After running a very successful Nursery in the North East, Dr Jane Todd now runs The Little Coach House, designing and making Educational Resources, and works as an Early Years Consultant; using a personal approach to help Nursery Owners and Managers with running a successful nursery business.
I started life as a primary school teacher, and in the latter years was on the senior leadership team. My role included heading up curriculum and assessment and I implemented a new creative curriculum through the school.
My last post was as Acting Director of Prep School.
I have three degrees from Durham University; a first class Education degree, a Masters degree (with distinction) in Educational Policy, and a Doctorate in Music Education. I have lectured at Durham University on their PGCE and QTS programmes, and in the Music Department at Newcastle University.
Once I gained my Doctorate, and had reached Acting Headship, I left the school system in 2013 to set up a day nursery outside Durham. The business was started with a 10k loan and a lot of blood, sweat and tears! By 2017 I had reached maximum capacity, had been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, was able to buy my building and double in size. In 2022, due to demand, I expanded again, and sold the Nursery in 2023. During that time I had also taken on an existing nursery in another city and turned that round.
I am now in the position that I can share my knowledge and experiences to support other Nursery Owners and Managers. I have been working with the LEA, individual nurseries and small nursery chains to provide mentoring, coaching, training and one-to-one business analysis, to enable managers and owners to run efficient and effective nursery businesses.
I am also an Early Years Music Specialist and taught early years music classes and ran music training for Nursery Practitioners alongside operating my setting. Early Years Music Training is still a service I offer.
Most of my support work is carried out remotely, but depending on your location, I can come to your nursery for an on-site day’s consultancy. Remote support takes place through online meetings, where we can talk, I can get a flavour of your business, and the areas that you would like support with. There are certain set packages I offer including coaching, the Thrive programme, business audits as well as ad-hoc support in the form of ‘power hours’.
As I approach the ‘business side’, this is informed by my knowledge and experience of education, early years, people management, meaning that my approach is holistic. Even when looking at the business side, my knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy and enabling environments comes into play.
Other than the set packages, I can work one-to-one with owners and/or Managers, or with whole management teams. I can lead on-site training or staff meetings, and support in settings too. Dependent on the area of support, and the level needed, I can tailor an individual support package to what is right for your staff and setting.
I can help you in many ways! Importantly though, I have ‘walked the walk’; I am not just a ‘business person’ trying to apply ‘off the shelf’ formula and spreadsheets. First and foremost, I am a passionate Educator who has a heart for enabling people to learn, whether I am working with children, university students, nursery owners or teachers! I do not lose focus of the children, families and staff at the heart of nurseries, and how they impact on business decisions. I acknowledge that not all nurseries are the same, and different people have different skill sets. I work alongside you in a personal and holistic way, taking the time to understand your business.
To see more about the packages Jane offers or to book click here
To ask a specific question, do message Jane: