Harli-Marie Richards

Exploring the rewards of a childcare career

Taking children to see piglets and new-born lambs is all part of a day’s work for nursery practitioner Harli-Marie Richards. Having completed her childcare apprenticeship, Harli-Marie was taken on permanently by Derby College’s Little Explorers nursery at Broomfield Hall campus.

Before embarking on her apprenticeship, Harli-Marie took A-levels but had no interest in university. She spotted the nursery opportunity and hasn’t looked back since. She worked towards an advanced NVQ qualification while undertaking on-the-job training.

It’s a great job and I love the fact that the children are free to enjoy the outdoor space. Little Explorers is special and I can’t imagine any other nursery quite like ours. I definitely see my longterm career in nursery care – and I applied straight away when a permanent role became available at Little Explorers.