Emotional health
Celebrating #IWD2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women in leadership at Lullaby Lane Nurseries. This year, we’re privileged to share the stories and experiences of our talented depute managers, who bring passion, dedication, and inspiration to our nurseries every day.
In this special feature, you’ll hear firsthand about their unique journeys—from starting as apprentices to becoming leaders within our organisation. They’ll share insights on balancing work and family life, the challenges and rewards of being a working mother, and how they navigate the responsibilities of leadership while staying true to themselves.
Join us as we celebrate their achievements, learn from their experiences, and continue to support and uplift women in leadership roles at Lullaby Lane Nurseries and beyond.
Collette Cassidy
Hello, my name is Colette Cassidy, I am one of our Depute Managers at Lullaby Lane Nursery Milngavie.
My journey at Lullaby Lane started 10 years ago as a Modern Apprentice when I was only 16 years old. I have always been passionate about watching children grow & thrive. After 4 wonderful years of caring for our babies, I decided I would like to take the next step in my career. This is when I completed my SVQ Level 4 in Leadership & Management & progressed onto my team leader position. My passion has always been creating a safe, nurturing environment full of love for our children and now leading our team to support them grow & develop is now one of my many responsibilities.
In 2021 I first became a mum to my little boy, then 2022 we completed our family with my little girl. Returning from maternity leave was difficult but I was so fortunate to have a wonderful team around me to support. I had always wanted to continue to progress within my career after having my family. Upon my return to work I was promoted to Depute Manager.
I am forever grateful for the support in helping me to find a healthy work & family life balance.
Rachael McElroy
I have been with Lullaby for 8 years in June this year! Starting off my journey at Lullaby Westerton as a nursery practitioner then moving to our Milngavie site. Whilst in Milngavie I was promoted to Deputy Manager and moved back to our Westerton nursery. Throughout my time working my way up I have had nothing but support from all the ladies in leadership at Lullaby, without them I wouldn’t have the confidence I have today to be where I am!
Whilst at Westerton I was promoted to Manager, and I then fell pregnant with my first child. This was a whole new experience for me however the support from Pauline and Donna made the transition so much easier. I was thinking miles ahead in terms of when I would return/hours, however Pauline assured me just to enjoy my time with my boy as I wouldn’t know how I felt until I had him. When it was time to return, it was a scary stage. I struggled with post-natal anxiety and was starting to feel better but then it was time to settle my baby and return myself.
However, this was made so much easier as I was able to chat with Pauline regarding my hours and my position, as I was bringing Rio to Milngavie to support my work life balance. I also moved back to Milngavie and joined the leadership team as one of our deputy mangers.
I feel there is a stigma around women having a career and family however it is manageable if you’re able to set your own boundaries and have a fantastic team behind you like I do! The highlight of being in leadership is supporting our team to be the best they can be to support our children.
Natalie Agnew
My journey at Lullaby Lane started nearly 7 years ago. Before this I worked in the third sector and during my maternity leave with my first child, the funding for my role ended, so I began to look for other opportunities. This is when I came across Lullaby Lane. It was a daunting time returning to work after being in a baby bubble for so long, and especially to become the new person in the workplace again, but I was welcomed into the team with open arms and this really helped ease me back into the world of work after 9 months off.
I have continued to progress within the nursery from a modern apprentice up to my current role as Depute Manager. When I voiced that I’d like to take on more responsibility within the nursery this was always met with support and opportunities to allow me to do this. The leadership team championed me and if I ever needed help or made the wrong decision then someone was always there.
In between all of this, I’ve had my second baby, who will be 2 soon. Again, this was met with nothing but love and support from those around me at Lullaby.
This made going off on maternity leave and returning to work a lot easier than I imagined, as the connection was still maintained in a number of ways throughout my time off.
Of course, it’s always hard finding that balance between work and motherhood but working in a female orientated workplace you’re always met with people who you can relate to and who understand what it’s like when you’ve been up every hour throughout the night, or you don’t want to miss your child’s sports day. It helps you to realise that you’re not alone and you build a sense of community with people who are always there to pick you up when you need it. I’m lucky that the other deputes and our manager, Donna, are all working mums as well, so we all pull together to ensure we are getting that time to navigate being in a leadership role whilst being a mum.
