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Natalie Healey, Head of Franchise Operations
Natalie brings passion, expertise and a family-first approach to the Banana Moon Franchise team. With nearly 20 years in early years education – starting as a nursery apprentice and working through every role up to regional manager – she’s seen it all!
Now, as our Head of Franchise Operations, she’s the go-to expert for everything from ensuring top-quality childcare to helping franchisees build thriving businesses.
“I’m a very family-orientated person and it was important to me to join a family-run company. I was also interested in the franchising side of things – and until I found Banana Moon, I didn’t know that you could get the nice family feel and still be part of something bigger!”
Natalie’s role is all about ensuring the smooth running of our franchise network. It spans three key areas: maintaining quality practice through policies and procedures, driving business success for franchisees, and onboarding all new franchisees with bespoke training.
She says that one of the most rewarding parts of her role is writing the policies and procedures that directly shape the experience of over 5,000 children across the Banana Moon network.
Her leadership style is rooted in reflective practice and continuous learning, and ensuring nurseries run smoothly while staying agile in the ever-changing – and often unexpected! – world of childcare. She champions the importance of up-to-date training, regulatory compliance and a shared commitment to putting children at the heart of every decision.
“Continual training and development is so important in the childcare industry, as it’s a statutory regulated industry. Our franchisees buy into Banana Moon because we know what we’re talking about when it comes to legislation – our franchisees can trust what we offer.”
Having previously worked in large nursery groups, Natalie was drawn to our family-run ethos and was keen to discover how her early years background could be adapted to suit a nursery franchise opportunity.
There’s something special about Banana Moon. Many franchisees say they feel the difference the moment they walked through the door, and Natalie knows exactly why: it’s the warmth, the community and the unwavering commitment to children.
With our franchise network growing fast, Natalie is excited to see more passionate people join the journey. Because the more nurseries that get it right, the more children who benefit – and that’s what it’s all about!
Three words to describe Natalie:
bubbly, dedicated, patient
Outside of work, she has a soft spot for property – and an enduring hobby of ‘Rightmove snooping’! Growing up as the second-eldest of seven siblings means she’s no stranger to lively family life – something that comes in handy in early years education! While she jokes about ‘line managing’ her younger siblings, it’s clear that growing up close to her family reinforced her belief in the power of strong, supportive communities – both in families and in business.
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