Helping You Manage At Work
Balancing the books as a childminder is likely to involve a combination of reducing costs and increasing income.
My recent blog post for PACEY – Maximise Income, Minimise Expenditure as part of their Business Toolkit for Childminders, focuses on some of the steps that you could take to help you to operate sustainably.
“I have used Jacqui for support with childcare sector leadership and business management training and have been impressed with Jacqui's knowledge, expertise and delivery style - I can definitely recommend her as an expert in her field.”
Craig Waugh, Business Support Adviser, City of York Council
Craig Waugh, Business Support Adviser, City of York Council
Sarah Wormald, Chair of Governors, Bottisham Community Primary School
Sarah Wormald, Chair of Governors, Bottisham Community Primary School
“Jacqui delivered a series of workshops for our PVI nurseries and childminders. The workshops were very well received. Jacqui's engaging delivery and careful signposting to very useful additional resources has ensured that our delegates continue to benefit from the training sessions. Jacqui is extremely personable, reliable, and able to be flexible to meet our needs. We would love to have her back again in the future.”
Emma Biskupski, Early Years Workforce Development Officer, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Emma Biskupski, Early Years Workforce Development Officer, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement workshop
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement workshop
"I've been able to use the new strategies I learnt to make me work more effectively as a manager. It gave my deputy and me the opportunity to liaise regarding management, and gain support and ideas."
Karen Montgomery, Manager, Little Dragons Pre-School
Karen Montgomery, Manager, Little Dragons Pre-School
"I wanted to give you personal feedback on your course which I found absolutely great and informative and a confirmation of my practice. I hope other Childminders will have gained a lot of knowledge from it too."
Simona McKenzie, Independent Childminder
Simona McKenzie, Independent Childminder
“I had the pleasure to participate in a series of sessions delivered by Jacqui as part of a project funded by the DfE to up-skill early years practitioners. Jacqui delivered all the sessions to an extremely high standard and her support to the course participants was second to none. I would most certainly recommend Jacqui to others as an extremely professional and experienced trainer.”
Karen Fulton, National Programmes Contracts Manager, 4Children
Karen Fulton, National Programmes Contracts Manager, 4Children
"We were delighted with the lively debate. The conference was very well received by delegates, we had excellent feedback and I know your contribution was very valuable to the event."
Rachel Warner, Head of Events, 4Children
Rachel Warner, Head of Events, 4Children
"She is flying!! I notice a big change. Lots of forward planning, tackling many issues she would previously pass to me and her confidence has grown. She really is managing the nursery now - thank you."
Alison Bradley, Owner, Scallyways Day Nursery
Alison Bradley, Owner, Scallyways Day Nursery
"It has been a really great process to go through and one that has really focused and motivated the whole team. We've been really impressed with your approach and professionalism and will be following up on all of the recommendations."
Peter Job, Managing Director, Intergence
Peter Job, Managing Director, Intergence
"Jacqui is an excellent coach, is adept at providing advice, support and mentoring. She has helped the company achieve growth in key markets, assisted with management of change as a result and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to work with other businesses to do the same."
James Clements-Smith, Managing Director, Prevista
James Clements-Smith, Managing Director, Prevista
Nicola Fletcher, Early Years Officer, Bracknell Forest Council
Nicola Fletcher, Early Years Officer, Bracknell Forest Council
Grazia Ferrante, EY Training & Consultancy
Grazia Ferrante, EY Training & Consultancy
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
“Flourishing People are an excellent example of good practice in a small business. Jacqui is responsible for all aspects of the business from administration to delivery through to strategy and policy. It was clear straight away that Jacqui is dedicated to providing a first class service to her customers delivered with passion and in an ethical manner.”
James Davey, Responsible Business Standard Auditor
James Davey, Responsible Business Standard Auditor
Registered Childminder, Isle of Wight
Registered Childminder, Isle of Wight
“Jacqui has a genuine charismatic and professional demeanour. Her commitment to individuals, assisting them to get the best results in work-related issues is always with sincerity. Her communication has always been exceptional and the advice given has always been positive. I would highly recommend her, as she has unique qualities.”
