Melissa Goaten

What roles have you held throughout your career and what has your progression route looked like?

My career in education and early years development is rooted in a hands-on, vocational foundation. I began my journey as an Apprentice in 2005, balancing practical work with dedication by attending night school to earn my qualifications. This approach allowed me to learn the fundamentals of child development and education from the ground up. It also gives me the understanding of what life as an apprentice is like, as well as the importance of work, study, life balance.

After completing my apprenticeship with Harrogate College, I continued to work within a preschool at a nursery in Ripon for around two years before moving on to pastures new as well as a new age range of 0-2 years.

Through hard work and a passion for early years care, I progressed into leadership roles. I spent 10 years at a nursery in Thirsk, where I advanced to Baby Room Leader and ultimately stepped into Nursery Management. In these roles, I developed my skills in team leadership, curriculum implementation, and operational management, ensuring a high standard of care and early education and also helping to gain an Outstanding grading from OFSTED. 

Following the birth of my daughter, I chose to shift my career to achieve a better family-work balance. I transitioned into a Deputy Manager role at my local village preschool. This position allowed me to remain in high-quality early years practice while giving me the flexibility to spend precious time with my daughter during her formative years.