People of Hastings & St Leonards
Simone Gosling
This week Kathryn Sutter spoke to Simone Gosling, Manager of Bear’s House Nursery, St Leonards.
I was born in Luton but my nan is from Hastings, and when I was three, my mum decided to move here, for a better life near the sea. I have been here ever since and can’t imagine living anywhere else now.
I’ve been working with children since finishing my level 3 qualification at college. I got into childcare when my cousin had a baby, I was in my early teens. I loved being around the baby and everyone said how good I was with her, so I decided that working with children was the path for me. I have been at Bear’s House Nursery for 10 years now; I started at their site in Holmesdale Gardens and have progressed from student to manager, now working at the site in St Matthew’s Gardens.
I run a nursery of 108 children on roll and a team of 18 staff. I love being able to provide a place where children can be themselves and learn. Some children do not have such opportunity in their home lives, so it makes it really special that we can make a difference. I also have a fantastic team of staff who I love working alongside. Much of my day involves managing staff now, but I do often go to visit the children and I get to do the fun bits! For some children we are the one stable thing in their day, and I think it’s important we ensure they feel safe and looked after when they are with us. I still get upset when children leave us to go to school, it is amazing to see the progression of the children, some of whom are with us from eight months old.
I think the best thing about the town is its history, which often gets overlooked. We have so many traditional events which are great for locals and tourists alike. I do think though that it is a shame the town centre has become a bit of a ghost town in recent years. Big businesses are not attracted to Priory Meadow and there is less and less reason to go to the town centre now. I think the development of the college, train station and the Stade has been beneficial, but it is a shame there are so few good shops. The town’s community spirit is, however, as strong as ever and my aim is to continue to grow the nursery and to be there for each of the kids we support.
• Find out more about Bear’s House at www.bearshousenursery.co.uk/nurseries/st-leonards
Read more in the series:
Irina Lazareva, the force behind Sunshine Cafe
Kate Rosie, owner of Teddy Tinker’s
Millie Rowland, CEO of Boathouse Arts and founder of ‘Millie’s Nightclub’
Father David Hill, Rector of St John’s Church, Pevensey Road
Mike and Sue Shaw of Shaws Hair Stylists
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Simone me and grandad are so proud of what you have achieved and accomplished to see how you have grown into a lovely strong woman with all those responsibilities the family your mum and us are immensely proud of you xxx