Pedagogical professional, Laren

Laurian never wanted to go into childcare. She has now been working as an educational professional at Paddington Laren for almost a decade.

“I actually wanted to go into youth care or primary education, but I ended up at Paddington for an internship and enjoyed it so much that I never left,” Laurian says. “Because I had no expectations at all, the work surprised me in the best way.”

She has now been working in the preschool group in Laren for almost ten years. “From the start it felt homely and warm. You can hardly call it a workplace, more like a cosy place you go to, and you even get paid for it. We work in a small team and the atmosphere feels like family.”

Children are truly allowed to be themselves

“The common thread in our policy is that children come first. Children are genuinely allowed to be themselves here and develop at their own pace. And because we work on a small scale, we all know each other. That gives children a safe feeling.”

Laurian also has a close bond with parents. “There is always room for a chat during handover, and it’s definitely not only about their children. Parents trust their most precious thing to us, and that makes the work incredibly rewarding.”

“The moments when you see children grow because you give them attention or teach them something are the most fun. Some children are here almost more than at home; then you automatically become a part of their upbringing. You really build a bond.”