There’s no better feeling when you’ve got people around you who celebrate your little ones as much as you do.
There can sometimes still be a stigma around women in leadership, and that women should have to choose between a career or a family, but with the right people around then it’s possible to be both.
A Year of Exceptional Achievement in Qualification Delivery
At Tigers, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through high-quality training and apprenticeships, and this past contract year has been a testament to our commitment. We are proud to share that, according to a recent Systems Verification conducted by SQA, Tigers has demonstrated exceptional success in apprenticeship delivery.
500+ Live Candidates & 1000+ Certifications
One of the standout findings from the verification was the incredible volume of candidates actively engaged with Tigers. We start Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025 with over 500 live candidates, all progressing through various qualifications. We have also successfully certificated over 1000 candidates over the past year—a number that will continue to rise as more candidates complete their qualifications.
Our Partners
Spark of Genius – with 91 candidates registered since our partnership began in 2022, our work with Spark of Genius has seen them become our largest partner in our Social Services Children and Young People (SSCYP) delivery. Covering both Level 3 and 4 Modern Apprenticeship we are delighted to be working so closely to help them achieve their goals of offering individualised pathways to empower and enable children and young people.
Morgan Sindall Construction – Since launching this Joint Venture (JV) in 2021 we have registered 89 young people on the Level 5 Construction Civil Engineering Operations Modern Apprenticeship. This partnership helps to address the UK wide skills gap in the Construction sector. Influenced by our Relationship Led Practice model our JV is a seismic shift in the approach to training for the construction sector, addressing emotional health, suicide and gender imbalance, as well as general skills gaps and an ageing workforce.
"Spark of Genius started working with Tigers to facilitate and support the development of our workforce, primarily through the provision of the Modern apprenticeships in August 2022. Since this time, a number of our practitioners have gained their qualifications, equipping them with knowledge, skills and expertise in residential childcare and met their SSSC registration requirements. This has all been made possible through the support, organisational arrangements and excellent communication from Yvonne and Lynsey at Tigers.”
Mags Solomon, QA & Safeguarding Manager and Shirley Cairney, Head of Children's Services, Spark of Genius
Commitment to Relationship-Led Practice
At Tigers, we firmly believe in the power of relationships to foster meaningful learning experiences. Our apprenticeship delivery is entirely face-to-face and in person, ensuring that each candidate benefits from real-time support and direct engagement with our assessors. This approach reflects our commitment to Relationship-Led Practice, where meaningful connections between trainers and learners enhance skills development, confidence, and long-term success.
By prioritising in-person engagement, we create a learning environment that is collaborative, supportive, and responsive to the individual needs of each apprentice.
Exceptional Recognition from SQA
Kelly, our external verifier from SQA, described this achievement as “exceptional for a national training provider and rare, with a wide span of delivery.” This feedback is a true credit to the dedication and hard work of the entire Tigers team, including our administration training and assessing teams.
Unlike other external visits that focus on industry-specific qualifications, SQA Systems Verification evaluates the entire approach to process, procedures, and accreditation within a training centre. This recognition highlights not only our ability to deliver at scale but also the quality and consistency of our training across multiple sectors.
Continuous Growth & Future Aspirations
While we celebrate this achievement, we are also using this feedback as an opportunity for growth. The verification process has provided us with valuable insights into how we can refine our documentation and practices to further strengthen our already robust delivery model. As we step into the 2025-26 contract year, we remain committed to continuous improvement and ensuring that Tigers remains at the forefront of training excellence.
Inspiring potential since 2001.
Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre visit with Jackie Baillie MSP
To kickstart Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, we had the pleasure of joining Jackie Baillie MSP on a visit to Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre in Helensburgh. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to witness the impact of apprenticeships in early years education and to celebrate the commitment of those shaping the future of childcare.
Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre provides a nurturing environment for children from birth to five years, with free-flowing indoor and outdoor spaces designed to support their development through play and exploration.
