Parent testimonials

“I am struggling to write what I want to say concisely and clearly because I want to say so much about Scallywags!!! It is wonderful because it is an engaging and exciting place to learn. We love that Scallywags has embraced the Hygge approach and structures all of the learning around the natural world, as well as the child led approach. As a result of this, my daughters have a fascination with nature and use their imagination so well. At home they prefer to play outside with natural resources, and this is because Scallywags has motivated and inspired them. Alongside that, my child is challenged with new vocabulary linked to the weekly theme each week that even we didn’t know the meaning of!”

“We honestly cannot thank the Scallywags team enough for the ongoing support we have had with my child’s speech and language, especially from Nic who has always been at the end of the phone, email or even in person - to have someone listen and talk to means a lot. Your dedication and passion in making sure he is able to express his needs at the nursery has also always been appreciated. We know he adores his Scallywags family, and we feel confident as parents that he is never left out because of not being able to communicate quite as easily as others.”

“We really like the Scallywags ethos, it immediately stood out from other nurseries when we were looking round - it felt very homely and happy, not like a classroom. I like the fact that my son is encouraged to love nature, and care about the environment, and that the day’s activities are designed around the interests of the children. I’ve been especially happy with how key worker, Zoe, has helped our son settle in, she instantly made him feel safe and secure, and made us feel relaxed about sending him to nursery.”

Staff testimonials

“I remember my first interview and being asked ‘what could you bring to Scallywags’... Roll on 4 years, I have now been able to enrol onto a level 5 course and have been trained by one of the best, to become a supervisor. Not only have I developed my career, but I have also had support to develop as a person. Never in my wildest dream would I imagine that I would meet 3 ladies that know exactly when I need support, know exactly how to pick me up and encourage me to do better. Kerry, Nic and Abbie are beyond amazing, the way that they believe in me and have given me so much time, support, care, guidance, and help is phenomenal. My career and future look bright, my mental health is golden, and I want to achieve the unachievable for the first time in forever. Joining Scallywags was one of the best choices I made!”

“Working at Scallywags has been an extremely rewarding experience. Management have invested both time and energy in to progressing my knowledge and skills to give children the best outcomes. I’m incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to compete my Level 5 and develop my skills as both a practitioner and a leader. Management encourage all staff to reflect on the needs of the children and research strategies and theories to support them in practice. I was encouraged to look into Te Whariki, this helped me develop rituals for my children and really develop the children’s sense of belonging within the room. Management has a hands-on approach with the nursery and offer as much support as they can in the day-to-day tasks of the nursery. This supports the staff team as we are able to rely on each other.”

“I love working at scallywags, I wake up everyday exited to go to work to inspire the children who also inspire me! I feel so supported at my workplace, with my mental health and wellbeing. When I started at scallywags it was very different to the other nurseries I have worked at, it was a challenge and working alongside the most amazing, dedicated people have trained me to be an amazing practitioner! I have built so much confidence within my role, learning new knowledge every day, facing positive challenges and tasks! It has widened my imagination seeing the most amazing and creative activities! I wouldn’t want to work at another nursery! Amazing place to work it is my second home!”