Amy Roxburgh-Barry: Nursery Manager Fishponds, Bristol (Thicket Avenue)

When Becci sat down for a chat with Amy Roxburgh-Barry, the new Nursery Manager at Mama Bear’s Fishponds, Thicket Avenue, it was immediately clear that Amy lives and breathes early years education and the values of Mama Bears. 

The relaxed catch-up set the tone for a deep and honest discussion about Amy’s 18-year journey with Mama Bear’s, her leadership style, the culture at the Thicket Avenue setting, and her passionate belief in creating a nursery that genuinely feels like family for both children and parents.

 

18 Years With Mama Bear’s – A Career That Feels Like Home

Amy’s childcare career began back in 2001, when she qualified in her early years of education. After working for several large nursery chains, some with 500 to 1,000 sites, she joined Mama Bear’s in 2007 as a nursery nurse. From there, she progressed to become a room leader, deputy, and finally manager at the Coronation Road setting in Downend.

There was a short break in between, but when the chance presented itself to return to Mama Bears, Amy didn’t hesitate for long.

“In one way, it was a hard decision, but also a really easy one,” she recalls. “Mama Bear’s has always felt like home to me.”

Her young son, who attended Mama Bear’s before starting school, was equally delighted that his mum had returned to the place he loved.

Today, Amy has taken the helm at the Fishponds, Thicket Avenue Mama Bears nursery, bringing with her over 25 years of experience and a commitment to continuous professional development. She is currently preparing to complete a key skills qualification in maths, which is one of the new Ofsted requirements for nursery managers, and she will begin her study online in the new year.

 

What Makes Mama Bear’s Different? The Family Feel

Amy has seen nursery life from every angle and at every scale. When asked what sets Mama Bear’s apart from the national nursery chains she worked for previously, she was clear:

“It’s the family feel. Even though Mama Bear’s is a large group, you actually know the people running it. They’re approachable, supportive and present. You’re not lost in a maze of directors and departments.”

Instead of complex hierarchies, Amy appreciates having one area manager and four directors who genuinely know their teams. For parents and staff alike, the result is a nursery group that feels personal, grounded, and centred around children, not corporate targets.

 

A Nursery Embedded in Its Community

Amy explains that the Thicket Avenue setting is different from her previous Downend nursery. The Fishponds community is incredibly diverse, with families from a wide range of backgrounds, some of whom rely heavily on the nursery for support.

“We’re not just childcare; we’re a lifeline for some families,” she says.

To meet local needs, Amy and her team have introduced:

• A food bank for families experiencing hardship
   
• A community library for children who may not have access to books at home
   
• A welcoming, family-first culture built on respect, trust and open communication

Amy is still getting to know her new families, but she already sees a strong bond forming:
 “Parents really value that Mama Bear’s is family-run, and they feel that in how we support them.”

 

Leadership in the Nursery

One of the things Amy is most known for is her management style. She doesn’t run her nursery from behind a closed office door.

“I’m not a sit-in-the-office manager. I need to be out with my team and the children in the nursery. It’s where I started, and it’s where I still feel most connected.”

Every morning, Amy walks through each room, greeting children and staff, opening the door to parents, and checking in with families. Her office door remains open all day, and she encourages parents to drop in whenever they need support or guidance.

Recognising that some parents face sensitive or difficult situations, Amy has recently transformed a spare room at the nursery into a cosy, private meeting space, complete with sofas, warm lighting, and tea and coffee to ensure difficult conversations can happen with comfort and dignity.

 

Growing the Nursery: A Focus on Baby Occupancy

With space for 54 children, the nursery is thriving in its 2-3 and preschool rooms. Unlike many nurseries, Amy is focusing on transforming the babies' room, which is currently the quietest group.

To support this, she has redesigned one of the baby rooms using a natural, home-from-home environment inspired by the curiosity approach. Soft furnishings, warm textures, and calm spaces now help create a soothing, nurturing atmosphere for the youngest children.

Thicket Avenue has already seen an increase in interest, and two open days are planned: one on January 24th and another in May. The open days will showcase the new baby environment and share Amy’s vision for the setting. Thicket Avenue is excited to welcome both existing and new parents to their Open Day on Saturday, 24th January 2026, where they will have the opportunity to meet the team and experience the wonderful, homely nursery environment. 

 

Outdoor Play

One of the standout features of the Mama Bears Thicket Avenue nursery is that every room has direct access to its own outdoor space, which is a huge rarity in early-year settings.

