First Steps Childcare Group Appoints New Director 

16-Year Journey from Apprentice to Leadership Demonstrates Chichester College Group’s Commitment to Staff Development 

First Steps Childcare Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Emma Merriott to Director, effective immediately. Emma brings over 16 years of experience with the organisation, having progressed from a childcare apprentice to the highest leadership position. 

Emma’s appointment represents a significant milestone for First Steps Childcare Group, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing clear career progression pathways for early years professionals. 

A Passion for Early Years Education 

Emma began her career at First Steps as a childcare apprentice, having previously worked engaging with children and families in recreational settings. Her natural affinity for working with young children, combined with a dedication to professional excellence, has driven her remarkable career progression. 

Throughout her tenure, Emma has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to continuous learning, completing: 

1. Level 2 and Level 3 childcare apprenticeships 

2. BA Honours in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Chichester 

3. Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme 

4. Various leadership development programmes 

5. Level 7 Senior Leaders MBA (currently in progress) 

Prior to her appointment as Director, Emma worked as Head of Operations and Compliance, where she successfully developed practice frameworks, introduced innovative systems, and led strategic initiatives across the organisation. Her previous roles as Childcare Manager and Deputy Manager equipped her with comprehensive operational expertise and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within early years education. 

Delighted with the appointment, Emma shared: “With so much learning and development happening for children before the age of 5, and this development being a key indicator of future success, I am under no illusion how important the role of our settings is for children.  

“It is both an honour and a privilege to be a part of children (and their families) formative years, and to help build and develop their brain connections for life.  

“Now to lead the direction for First Steps Childcare Group as the Director, I am keen to ensure that children remain at the focus of all that we do, that we build strong foundations for their future life, that staff recognise the value of their role and contributions to children’s live, and continue to develop and progress, and that we contribute to raising the value of the early years sector through work with key stakeholders.” 

This promotion comes at an exciting time for First Steps Childcare Group as the organisation continues to expand its services and strengthen its position as a leading provider of quality early years education in the area. 

Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of CCG, is one of many staff members who shared her pride in Emma’s achievement, adding:  

“Emma’s deep understanding of every aspect of our operations, combined with her unwavering dedication to both child development and staff growth, makes her the ideal person to lead First Steps going forward.  

“We’re incredibly proud of Emma and excited about the future under her leadership.” 

For more on our First Steps offering visit: First Steps Childcare | Chichester College Group