Suzie Clark
What roles have you held throughout your career and what has your progression route looked like?
I left school at 16 and studied for my NNEB in York. A Levels and university weren’t really something I considered at the time. I loved my time in York, met some wonderful friends, and after qualifying worked in a private nursery as well as spending time as a nanny.
I then moved to Leeds, where there were more opportunities to work in schools. Around this time I had my first daughter, Alice, who is now 32 and married! I started as bank staff before securing a permanent role as a Nursery Nurse (what we’d now call an HLTA) in a Reception/Year 1 class. I stayed there for 13 years and learned so much. During that time I had my second daughter, Molly, who is now a nurse living in Canada.
One of the things I’m most proud of from those years is the lifelong friendship I made with the first teacher I worked alongside. She was newly qualified, and she still tells me how much I taught her, which is incredibly special to hear.
When the small school I worked at closed, I decided on a complete change of direction and opened a coffee shop. I ran it for five years, absolutely loved it, and met so many interesting people. Unfortunately, the recession meant we had to close, so I returned to what I knew and loved – Early Years
.I worked in Harrogate before joining a brand-new nursery closer to home. I progressed from Practitioner to Deputy Manager and then became Nursery Manager when we opened another new setting. While working full-time, I studied part-time for my Level 5 in Childhood Studies and graduated at the age of 42! That remains one of my proudest achievements, especially as I’d left school with GCSEs and never really enjoyed education when I was younger.
After another 13 years, I felt ready for a new challenge and applied for a role with Cliffe House Day Nurseries, supporting the launch of their training academy. I honestly didn’t think I’d get the job because I had no training experience, but the leap of faith led me to a role as a Senior Manager supporting nurseries across the nurseries.
That role eventually led me to meeting Tori and Octavia. I clearly remember saying to Octavia during a supervision that one day I’d love to work in the academy. Fast forward a little, I completed my tutor training, and here I am! I’ve now been a Tutor/Assessor for seven months, and I genuinely love supporting apprentices to grow in confidence, develop their skills, and achieve qualifications they can be proud of.
What can apprentices expect when they work with you?
I hope my apprentices would say I’m approachable, supportive and always in their corner. I know that balancing work, study and home life can be challenging, so I always try to make learning feel manageable, enjoyable and relevant.
I believe people learn best when they’re engaged, so I like to make my sessions fun, interactive and adaptable to everyone’s individual needs and learning styles. I also enjoy linking learning to apprentices’ own experiences and everyday practice within their settings, helping them to see how theory applies in real life.
I’ll always take the time to explain things in a way that makes sense, celebrate every achievement, and be there when things don’t quite go to plan. At the same time, I’ll challenge my apprentices to be the very best they can be because I know what they’re capable of.
My goal isn’t just to help them achieve their qualification it’s to help them grow in confidence, develop professionally and become outstanding Early Years practitioners. I genuinely love seeing that moment when something clicks, confidence grows, and an apprentice realises just how much they’ve achieved. Being part of that journey is the best part of my job.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Treat people the way you’d like to be treated.”
I’ve always tried to carry this with me throughout my career. Whether I’m supporting children, colleagues or apprentices, kindness, honesty and respect go a long way in building confidence and positive relationships.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
My perfect weekend is all about slowing down and spending time with family and friends. I love getting out for a walk, especially somewhere with beautiful countryside, before stopping at a cosy café or country pub for lunch.
I also enjoy pottering around the garden, catching up over good food and a glass of wine, and ending the day with a good film. The simple weekends are often the best!