We are currently working with seven Modern Apprentices at Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre who, supporting them through both level 3 and level 4 qualifications. All of these Modern Apprentices are support by our Early Years Assessor, Lynsey.
"Tigers Early Years Academy have been in partnership with Drumfork Nursery and Family Centre for a year and a half. We currently have seven candidates undertaking their SSCYP Level 3 within Drumfork. Throughout our partnership we have found Drumfork to be extremely welcoming with values that align with Tigers, you can feel the warmth and love as you walk into their purpose-built calm and tranquil establishment. Working alongside Drumfork we take on a joint approach to ensure candidates flourish and grow in their own unique way throughout their qualification to become compassionate and confident practitioners. It’s a pleasure to be part of Drumfork through working as their assessor and I am grateful for the strong connections Tigers have built there!”
Lynsey Beaton, Early Years Assessor
Beyond their commitment to high-quality childcare and training, Drumfork is also a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant. Recognising the contributions of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families, the nursery goes above and beyond in its support, earning the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This reflects their dedication to ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage.
Jackie Baillie MSP, a strong advocate for skills development and apprenticeships, engaged with staff and apprentices during the visit, reaffirming the importance of investing in people. Jackie also spent time chatting with the children as we passed through the different rooms, taking a genuine interest in their play and what they had to say.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week highlights the benefits of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses, and communities, and at Drumfork, this impact is clear to see. We look forward to continuing our work with the team at Drumfork Nursery & Family Centre and supporting them to create the best environment for their children to learn and grow.
Tigers Group takes on Kilt Walk, again
What our team will be walking
As we did last year, our team will once again be taking on the Kiltwalk. We’ll be walking in memory of our friend and colleague, Richard, who passed away suddenly in 2020. Our team will be walking in support of Epilepsy Scotland.
This time we’ll be tackling the Glasgow Kiltwalk on the 30th April. We’re going all out to complete The Mighty Stride of 22.7 miles. We have a 16 strong team made up of members of tigers, Lullaby Lane Nursery and Paradigm Landscapes ready to take on the walk which is expected to take around 8 hours.
Oliver’s head shave
Ahead of the walk, Digital Marketing Trainer/Assessor, Oliver, made the brave decision to shave his head in March. Oliver donated his hair to The Little Princess Trust who provide real hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other conditions. The money Oliver raised from this will join the tigers team’s joint fundraising efforts.
“Shaving my hair off came from an innate desire to be daring, and to inspire donations to the great causes of Epilepsy Scotland and The Little Princess Trust. Knowing that the money and hair will go on to help others has made the cold head worthwhile!”
Oliver Butler, Digital Marketing Trainer/Assessor
If you would like to support us to support this wonderful organisation, please visit our team’s kiltwalk page, all donations greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thank you for your support!
Enhanced Apprenticeships in Play and Attachment
Today Tigers Group are proud and excited to launch our Enhanced Apprenticeships in Play and Attachment.
Over a period of time, we at Tigers Group have listened carefully to our colleagues and friends from across the Early Years Community talk of the existing challenges and future needs of the sector.
During those conversations they have spoken clearly about the need to create a confident, knowledgeable, articulate workforce as the Early Years Community inevitably grows.
We have understood and recognised those same challenges though our own experiences at our attachment led nursery settings at Lullaby Lane, as well as within our own Early Years Training Academy.
That period of reflection, engagement and learning has led us to further understand that significant learning and development only happens in the presence of secure, positive relationships.
At Tigers Group, when approaching any challenge or project, we always start with why as possessing that clarity of intention helps inform the how and what we do.
In the words of Group Managing Director Pauline Scott; “We have a vision for this world where all children have access to free, unstructured play, and loving relationships with highly attuned adults in their lives, during their most formative years. The science tells us the benefits.
This new initiative is designed to provide the adults in the lives of children, the knowledge they deserve to know, at the very start of their career. Once you know this information you cannot unknow it. The adults deserve it, the children deserve it.”
In order to support that vision, we have invited a group of exceptional individuals to join our programme as resident trainers delivering a series of bespoke workshops on topics chosen to expand learning and enrich the practice of the individual trainee.
