More than 200 colleagues from across Attraction Nurseries gathered at The Stones Hotel, near Salisbury, on 15 October for the organisation’s first company-wide training day.
Featuring motivational speaker Nigel Risner and early years trainer Ben Kingston-Hughes, the event brought together teams from settings across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Keynsham near Bristol, and Sandhurst in Berkshire.
Organised by director Alison Dennis, the day gave colleagues the opportunity to learn together, share experiences and build relationships across the company.
Nigel Risner delivered a lively, interactive session based on his “It’s a Zoo Around Here” approach, using lions, monkeys, elephants and dolphins to explore different communication styles. Colleagues were encouraged to recognise how people communicate differently and consider how adapting their approach could help them better understand and support one another at work.
Author and early years trainer Ben Kingston-Hughes, Managing Director of Inspired Children, led a session on the importance of play. Colleagues rotated between the two speakers, giving everyone the opportunity to attend both sessions.
Alison Dennis, director of Attraction Nurseries, said: “Bringing more than 200 colleagues together was a special milestone for us. We wanted everyone to have time to learn, feel inspired and connect with the wider Attraction Nurseries team.
“Our people are at the heart of our nurseries, and supporting their development helps us create positive experiences for children and families.”
Alongside the speaker sessions, colleagues took part in group activities and spent time getting to know one another during breaks and lunch. Staff were encouraged to sit beside someone from a different nursery, helping build connections beyond their own settings.
Jodi Gladwin, daily lead in the baby room at one of the group’s nurseries, said: “It was lovely to spend the day learning alongside colleagues from across the group. Both speakers gave us plenty to think about, and meeting people from the other nurseries really helped us feel part of one team.”
A whole-team photograph marked the occasion, capturing colleagues brought together under the message: “One Team. One Vision. Attraction Nurseries.”