Elaine Thompson-Dixon, Revenue Monitoring Officer, London Borough of Lambeth
Elaine Thompson-Dixon, Revenue Monitoring Officer, London Borough of Lambeth
“Jacqui put together a training package to help us to begin to understand how each other work and think. The backbone of this training was the Jigsaw@work. This was extremely successful and helped us to settle into effective ways of working.”
Danielle Catling, Owner, Pear Tree Pre School & Out of School Club
Danielle Catling, Owner, Pear Tree Pre School & Out of School Club
“Jacqui is inspiring. There were many 'gifts of knowledge' she passed on throughout our time working together. I have gone on to use and promote many of the business tools with others. Her patience and professionalism shines through her relationships with colleagues and clients - anyone would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Jacqui.”
Charlotte Pace, Trainer/Facilitator
Charlotte Pace, Trainer/Facilitator
"Staff appreciated the opportunity to provide their input, as did the directors. It has resulted in a more open atmosphere when discussing matters affecting the future growth and strategy of the company."
R Shearsmith, Managing Director, Nikaro
R Shearsmith, Managing Director, Nikaro
"We've experienced improved integration of training needs analysis with the appraisal system. It's still early days but immediate benefits include greater ability to demonstrate compliance, better informed and more motivated staff, a commitment to e-learning development and potential access to related funding."
Ross Midgley, Managing Director, People and Business Development
Ross Midgley, Managing Director, People and Business Development
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
"This lady is an absolute master of coaching and facilitation. When times get tougher she is there with a happy voice, smiling face and open arms full of help and support. She is a true advocate of mentoring and coaching and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending her as a generous human being and great facilitator to learning."
Nicole Kennedy, Business Owner, Montessori Nursery School
Nicole Kennedy, Business Owner, Montessori Nursery School
“As my personal coach and mentor, Jacqui has been one of the most influential people in my life moulding me into an individual that successfully managed high performing teams delivering millions worth of public funds. In every organisation I have worked in I have utilised Jacqui to help shape and mould teams to be empowered high achievers. Highly recommended.”
Ann-Marie Liddiard, Managing Director, TFY Ltd
Ann-Marie Liddiard, Managing Director, TFY Ltd
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
“I very much enjoyed and benefitted from Jacqui's expertise. Her understanding of the early years sector, of small businesses and of people management were strong. Her delivery is interactive, informative and respectful.”
Nathan Archer, Development Manager, Lincolnshire Montessori
Nathan Archer, Development Manager, Lincolnshire Montessori
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 hours Extended Entitlement
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 hours Extended Entitlement
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support Programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support Programme
"Thank you for facilitating our conference. Feedback at this end has been extremely positive - I even had an email about 'geese' where the manager has already used this at a staff meeting! Honk, honk! I hope to continue working with you."
Janette Faherty, Chief Executive, Avanta
Janette Faherty, Chief Executive, Avanta
Team Leader, Seymour House Day Nurseries
Team Leader, Seymour House Day Nurseries
"Great course. Much more informative than I thought it would be. Will implement it immediately within my setting and will recommend course to others. Tutor was lovely, made us all feel very involved and included. We will all go home with more confidence and being more assertive."
Effective Management Workshop Participant
Effective Management Workshop Participant
"Just wanted to feedback that Jxxx is buzzing after she attended the Interpersonal Effectiveness course this week.
She commented that the trainer, Jacqui, was the best she had ever encountered and felt she learnt so much about being more effective and has already had positive results from putting the learning into practice."
Manager, Papworth Trust
Manager, Papworth Trust
“Jacqui is a very knowledgeable and empathetic person who has made me think anew about my goals and needs as I have moved out of public service. She has also given me very sound practical advice.”
Steve Green, Assistant Director, BGG Associates
Steve Green, Assistant Director, BGG Associates
“It was invaluable to have someone hold me to account and give me airtime to discuss issues in my life. Understanding these issues and seeing them more clearly has given me the power to do something about them.”
Coaching Client
Coaching Client
"Jacqui was a great person to work with – organised, professional and very competent. Her input was invaluable."
Lesley Chesterfield, Organisation Development Manager, Papworth Trust
Lesley Chesterfield, Organisation Development Manager, Papworth Trust
"Just what I needed. It's given me a moment to stop and evaluate my business and see which areas need improvement"
Tania Livermore, Participant on Business Planning Workshop
Tania Livermore, Participant on Business Planning Workshop
“Very personable and professional, and focused on ensuring that her clients receive high quality coaching, advice and solutions.”
Angela Sherring, HR Consultant
Angela Sherring, HR Consultant
Head Teacher / School Governor
Head Teacher / School Governor
"We hired Jacqui to help us understand team dynamics within our company in order to enhance our creativity and productivity. This was achieved through personality profiling and 360 feedback. Jacqui really managed to turn it into a highly enjoyable and enlightening experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Jacqui for all types of organisations that want to improve their performance."
Nigel Job, Managing Director, Remtec Search & Selection
Nigel Job, Managing Director, Remtec Search & Selection
"Brilliant training session! Really learnt a lot - different ways to approach staff and great insights to do my first appraisals. I do actually see myself as a manager now."
Rebecca Lack, Manager, Noak Bridge Pre-School
Rebecca Lack, Manager, Noak Bridge Pre-School
"Jacqui took time to understand me. She filtered information based on how I operate – delivered it in a style that matched mine. I felt a sense of accountability. Jacqui, through well structured questioning, challenged my own development, not shying away from the key problem areas. It was one of the best experiences I have had in terms of professional development."
James West, Marketing Manager, Prevista
James West, Marketing Manager, Prevista
“I really wish I had been able to attend these sessions a long time ago and feel that everyone I work with would benefit highly from them. It helped me recognise the natural strengths I have and the areas I need to work on and improve.”
360 Degree Feedback Client
360 Degree Feedback Client
“You turned mountains into mole hills”
Coaching Client
Coaching Client
"Just wanted to say what a great pleasure it has been working with you. I feel I've had more than a few light bulb moments and what you've been teaching has really resonated with me from start to finish. I cultivated two cross-sales today by focusing on the techniques we discussed around open questions and how to appeal to different personality types."
Gareth Cotton, Account Executive, La Playa Insurance
Gareth Cotton, Account Executive, La Playa Insurance
"I just wanted to say thanks for your help in preparing for my interview. I was successful! My interviewers thought that I was consistent throughout and that I had good examples that I wanted to get across."
Laura, Career Coaching Client
Laura, Career Coaching Client
"As always it was really good having you part of the team. You have a wonderful ability to make things seem less complicated and you are able to arm us with the skills and knowledge we need to tackle some of the challenges in the business."
Mark Boon, Managing Director, La Playa Insurance
Mark Boon, Managing Director, La Playa Insurance
"The feedback taught me how to take praise for my strengths and constructive criticism for my weaknesses, and learn from them."
Emily, Nursery Manager
Emily, Nursery Manager
"The course has given a clear route to overviewing my business, clarifying my goals and planning my future."
Rosemary Dawn Simmons, Participant on Business Planning Workshop
Rosemary Dawn Simmons, Participant on Business Planning Workshop
"I just wanted to feedback how much I enjoyed the Business Advisers training. I found all of the information and tools highly useful in my role and, unexpectedly, many of the skills are also transferable to other roles and situations."
Sharon Dickinson, EY Adviser, Derbyshire County Council
Sharon Dickinson, EY Adviser, Derbyshire County Council
"Jacqui is innovative in her approach to developing targeted support and training, which meets the needs of our ever changing market. She has supported us in developing skills and knowledge which has impacted directly on improved sustainability for businesses in Essex."
Alan Haylock, Business Support Adviser, Essex County Council
Alan Haylock, Business Support Adviser, Essex County Council
“You gave me a space where I have been able to explore, offload, ask for advice and receive great encouragement. I've been on a journey of learning and discovery. I feel better equipped to find my clients and 'get up and go'!”
