MEET THE TEAM: CANOPY GREAT MISSENDEN
Meet Posy: The Family-First behind Canopy Great Missenden
When families choose a nursery, they are making one of the most important decisions in their child’s early years. They are placing their trust in a team who will help nurture, guide and care for their little one during some of the most formative years of their life.
For Posy Goraya, Director of Canopy Great Missenden, that understanding comes from both professional experience and personal experience as a parent.
As a mother of two children, now aged seven and four, Posy knows first-hand what it’s like to search for the right nursery.
15+
years working within NHS
No.10
recognised at Downing Street
0 – 5
years, from babies to school – ready
When families choose a nursery, they are placing their trust in a team who will nurture, guide and care for their little one during some of the most formative years of their life.
For Posy Goraya, Director of Canopy Great Missenden, that understanding comes from professional experience and from being a parent. As a mother of two, now aged seven and four, she knows first-hand what it is like to search for the right nursery.
As a mother of two children, now aged seven and four, Posy knows first-hand what it’s like to search for the right nursery.
Creating the Nursery She Couldn’t Find
“When we were looking for nurseries for our own children, we never quite found what we would have considered the perfect nursery,” Posy explains.
Like many parents, Posy and her husband, Umer, spent time researching settings, arranging visits and weighing up their options while balancing demanding careers. Whilst they found good nurseries, there were always things they wished could have been done differently.
As conversations about starting their own business became more frequent, they continually returned to the same idea: what if they could create the nursery they had always wanted for their own children?
Experience Built on Excellence
Posy brings more than 15 years of experience working within the NHS, where her dedication and commitment to excellence were recognised at 10 Downing Street. Throughout her career, she has become known for her professionalism, leadership, attention to detail and genuine care for people.
Working within high-responsibility environments has given Posy extensive experience in safeguarding, organisation and maintaining exceptionally high standards, all of which will help shape the culture and quality of the nursery from day one.
Alongside Posy is her husband, Umer, a Chartered Accountant who brings strong financial leadership and strategic oversight. Together, they are building Canopy Great Missenden on solid foundations, ensuring the nursery operates with integrity, sustainability and a long-term vision for serving local families.
Why Great Missenden?
When the opportunity arose to visit the former White Lion Pub, it quickly became clear that this was somewhere special. The beautiful former Tudor-style pub, situated in the heart of the high street, immediately stood out.
“The building was gorgeous. The Roald Dahl Museum is literally down the road and the whole town is just beautiful.”
What has been particularly encouraging has been the response from local residents. During early site visits, passers-by would regularly stop to ask what was happening to the building.
“When people found out it was going to be a nursery, they were really positive and excited about it.”
A Place Filled With Laughter, Curiosity and Joy
Ask Posy what she is most excited about, and her answer isn’t about occupancy levels or business plans. It’s much simpler.
“I want to hear laughter. I want children to be enjoying themselves and having the best time. Having a nursery with happy, thriving staff and happy children will create such energy and joy.”
For Posy, that daily atmosphere of excitement, curiosity and connection is what success truly looks like.
Nurturing Creativity
One of Posy’s strongest beliefs is that creativity should have a central place in a child’s early years.
As a child, she loved role play, puppet shows, storytelling and imaginative games. These experiences helped shape her outlook and are something she hopes to bring to Canopy Great Missenden.
“I don’t think you can underestimate how important creative skills are.”
While recognising the importance of STEM learning, literacy and numeracy, Posy believes children also need opportunities to imagine, perform, create and express themselves.
“Helping children be curious and creative is incredibly important for who they become later in life.”
From role-play spaces to storytelling experiences and imaginative play, creativity will be woven throughout everyday life at the nursery through the Canopy Code.
Building Relationships With Families
Relationships are at the heart of Posy’s vision for the nursery. She wants parents to feel comfortable, listened to and supported from their very first interaction with the setting.
“I never want parents to feel anxious about talking to us.”
As both a parent and nursery owner, she understands how significant the decision is to choose a nursery.
For Posy, nursery staff become an extension of a family’s support network. She wants every parent to feel confident that their child is not only safe and cared for, but genuinely known and valued.
Creating a Positive Team Culture
The same care extends to the team.
Posy wants Canopy Great Missenden to be somewhere staff feel respected, supported and empowered to do their best work. She believes open communication, trust and collaboration are essential in building a healthy workplace culture.
“I want people to feel comfortable coming forward and know they’ll be listened to.”
A Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, Posy’s ambition is simple: to give every child the strongest possible start in life.
She hopes children will join Canopy Great Missenden as babies, grow through their toddler and preschool years, and leave confident, curious and ready for their next chapter.
“The years from zero to five are so important. If we can help children leave with confidence, curiosity and a love of learning, we’ll have done something really special.”
YOUR CANOPY JOURNEY STARTS HERE
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Discover Canopy Great Missenden and take the first step towards becoming part of our nursery family.