Elizabeth Bradley

Nursery Manager
Qualifications: Honours Degree in Geography; Post Graduate Certificate in Education; Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Studies (Leadership & Management, Education)
Location: Chapter 1 and 2

Experience

Elizabeth Bradley is the Nursery Manager for both locations and has been a team member since August 2015.

I qualified as a primary teacher in England and have 25 years of experience in the education sector as a pre-school specialist; early childhood education is my passion. After teaching in and managing a 78 place nursery, I became deputy headteacher of a multicultural infant school in London, England, where I taught children aged 3 to 8. As an Early Years Consultant, I provided advice, quality assurance, and professional development for early childhood education settings and schools across the city of Leeds.

Prior to moving to Bermuda in 2014, I was Leeds City Council’s Early Years Improvement Manager. There I was responsible for the strategic development of early years policy and managed 20 consultants whose role was to improve the quality and standards of early education and care across the city. Though challenging, I enjoyed this role and was recognised for my strong leadership skills through the awards of Children’s Services Manager and Leader of the Year in 2011 and 2013.

After studying an honours degree in geography, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status in 1998. A Post Graduate Diploma in Education followed, and I completed my Directors Certificate in 2020. I am now studying a Masters in Education with Montessori to be completed in September 2022.  I am CPR and First Aid certified and SCARS trained.

I am a passionate and caring early years educator. I regularly access professional development and have an in-depth knowledge of child development. My areas of interest include the role of play and using manipulatives and natural materials within the classroom.

If I can use my skills and knowledge to encourage staff to value the importance of early years, to understand how young children learn best and to create an environment that stimulates children’s minds and curiosity then I know I have succeeded in my role.

I enjoy talking with and playing alongside the children whilst building relationships with our parents. The nurseries are spacious and well-resourced and I like working with the enthusiastic and hardworking staff to provide a happy and welcoming environment.

After completing my Masters qualification I’d like to use this knowledge to train in the Montessori approach.

As Nursery Manager I am excited to have this opportunity to contribute to quality and meaningful learning experiences for children in Bermuda. I look forward to working in partnership with the staff and parents of Once Upon a Time to ensure that every child enjoys their time at OUAT and has the best start to their education.