Career Coaching Client
Career Coaching Client
"The raising awareness sessions were invaluable in helping staff to understand the realities of working after cancer."
Mount Vernon Cancer Network / Macmillan Cancer Support Vocational Rehabilitation Project
Mount Vernon Cancer Network / Macmillan Cancer Support Vocational Rehabilitation Project
Bea Heath, Owner, Independent ChildMinders SE CIC
Bea Heath, Owner, Independent ChildMinders SE CIC
"The coaching was really helpful, supportive and insightful; a great opportunity to reflect and gain some objectivity around what was happening at work. I came away from every session with a new technique, renewed enthusiasm for my role and inspiration about how to approach things I was struggling with. The MBTI helped me to understand who I am, how I react to certain situations and why I do this. It has hugely increased my understanding of other people's communication methods and ways of thinking."
Kate Bunting, User Involvement Coordinator, Papworth Trust
Kate Bunting, User Involvement Coordinator, Papworth Trust
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
“Jacqui provided me with practical career guidance and support which helped me to realise my goals and gave me the confidence to set up my own business. I've never looked back.”
Stephanie Wheeler, Director, Stephanie Wheeler Associates
Stephanie Wheeler, Director, Stephanie Wheeler Associates
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
"Covered topics I was interested in like challenge and conflict. I gained an insight into handling different personalities. Well delivered workshop, friendly tutor made participants feel at ease."
Effective Management Workshop Participant
Effective Management Workshop Participant
“Jacqui is an excellent facilitator and mentor for all aspects of business consultancy. Her thorough approach and attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the business environment is covered in depth with relevant and useful tools and practical examples.”
Dean Hireson, Team Leader, Telford and Wrekin Council
Dean Hireson, Team Leader, Telford and Wrekin Council
“Jacqui is able to offer advice from a wide variety of sources and experience. Her coaching helped me identify new goals and improve my networking.”
Clare Merritt, Senior Sustainability Policy Adviser, Government Office
Clare Merritt, Senior Sustainability Policy Adviser, Government Office
"I just wanted to say an ENORMOUS thank you for enlightening me on the Money Matters course. I have since been glued to Excel, working out my current break-even and have been able to relate it back to the required levels of occupancy etc, as well as breaking it down room by room. I shall be sharing this information with my team leaders so they too can see why it is important to maintain our occupancy levels."
Janet Elnaugh, Phoenix Day Nursery
Janet Elnaugh, Phoenix Day Nursery
“The training was excellent, giving ideas and time for feedback. I have already used many of the ideas in dealing with early years settings and feel the training has been very beneficial to my role as a Childcare Officer. I would recommend Jacqui for business support/advice and training.”
Alison Davies, Childcare Officer, Bedford Borough Council
Alison Davies, Childcare Officer, Bedford Borough Council
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
"Having been both a recipient and more recently a hirer of Jacqui's service I can definitely recommend her as an expert in her field. I have used Jacqui for support with childcare sector leadership and business management training and have been impressed with Jacqui's knowledge, expertise and delivery style."
Craig Waugh, Business Support Adviser, York City Council
Craig Waugh, Business Support Adviser, York City Council
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
"Covered a variety of issues, clearly explained exercises and very interactive which made understanding easier, to the point and very relevant to real life. Kept my interest throughout the whole day."
Effective Management Workshop Participant
Effective Management Workshop Participant
"I have learnt a huge amount from working with you, in particular from my 360 feedback. Your work with me really helped me think about perceptions of others and my role as the HR Manager. It’s been a real pleasure working with you."
Tina Sahota, HR Manager, Prevista
Tina Sahota, HR Manager, Prevista
“It was really valuable to get an open and honest opinion from colleagues about my work. The 360 degree feedback system taught me how to take praise for my strengths and constructive criticism for weaknesses, and learn from them. I now have more awareness about the areas in which I can improve.”
