A mum from St Budeaux is celebrating 20 years service as a nursery practitioner with Mama Bear’s Day Nursery & Pre-School.

Cheryl Collings, 37, first joined the Mama Bear’s nursery in Springhill Green as an apprentice aged 17 and has since worked her way up to a NVQ Level 3 Nursery Nurse at the setting.

Cheryl, who has stayed in touch with many of the families she has cared for, says some of the children are now older than she was when she started in her career.

“I love keeping in touch with the families,” said Cheryl, “especially when I have looked after multiple siblings over the years, it’s great to hear about what they’re up to now.

“I’ve absolutely loved my job here at Mama Bear’s and couldn’t imagine doing anything different. It is such a supportive and encouraging company to work for, they are always happy to put you through training and help you progress in your qualifications.

“I’ve also made friends for life here, in fact a lot of the girls are like my family and manager Alex is even Godmother to my children.

“My own children attended this nursery so it’s a place I hold very close to my heart. I hope to be here for the next 20 years to come!”

Cheryl, mum to Macie, 9, and Riley, 7, has worked across all five of the age-specific rooms at the nursery but most enjoys caring for the under-threes. She is currently working with children aged 2-3 years and enjoys watching and encouraging them to learn, explore and discover.

Alex Davis, Nursery Manager at the setting in Pennycross, said: “I have worked with Cheryl for the past 16 years and can confidently say she is a huge asset to our team. She is a fantastic room leader and all of the staff and families alike warm to her immediately.

“We have many returning families here and parents are always so happy and excited when they hear that Cheryl will be their child’s key worker, she has a lovely rapport with everyone and goes above and beyond to help out.

“Cheryl has had many roles in the past 20 years and has helped with Deputy Manager cover but she is most at home with the babies and toddlers. We hope Cheryl will be with us for many more years to come because we love her!”

Mama Bear’s age-specific room are all large, well maintained and fully resourced. Children have access to the spacious garden from their base rooms and are encouraged to develop a love of playing outdoors, with a grassy area, playing apparatus and all-weather undercover play area available to them.

Fresh and healthy meals are prepared onsite in purpose-built kitchens and the nursery is staffed by a confident and capable team, who participate in regular professional development to ensure the highest standards of care.

Mama Bear’s offers provision all-year round or term-time only and funded places are available.

For more information visit www.mamabear.co.uk