Those residents, all of whom we are privileged to call friends, share our vision and our passion to support positive change across the Early Years Community.
Our resident trainers are:
Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Producer, Storyteller, Educationalist and Consultant
Suzanne Zeedyk, Founder, connected baby
James Docherty, ACEs to Assets
Nikki Black MBE, Nursery Head in Glasgow
Sue Palmer, Chair, Upstart Scotland
Donna Adams, Nursery Manager, Lullaby Lane Nurseries
Jacqui McDonald, Education Consultant
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children 1st
Our bespoke, in person, workshops will cover a diverse range of topics including Equality and Inclusion, Compassionate Leadership, Play Based Learning, UNCRC, Safeguarding, Attachment Theory, Working with multiple services and Adverse Childhood experiences.
In addition to all of the above we will arrange for field trip visits for all participants to other care and early year settings, all to help them understand the ways children play, learn and grow.
Finally, as part of the new Play and Attachment programme we will deliver both the Social Services Children and Young People Modern Apprenticeships at Level 7 and Level 9.
We believe in creating this enhanced Modern Apprenticeship we have demonstrated our knowledge of the sector, our desire to support positive change within the same and an unyielding commitment to supporting and inspiring young people to develop their infinite potential.
We cannot wait to get started and we look forward to working with you all in the very near future.
For more information you can contact our Early Years Academy at earlyyears@tigersltd.co.uk or by telephone 0141 771 5200.
A Family's Experience at Lullaby Lane
A Family's Experience at Lullaby Lane
Choosing a nursery for your 1st child is a daunting experience – so many choices, so many opinions, so many options, so many crazy waiting lists and much wondering about what is the right decision.
This was what faced us in the Autumn of 2014 after our daughter Emily was born as we began to think about the logistics of childcare. When we went to visit Lullaby Lane we instantly knew this was the place – a sign at the door said “home from home” – and within minutes of being inside the nursery and meeting the staff for the first time we knew this was the place for us! Lullaby Lane is far more than a nursery, it’s family! And now after roughly 7 years we have come to the end of our journey as parents of children at Lullaby Lane but we will forever hold it in our hearts, and be a supporter of Pauline and her teams as much as we can.
“I love being able to get outdoors all the time and being able to play on the hammocks”
Emily
We were naive and thought that nursery was just somewhere you took your children for childcare, but Lullaby Lane has taught us that it is so much more. All the staff strive to be the best they can be, and not only educate themselves about early years development and attachment theory but also the parents and families too, and for this we will be forever grateful! Attachment theory was something we knew nothing about before becoming a Lullaby Lane family; and it’s now something we are able to share with our own friends and family.
Both our children – Emily and Finlay – have attended Lullaby Lane over the last 7 years, and we would have been lost without the nursery. It’s the most welcoming, friendly, homely, nurturing and loving environment and nothing is ever too much. All staff go above and beyond every day, to help the children achieve their full potential and feel settled, loved and connected to their nursery environment and them as keyworkers. Not only do they love and support the children in their care they also have the same connection to the parents and families.
“Lullaby Lane is so much fun!”
Finlay
Our time at Lullaby Lane has not always been plain sailing. As a family we didn’t qualify for childcare during the covid pandemic, but Lullaby Lane made sure to keep the connection with Finlay (and Emily) alive with weekly video messages, connection bags and zoom sessions with keyworkers and friends so when nursery finally opened up again to us, it was a smooth transition back for Finlay and he couldn’t have been happier to be back with “his Sophia” and his besties.
Lullaby Lane is definitely more than just a nursery, it’s a place that loves your child as much as you love them yourselves and becomes part of your family. Our children wouldn’t be who they are today without the friendships and relationships they made during their time there.
Through them we have made friends and connections for life and will never ever forget our time there and neither will Emily and Finlay 💖
Katie and Brian Thomson
The Pride in Pride
Why do we still need Pride?
As you may know June and July are Pride months in the UK, a celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. A time for the LGBTQ+ community to be seen, understood, and respected. A time for education, reflection, action, and most of all love.
