Each individual and region presents unique challenges for each Partou setting, as highlighted by operations manager Rani Smit-van Geer. “Demographic differences play a significant role, with urban areas facing a different set of challenges than rural communities. This also applies to childcare.”
For instance, settings in the eastern and northern regions of the country encounter different staffing issues than those in metropolitan areas like the Randstad. “As a nursery manager in a large city, you will encounter a greater diversity of cultural backgrounds among parents and children," explains Rani, who has ten years of experience working in the eastern part of the country and has been based in Noordwijk for the past four years. She emphasises that this is primarily a positive aspect: "Diversity also plays a beneficial role in children's development. However, it’s important to be mindful of this when communicating with parents, as their different cultural backgrounds may require a slightly different approach at times."
Improved streamlining
Over the past two years, the number of operations managers has increased to 26, strategically distributed across six main regions. Each region has its own operations management team (RMT), comprising a regional director, an HR business partner, a preschool education manager, a quality manager, a business controller and capacity specialists. Collectively, these six regions oversee nearly 400 nursery managers nationwide.
“An operations manager (OM) is primarily responsible for ensuring that nursery managers and their staff are able to carry out their duties effectively,” Rani emphasises, nodding. “An OM should facilitate, support, provide input in case of dilemmas and offer solutions. What are the objectives and challenges for a specific setting? And how will we achieve them?” At certain settings, the rate of turnover is higher than other settings. “This is a typical example of a larger issue where OMs can offer help. We’re also an information provider and support system when an acute problem arises.”
Communication with the municipality
The operations managers can also assist in maintaining communication with schools and the municipality. Rani has noticed significant differences in this area over the past few years. “The policy or emphasis on childcare may vary from one municipality to another,” she explains.
Over the past year, the municipality of Leiden, for example, has been actively engaged in establishing ICCs (integrated children’s centres), settings where children come to learn, play and develop throughout the day. "Such plans naturally have implications for the childcare and out-of-school care services provided by Partou." The specialists from the regional departments are also available to support the nursery managers when needed. The OM can also play a facilitating role in this regard.
The gentle side
The operations managers have been assigned an additional responsibility, says Rani. "We’re also here to empower nursery managers," she explains. “Each manager comes from a different background and brings a unique set of skills and competencies: one may have advanced from an early years position, another may be a career changer and a third may have a more administrative background. We strive to consciously assess how we can leverage these specific qualities, for the benefit of Partou as well as for the individual themselves. And identify areas where additional support or training may be required." Rani refers to this as 'the gentle side of childcare': “At Partou, it’s not just about meeting targets. It’s also about taking caring of each other and looking out for one another. We want our employees to come to work with joy every day, feeling empowered to share anything they wish.”
Rani notes that the initial outcomes with the new structure have been particularly favourable. "Not only do nursery managers find the right people for advice and support more quickly," she says. "Objectives and deadlines are better met. We also notice that there are more opportunities for in-depth exploration in all areas. This benefits everyone: not just the employees, but ultimately also the parents and
the children.”
A commitment to care
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