Highfield Children’s Centre Karen Pringle, Business Manager

Highfield Children’s Centre – Toolkit Case Study

Who?

Based in Ipswich, Highfield Children’s Centre is a company limited by guarantee, and overseen by directors who are governors of Highfield Nursery School.

It offers day care provision through Early Years @ Highfield and Whitehouse to over 10 youngsters. Highfield Nursery School is the only local authority-maintained nursery school in the county.

The background?

With an in-demand service for so many parents and families across the region, Highfield’s nursery school staff are employees of the county council.

The employees of the ‘company’, however, are not covered by the same council HR policies, and as such, it was considered important to have separate and impartial HR support.

After a conversation with MAD-HR’s team, Highfield’s leadership recognised that the Toolkit scenario would work best for them.

“Excellent service”

“Reassuring to know that there is up-to-date HR advice readily available and that bespoke advice is also available if required.” Read the full review

Why the MAD-HR Toolkit?

Karen Pringle, Business Manager, explains: “The Toolkit felt ideal to a business like ours, where we would need to access templates, suggestions, information and best practice material really quickly and easily.

“While I have some experience of, and skills in, people management, I recognise that I don’t know it all – so I want to make sure I’m using materials which are based on highly professional knowledge.

The greatest benefits of toolkit engagement:

“Having so many documents available to you, which you can use as a base point for your own individual needs.

“It’s worth saying that we still consider it hugely important to also have direct contact with the MAD-HR team for specific and timely questions and issues.

“Alongside the Toolkit resource, they help us have full clarity and reassurance.”

Top tips for others:

Karen says: “I would definitely recommend the Toolkit to people. It’s a great go-to resource and the update newsletter means I don’t have to worry about missing relevant changes.

“In business, you can’t be expected to know everything about everything, so this feels like it’s granting you more knowledge and insight and a lot more confidence too.”

Click here for more information about Highfield.