Being gay is still a crime in over 69 countries round the world, and punishable by death in many. Pride isn’t just a bit of fun or a chance to show off. Its an essential political event highlighting human rights and the struggle for legal equality for the LGBTQ+ community round the world. With the Trans community particularly being persecuted at this time by the uneducated in the media, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Why Tigers are involved?
Tigers have supported, coached, and believed in young people in Scottish communities for years. I felt it was fitting that they offered to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and wanted to be part of the Pride march in Glasgow. Many of our young people are lesbian, gay, bi and trans.
Tigers offer a safe environment for learning, offering coaching, mental health awareness and a real practical support as part of a whole person approach. Helping young people work towards achieving their full potential whoever they are and whoever they love. Our Tigers learners feel so comfortable in the inclusive environment provided, that they can finally be who they want and need to be. It can be a weight lifted from their shoulders, allowing them to just be who they want to be. No need to hide or feel shame, they can relax and know they are accepted and respected for the journey they are on.
“I was delighted to stand with David, with colleagues and friends in celebration of our diversity. Pride was an incredible event, filled with joy, love and understanding - I was proud to be there and walk alongside my friends.”
Siobhan Argyle, Education Manager, tigers
Our day of Pride
Saturday the 16th July has arrived Pride day Glasgow. Myself, and a group of colleagues, have our place in the Pride parade and are all ready to go. A mixed group of gay and straight allies. I feel so proud to have such a fantastic, supportive, loving work family ready to march along-side me. Taking on my fight and making it theirs.
With Tigers Pride t-shirts generously supplied by Tigers Group Managing Director Pauline Scott, Pride flags freshly ironed, glitter, whistles and rainbows everywhere we are off. What strikes me immediately are the many businesses and organisations like Tigers who are taking part. From supermarkets and banks to council adoption agencies and the gay rugby team. Thousands of people supporting change. Many realising that Pride isn’t just a day out of the year, but every day. Changing policies in their companies and organisations to legally protect their LGBTQ+ members and employees.
Smiles, laughter, singing, music, chants fill the air as we make our way from Glasgow Green through the streets of Glasgow City Centre towards George Square.
The streets are lined by people waving and enjoying the atmosphere, old and young, families and couples, smiling and waving, showing their support. You can feel the joy in the air, its intoxicating. 20,000 people marching for equality, for change, for reform, and love.
It makes me feel proud how far the LGBTQ+ community have come in the 50 years pride has been celebrated. I feel lucky to live in a country where my freedom to be me is legally protected.
But it also makes me realise more work is required to help the LGBTQ+ community round the world. The fight for human rights continues. I look around me and realise the fight is in good hands.
Roll on Pride 2023 the fight goes on!
Tigers Group takes on Kilt Walk
What our team will be walking
This year a number of team have decided to join the Kilt Walk in Edinburgh later this year, taking on the Mighty Stride, a total of 24 miles. We have a 30 strong team made up of members of tigers, Lullaby Lane Nursery and Paradigm Landscapes teams. In preparation for Septembers walk we have planned several training days to build up our endurance before we tackle the Kilt Walk which is expected to take 6-8 hours to complete.
Epilepsy Scotland
Our team will be walking in memory of our friend and colleague, Richard Loughran, who passed away suddenly in 2020. As a team we unanimously chose to walk in support of Epilepsy Scotland.
“In Scotland 55,000 people are affected by epilepsy. Children and older people are most at risk of developing this common serious neurological condition but anyone can develop epilepsy at any time, and eight people a day in Scotland do.
We want to make sure the needs of people with epilepsy are met. This is why we campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma.”
“As a team we decided to give something back to the charity who supports those who and the families of Epilepsy sufferers in memory of our friend and colleague Richard, a beautiful soul who left us to early, as he always said “no problem””
Aisling Bent, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
If you would like to support us to support this wonderful organisation, please visit our team’s kiltwalk page, all donations greatly appreciated and welcomed. Thank you for your support!
The winners at tigers second annual golf day
We recently hosted our second annual golf day
It was a day enjoyed by all as we welcomed friends and partners of tigers back to Douglas Park Golf Club in September. We hosted our first golf day in 2019 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic we had to postpone the 2020 event.
