The Silver Lining - An interview with Tanya Galitzine, Director Wise Owls Childcare
On 16th March 2020 life as we know it came to a sudden halt. How did that feel for you as the director of a childcare business?
A couple of weeks before lockdown we had know idea what was to come. We had implemented changes in our day nurseries, preschools and clubs like hand sanitiser and deep cleaning but it didn’t really hit me until lockdown that people were getting very ill and that we were facing a grave situation.
Like everyone, we had about two day’s notice and it sent us into a spin. Almost overnight, we received lengthy policy documents containing new regulations and procedures that we had to implement immediately. I’ve run Wise Owls for 20 years and this was the first time I had ever thought - I’m not sure I want to do this anymore. At this stage, I kept reminding myself why it was so important. With NHS staff on the frontline working so hard to keep us all safe, it was critical that I stayed strong for my team so we could continue to work for our local communities and provide an essential service.