In response, Partou organised interviews where 130 early years teachers, 100 setting managers and 25 office employees shared their stories. This resulted in a report with a host of recommendations for reducing work pressure and increasing happiness at work.
Manon: "When I arrive in the morning and the children run into my arms, it fills me with joy. Every single time.” Like many of her colleagues, Manon knew early on that she wanted to do 'something with children'. She studied early years education and has been working at the same daycare centre for five years. First at SKS Alles, wich at the time was acquired by Smallsteps and renamed Partou in 2021.
More attention
in her e-mail to Jeanine, Manon talked about the staffing shortage. "We were understaffed but were accepting new children. There should a different way to do this.” On the specific situation in the disadvantaged community where she works: "We have many children who need extra care and attention, which means we need more people.” And on overdue maintenance. "All sorts of things were going on... But even when the work pressure was very high, we still took care of each other. We were there for each other.” The close-knit team is as diverse as the community and the children in the group. "We are all different, with completely different personalities, but we complement each other.”
Critical questions
one of the group discussions about work pressure took place at the out-of-school setting where Manon works. "With a whole group of colleagues from the area. There was an open, safe atmosphere, where we could say anything that was on our minds. Afterwards, Jeanine also visited our centre and I had a long talk with her. She listened and asked critical questions, like: what could you and your colleagues have done to make the situation easier? And she really took the time.”
For the children
"A lot has happened since then, in a positive sense.” Manon mentions repairs, new colleagues and no extra children for a while. “The atmosphere’s upbeat and we can have fun again! I feel like I have value, that the organisation is grateful for what I do.” She thinks for a moment. "Yes, I would recommend working here to my friends. Let's be honest, there’s plenty of work to go around right now, but Partou has a lot to offer. Like a good salary for preschool teachers.” Manon has looked into the training programmes. "Yes, I also have a dream. I’d really like to become an early years educator. That’s why I’ve signed up for two very interesting training courses.” She concludes on a critical note: "As an early years educator I would like to have time for the staff. Because I think that’s the only way I could really make a difference for the children. That's what it's all about at the end of the day.”
A commitment to care
No matter where Partou is, we strive to make a difference: for children, families, our people, and the planet. Curious about what we do, what we dream of, and the challenges we face?