Children in the 2-3 and preschool rooms typically spend around 80% of their day outdoors whenever they can. Daily routines deeply embed free-flow play, supporting physical development, emotional well-being, and independence.

In spring, Amy plans to further enhance the outdoor experience by introducing a new climbing frame and additional outdoor learning opportunities.

 

Healthy Meals, Freshly Cooked On-Site

The nursery is proud of its on-site catering. Mandy, who has cooked at the setting for 15 years, prepares fresh breakfasts, lunches, and teas every day. The nursery follows a strict healthy eating policy:

• No added salt or sugar
   
• Fruit-only puddings
   
• Homemade cakes, only on special occasions
   
• Unlimited access to fruit and water throughout the day

Mealtimes are an opportunity to build independence. The toddlers and preschoolers take part in self-serving, portion control, and clearing their own dishes, a small but important aspect that builds confidence and responsibility as they grow and develop.

 

Staff Continuity: A Key Reason Parents Choose Mama Bear’s

Staff stability at Fishponds is exceptional. Many team members have been at the nursery:

• 14+ years
   
• 15+ years
   
• 5–6 years

Only a small handful of staff, including Amy and her deputy, are new. Four apprentices are also training on-site, reflecting Mama Bear’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of early years practitioners.

“When I show parents around, the first thing I highlight is our staff tenure,” Amy says. “It’s the foundation of the children’s happiness and security.”

The team is also wonderfully diverse, featuring a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experiences, including a male nursery nurse, Phil, who is a hugely positive role model for the children.

 

Supporting Staff Well-Being

Amy strongly believes that happy staff create happy children. She supports her team with:

• Staggered breaks to help manage the physical demands of the job
   
• An open-door policy for confidential chats
   
• Small, thoughtful gestures like bringing biscuits or offering extra rest time
   
• Encouragement, training, development, and emotional support

Working in early years is demanding, and Amy is committed to protecting staff energy, morale, and their mental well-being, as it’s key to a successful and happy nursery.

 

Teaching Children About Emotions

One of the things Amy is most passionate about is emotional literacy. She encourages her team to be open about their feelings, showing children that it’s normal to have sad days or tough moments.

“It’s important that children see adults model real emotions,” she explains. “We want them to know it’s okay not to be okay.”

In the new year, Amy plans to deepen this aspect of the curriculum by helping children better recognise, articulate, and manage their feelings.

 

Inclusivity and Diversity: Every Family Welcome

Inclusivity is woven into every part of the nursery’s ethos. Amy spoke movingly about supporting same-sex parents who, at other settings, had felt overlooked or treated differently.

“I always mention my wife during show rounds. It instantly reassures families that this is a place where everyone is accepted.”

The nursery celebrates Pride, teaches children about different cultures, and makes diversity a normal part of everyday learning.

 

A Warm, Personal Approach to New Enquiries

As the manager of Thicket Avenue Nursery, Amy always personally phones new parents:

“I want that first impression to feel human. Parents are trusting us with their most precious thing in the world.”

After a show round, families receive a welcome pack and guidance on fees, funding, and settling-in sessions. Typically, children have around 2–4 settling-in sessions to ease them into nursery life with the Mama Bear’s team.

 

Looking Ahead at Mama Bears Thicket Avenue

As Amy continues to develop the Thicket Avenue setting, her priorities for the months ahead include:

• Growing the baby room
   
• Strengthening community links and partnerships
   
• Expanding outdoor play opportunities
   
• Deepening emotional education for children
   
• Preparing for the January and May open days

Above all, Amy’s goal is simple:
To create a nursery where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn, and where parents feel supported every step of the way.

With her warmth, decades of experience, and hands-on leadership, Amy is helping to shape a setting that truly reflects the Mama Bear’s values: family, community, care, and belonging.

 

Get in Touch With Us Today to Find Out More

If you’re looking for childcare for your little one, from 3 months old up to preschool age, and live or work near Mama Bear’s in Fishponds (Thicket Avenue), we would love to welcome you for a visit. Amy and her team will show you around, answer your questions, and help you get a feel for the warm, family-focused environment the children enjoy every day. 

To arrange a visit or to check availability, simply call 0117 965 5096 or complete our online contact form. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way, including advising you of any government funding you are entitled to for childcare support, as well as tax-free childcare vouchers.