Contrary to outdated perceptions that nursery work offers limited career progression, the early years education sector offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to develop professionally.

Vikki Aarons’ journey is testament to that. Having progressed from nursery practitioner to nursery manager before becoming the owner of her own nursery, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Eltham, her career demonstrates how passion, hands-on experience and the right support can open doors to leadership and business ownership.

Grace Cole, managing director at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries, sat down with Vikki to explore her career and challenge common misconceptions about progression within early years education. Here, Vikki answers those questions.

Did you always know you wanted to work in early years education?

I always knew I wanted to work with children and originally planned to become a teacher. During one of my placements in a nursery, I discovered a passion for early years – I loved supporting children through those first important years and being part of such a close-knit team.

After qualifying, I worked in a nursery, gained experience as a private nanny and, after starting my own family, returned to nursery life. That’s when I knew I’d found the career I was meant to be in.

How did your career develop with Monkey Puzzle?

I’d already progressed from practitioner to nursery manager before joining Monkey Puzzle in 2013 to help open Monkey Puzzle Bexleyheath.

Launching a brand-new nursery gave me invaluable experience, from building a team to welcoming new families and preparing for Ofsted inspections. The support I received from Monkey Puzzle shaped my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to take the next step.

What inspired you to become a nursery owner?

My parents had suggested to me the idea of investing in a franchise and opening a nursery together and because of my experience with Monkey Puzzle, it was the only franchise we ever considered.

After finding the perfect location, we opened Monkey Puzzle Eltham in 2018. Eight years on, we’ve built an incredible team and a thriving nursery. I’d love to open a second setting one day – but only if it’s the right fit and allows us to maintain the quality standards we’re so proud of.

What would you say to someone considering a career in early years education?

I’d encourage anyone considering a career in early years to go for it. It’s an incredibly rewarding profession where no two days are ever the same, and you have the privilege of helping shape children’s futures during some of their most important years.

People often assume there are limited opportunities to progress, but that’s simply not the case. There are so many different career paths available and with experience, hard work and the right support, you can develop into leadership roles or even, like me, go on to own your own nursery.

It’s a career where you never stop learning, and every day brings the chance to make a real difference.

What still makes you love what you do?

Watching the children grow and develop from when they join us as babies to graduating from our pre-school, ready to make the step up to primary school, is incredibly rewarding. I also love the lasting relationships we build with our families and our team.

As an owner, I make sure I have a regular presence in the nursery, because knowing our children, parents and staff is very important to me. With a growing demand for childcare, there’s never been a better time to build a career in early years.

Following the interview, Grace summed up the interview: “Vikki’s journey is a brilliant reminder that the early years sector has so much more to offer than many people realise. From those first steps in a nursery to leading a thriving business, her story shows how ambition, commitment and a genuine passion for children can take you further than you might expect.

“At Monkey Puzzle, we’re incredibly proud to see people create fulfilling futures within our network. When talented people are encouraged to develop, everyone benefits – from colleagues and children to the wider communities we serve.”

Stories like Vikki’s really help highlight the many paths available within early years and the lasting impact that passionate people can have throughout their careers.