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Canada calling - international exchange for five UK Busy Bees

Published: 16/08/2023

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Busy Bees

Five UK Busy Bees colleagues have been selected to embark on a prestigious international talent exchange programme to Canada

The successful educators will join a cohort of 30 colleagues from across the globe on a journey to Calgary, Alberta, in September.

There they will spend three weeks working within local Busy Bees nurseries, exploring the latest global trends in early years care and education, and collaborating on innovative projects. 

The practitioners selected are:
•    Emma Smith, Centre Director from Busy Bees Glasgow Oakwood
•    Catherine Whittaker, Assistant Centre Director from Busy Bees Belper Alton Manor
•    Hannah Chamberlain, Senior Room Manager from Busy Bees Rugby
•    Katy Officer, Early Years Educator from Busy Bees Chatham
•    Victoria Watson, Centre Director from Montessori by Busy Bees Fortune Green, West Hampstead

The all-expenses paid trip brings together Busy Bees colleagues from across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand from September 25 to October 13, with five employees from the UK selected for this year’s programme.

Emma Langford, European People Director for Busy Bees, said: “As the only Early Learning Provider offering such a program, this is a unique chance for our people to expand their knowledge and make a difference. Previous participants have praised the Talent Exchange Programme’s impact on their professional development and the expertise they can bring back to their UK centres.

“We are delighted to send these five exceptional colleagues on this once-in-a-lifetime trip, in recognition of the passion and dedication they show daily to Busy Bees families. Each of them is committed to ensuring all our children receive the best start in life.”

The Talent Exchange Program aims to give Busy Bees employees hands-on experience of early years care and education operations in another country, as well as sharing international best practices and different working cultures.

Busy Bees was founded in Staffordshire in 1983 and has grown to become the largest provider of early years care and education in the country, employing almost 10,000 people across the UK. The group now operates in ten countries – UK, Ireland, Italy, Canada, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.

Find out more about career opportunities with Busy Bees