Having been two years since we took to the course it was great to see everyone’s swing was looking as good as we remembered and were able to enjoy themselves on the way round the immaculate course.
Helping Hackathon
To support this cause, we hosted a nearest the pin challenge, asking £5 entry with the winner splitting the £200 pot with the Hackathon.
The Winners
After a competitive day on the course, our guests enjoyed a lovely meal as the scores of the days stableford competition were calculated. We were delighted to be able to hand out prizes to the days winners… and losers.
- Nearest the pin (3rd hole) – Jim Morrison (TTag)
- Nearest the pin (17th hole) – George Morrison (TTag)
- Longest drive (10th hole) – Donald Turner (Veitchi)
- Most special golfer – George Morrison (TTag)
- 3rd place – Donald Turner (Veitchi)
- 2nd place – Chris Kennedy (Cosy Installs)
- 1st place – Ian McLaughlin (Veitchi)
Thank you to all our partners who joined us, and we look forward to welcoming you back again for our third annual golf day in 2022
Supporting people to develop their infinite potential
Tigers group are now offering support to our team, partners, children and young people through calming tigers and authentic tigers
Here at tigers, we’re passionate about supporting people to develop their infinite potential. We care deeply about creating an environment that allows every individual to bring their authentic self into the workplace.
We are excited to launch two new brands, calming tigers & authentic tigers, both of which will be crucial to making this vision a reality. Both brands will allow us to support not only our team, but also children, young people, schools and partners with wellbeing and life coaching programmes.
Emotional Health Self Awareness – calming tigers
Raising self-awareness of how we carry stress and anxiety, calming tigers supports adults and children to move towards calmness using a collection of body-based techniques. We have a shared belief that we’re all deserving of knowing our own value and self-worth. Our sessions promote empathy, resilience, kindness, and connection to build a strong mindset and body.
Calming tigers was developed in-house during lockdown and we recognised immediate benefits across our team. It then seemed a natural progression to take this solution to our wider community, partners, and organisations.
Our Wellbeing Coordinator Aisling Bent is leading calming tigers. Here is why she does it:
“My passion came from my own journey and my subsequent desire to help the Lullaby Lane Nurseries team manage daily anxieties. After years of using meditation for my own benefit as a relaxation technique, I decided to train as a mindfulness coach to assist others on their journey of relaxation and increase their ability to de-stress.”
Programmes offered by calming tigers:
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Positive Touch
- Laughter Therapy
- Wellbeing Days
Transformational Coaching – authentic tigers
Authentic tigers life coaching sessions, workshops and events align with our vision to reduce barriers and help others to develop their infinite potential.
We do this by offering a range of accelerated personal development solutions using rapid transformation tools, techniques and strategies.
The service will coach individuals and teams using neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and other therapies to analyse how we organise our thinking, feelings, language, and behaviour and retrospectively our emotional intelligence to create successful outcomes.
Our Learning & Development Igniter, David Howie, is leading the development of authentic tigers. In 2008 he became a qualified Practitioner and in 2021 a Master Practitioner in NLP and other therapies. Here is why:
“After many years seeking the solution to my own battles with mental health I was introduced to neuro-linguistic programming. The real positive impact helped me to deal with life's challenges in a more balanced manner. From here, I developed an internal ‘must’ to help others to see life through a different lens and achieve more of what they want in life. People deserve to live life beyond limits.”
Programmes offered by authentic tigers:
- One-to-One Personal or Professional Coaching
- Personal or Professional Breakthrough Day Experience
- Team Stress Management & Development Days
- Goal Setting Sessions
- Time-Line Therapy Sessions
- Supreme Self Confidence Days
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Communication Skills Days & NLP basics.
“We strongly believe that we have a responsibility to create a culture that is safe and secure and encourages our team to bring their “whole self to work”. The introduction of calming tigers and authentic tigers has enabled us to do this. We are delighted that we are now able to offer these initiatives to our wider community to help inspire and support them to develop their infinite potential.”
Laura Devennie, Director of People and Culture, tigers
If you would like to learn more information about authentic tigers and calming tigers programmes, email us to arrange a call.
