Somerville College was the first Oxford college to create an in-house nursery through the generosity and foresight of Nobel laureate and Somerville Fellow Dorothy Hodgkin. Recently, St Paul’s Nursery welcomed its first-ever Deputy-Manager. We took a moment to meet Paul Chandler-Toal and ask him about about his journey in childcare and his hopes for his time at St Paul’s.
What did you do before coming to Somerville?
I’ve been in childcare for about 22 years now. 15 years of that was at Oxford Brookes Nursery, where I gained further qualifications and a lot of experience! It was here I truly knew childcare was for me. Since then, I’ve worked hard and climbed the nursery ladder from nursery practitioner to room leader, to deputy manager and finally manager at a small nursery in Wheatley. Now I’m here at St Paul’s working alongside Karen, which is another wonderful step in the journey.
What motivated you to work with Early Years children?
My mum used to be a childminder, so I grew up with children constantly in the house. I remember having to help at times which I enjoyed. I left school never really considering a career in childcare; I worked for two years in business administration before I left and went into my first nursery!
What do you hope to achieve as Deputy Manager of St Paul’s?
To continue to improve upon what is already a wonderful and warm place for children to enjoy, thrive and learn. I’m really hoping to take inspiration from all my previous settings and pour all the very best bits into St Pauls!
Do you have any favourite moments so far from your time at Somerville?
I’ve enjoyed going for walks with the children and getting out and about around the beautiful college. When Somerville was preparing for their Spring ball recently, we took the children to see the various marquees, the fairground ride and the huge tent where the main event would be happening. We soon found out it held amazing echo abilities, so we all took turns to shout into it, it was so funny, and the children loved it! I’m not too sure the students who were trying to relax on the surrounding grass did…!
I’ve never worked in a setting where there are so many learning opportunities for the children literally on our doorstep.
What makes Somerville and St Paul’s special, in your view?
The location of St Pauls and the college is genuinely stunning. I’ve never worked in a setting where there are so many learning opportunities for the children literally on our doorstep. We walked to Waterstones a month or so ago and brought a few books for the nursery, we’ve been to Oxford University parks and fed the ducks, we’ve visited the canal and watched as a boat passed through a lock. We’re constantly looking for new and interesting places to explore and Jericho and the surrounding area is the perfect place to do this.
What does an average day at St Paul’s look like?
Karen and I usually start the day with a coffee, then get ready to welcome the children and their families into the setting for the day ahead! The garden is open and ready for the children to explore, or they can choose to stay and investigate the various play opportunities that are on offer inside. Around midday, we all enjoy a healthy snack then head out on our walk. We’re usually back to nursery at about lunchtime, where we all enjoy a story (my favourite thing to do is read to the children) then have our lunch. I usually take my break around this time before a few of the children take a nap upstairs. The afternoons usually whizz by as we’re all busy with our own key-group of children, ensuring they’re having fun and providing lots of great things to do. It isn’t long before it’s time to say goodbye and see you all again tomorrow!
Paul in the newly refurbished St Paul’s Nursery Garden