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Brief Encounter with Debbie Castle

Debbie Castle
Debbie Castle
Originally Published 28 July 2003

Debbie Castle is the University’s Nursery Manager. The University Nursery is a self-funding nursery that has been running in the same building in Westwood (see number 45 on the Campus Map) for over twenty years. It has 47 places available for children of University staff and students. The age range is from three months to four and three quarter years.

The Nursery started its life as a crèche but has since developed into a full day-care service passing its recent transitional OFSTED inspection with flying colours.

Position
Nursery Manager

Which means
My job is to make sure that the Nursery Nurses can do theirs. I ensure the smooth running of the Nursery and make sure that the care is the best possible – the buck stops here!

Magazines read
Nursery World – it’s very useful, and has got much better recently. It’s full of useful ideas that help to enthuse the team.

Life before Warwick
My previous job was as an NSPCC Volunteer Co-ordinator and Family Support Worker. Before that I’ve done all sorts from running a 100-place day nursery and lecturing to working for Social Services and running a village play room.

Smartest career move
Definitely embarking on my degree, I’m doing a BA in Early Childhood Studies at the Institute of Education. In fact I was studying here before I started working here – and now I’m a staff member the University pays for it!

Best thing about working at Warwick
The quality of the staff and the diversity of the children. I love watching the children play.

Worst thing about working at Warwick
The frustration of working with our current building – Estates have got to know me really well!

What do you treasure most?
My sons, and my friendship with them.

What is your all-time favourite record or piece of music?
Anything by Neil Diamond.

What has life’s experience taught you so far?
Never make assumptions.