Children: Values such as respect, curiosity, kindness, and inclusivity create a positive learning environment where children thrive.
Discovering your core values
Just like children, every Early Years provision has its own unique character. Identifying your core values is a process of thoughtful reflection and discussion.
Explore potential values
Review a comprehensive list of potential values that might resonate with your vision. Consider values such as: Nurturing | Love | Collaboration | Community | Respect | Trust | Kindness | Creativity
Identify your strongest values
Make a list of potential values with your team, highlighting the values that mean the most to you—the ones you feel most passionately about.
Map your values to practice
For each of your top values, create a mind map that explores how each value manifests in your provision. Consider how they appear:
- In your daily routines and activities.
- In your policies and procedures.
- In your interactions and communications with children and families.
- In your team dynamics and professional development.
A mapping exercise is essential for continual development, as it reveals gaps between your ideal values and current practice. This then guides meaningful change.
Embedding values into daily practice
Values must be actively lived. They don’t just belong on your website—here are some ideas to integrate them into the culture of your provision:
- Lead by Example: As a leader, model the values you want to see in your team. If kindness, patience, and professionalism are key values, ensure they are visible in your and your team’s actions, from the start of the day to the end.
- Recruit and Train with Values in Mind: Use values as a benchmark when hiring new team members and include them in induction, training, and professional development.
- Communicate Clearly: Regularly discuss values in team meetings, newsletters, and interactions with families. Make them visible through displays, documentation, and daily conversations.
- Use Values to Guide Decision-Making: Whether introducing a new policy or handling a challenging situation, refer back to your core values to stay aligned with your vision.
Remember that values evolve as your provision grows and changes. Be open to revisiting your core values. Have a values ‘check-in’ with your team. Ask, “Are we living our values? Where can we do better?” Ensure your values remain relevant to the needs of children, families, and your team.
Conclusion
Your values are your heartbeat. They define your culture, inspire your team, and shape continual development. By clearly identifying, embedding, and living your values, you create a provision where children thrive, and individuals feel empowered.
Take time to reflect: What are the values that truly matter to you and your provision? Do they run through everything you do?
By keeping values at the forefront of your mind, you ensure they remain the foundation of your provision’s success.
The ABC of Nursery Management 2025 | FREE Download
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About the Author
Alison Featherbe is a leading authority in the EYFS, award-winning trainer, and consultant. Alison provides advice and support to Early Years owners, leaders and managers and is a mentor for students undertaking their Early Years Teacher Training. Alison has created a membership community and is your virtual Early Years Consultant.