360 Degree Feedback Client
360 Degree Feedback Client
"Just to say how stimulating I found your course. Your enthusiasm and drive helped me to understand new concepts and gave me the skills to put them into practice. Humour and gentle persuasion were key to its success. I believe everyone enjoyed every minute of it."
Sarah Clover, Childcare Manager, Wiltshire County Council
Sarah Clover, Childcare Manager, Wiltshire County Council
"This really is the first time that I have analysed how I work and it has been an immensely helpful exercise. It has given me a fresh look at how I deal with others."
Geoff Wytcherley, Manager, DEFRA
Geoff Wytcherley, Manager, DEFRA
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
Participant on Business Planning for the 30 Hours Entitlement Workshop
“Jacqui is an engaging facilitator, clearly willing to share her knowledge and expertise of supporting SME's including childcare businesses. The sessions were well planned and included teaching styles that met the needs of all the participants, providing opportunities for both professional and personal development. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jacqui as a facilitator or trainer.”
Maureen Askew, Early Years and Childcare Business Consultant
Maureen Askew, Early Years and Childcare Business Consultant
“Jacqui has the ability to ask the right question at the right time. Her coaching support allowed me to clarify my thoughts and prioritise my actions. Jacqui was an excellent 'sounding board' for my ideas and her constructive and helpful feedback gave me confidence in my abilities to make a new venture work. I would recommend Jacqui to anyone thinking about changing career or looking to set up in business for themselves for the first time.”
Kate Bavester, Bavester Associates
Kate Bavester, Bavester Associates
"Superb advice for an upcoming presentation. Didn't expect to go home feeling as confident as I do! Many thanks."
Louise Field, Participant on Communicating Assertively Workshop
Louise Field, Participant on Communicating Assertively Workshop
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
“Jacqui is a very friendly, approachable professional lady and I have benefited greatly from her teaching on business skills. She is very creative and resourceful, and her enthusiasm to share her knowledge, experience and expertise has really inspired me. She is very innovative and has taught me how to think out of the box, get out of my comfort zone and make a difference to the Early Years settings that I support. I am so very pleased I attended her workshops as the benefits have been immeasurable.”
Bev Barker, Early Years Welfare Consultant, Lincolnshire County Council
Bev Barker, Early Years Welfare Consultant, Lincolnshire County Council
“Jacqui is a pleasure to work with. As my mentor she generously shared with me her experience and knowledge. I’m very grateful to Jacqui for all the support, valuable ideas and practical advice she gave me on how to develop my business.”
Raisa Critchley, Personal Image Coach
Raisa Critchley, Personal Image Coach
“Jacqui was adaptable in her approach and was able to help me resolve many of the issues one has to deal with following redundancy; a great help to me at the start of my new business in encouraging me to focus on the right priorities in getting the business going, and in pointing the way forward to success.”
Pete Johnstone, Owner, PJ Elements
Pete Johnstone, Owner, PJ Elements
“I first came across Jacqui at a conference. She delivered a presentation in which she expertly identified the real barriers to early years providers increasing their business skills. Her insightfulness in terms of the emotional issues that are driving behaviours of many providers “hit the spot” and Jacqui further helped the audience by giving suggestions as to how we could more effectively, and respectfully, challenge resistance and meaningfully coach setting managers to develop their business acumen. Authentic stuff!”
Sandie Gardner, Deputy Manager Early Years Quality Improvement, Local Government
Sandie Gardner, Deputy Manager Early Years Quality Improvement, Local Government
“Your support, help and encouragement really made me unscramble my mind about what I wanted. You were so calm and non-judgemental about the situation. I am feeling so much happier and in control at work.”
Coaching Client
Coaching Client
"I didn't realise I had any real ambition until I had completed the course. I enjoyed the course but, even more so, it has given me a desire to take my career on to another level."
Denise Brooks, Childcare Business Management Consultant, Essex County Council
Denise Brooks, Childcare Business Management Consultant, Essex County Council
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
Student on Level 5 Business Support programme
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