Tyldesley nursery manager shares mixed heritage story

Mel Fitzpatrick, who was appointed manager of Partou Best Friends Day Nursery and Pre-school in August 2026, has shared her experiences as part of Black History Month.

Born in England, Mel is of mixed white and black Caribbean heritage.

Nursery manager Mel Fitzpatrick (Image: Supplied)

Her maternal grandparents are Irish, while her paternal grandparents came from St Kitts.

Reflecting on her identity, she said: “It’s quite difficult being mixed heritage but also the most beautiful thing in the world.

“I love to learn new things about my culture and embrace my family background.”

As she has grown older, Mel said she has enjoyed learning more about her heritage and celebrating it through music, food and spending time with her family.

She remembers family gatherings as major occasions, bringing relatives together from across the community.

Her grandfather was well known in Nottingham’s Caribbean community, where he ran a social club and was affectionately known as ‘Sheriff Woody’.

Although he has since died, the club continues to hold a celebration for St Kitts and Nevis Independence Day each September in his memory.

Mel also remembers her grandmother as a strong woman who raised her family with love.

Growing up, she heard from her father and his siblings about the bullying they had experienced.

Their accounts helped her understand some of the challenges she might face herself and gave her the confidence to speak up.

Mel said she would like more people to understand the diversity of Caribbean cultures and identities.

“When I tell people about my background, they often assume my family is from Jamaica,” she said.

“However, I hope people will feel comfortable being curious and asking, rather than making assumptions.”

Mel said these experiences have influenced her approach to her work at Partou Best Friends, where she meets children, families and colleagues from a range of backgrounds.

“We need to be open to asking questions and learning so that we can support everyone in the best way possible,” she added.

Mel said she rarely saw black teachers, tutors or managers while growing up.

She has also experienced discrimination and remembers times when she wished she had someone to talk to who understood her experiences.

Now in a leadership role herself, she wants to be someone children and colleagues feel comfortable approaching.

“I want to be a role model and to show others they can do anything they put their mind to,” she said.

“It’s about hard work, not where you come from.”

Laura Clay, Partou's regional childcare director, said the company was proud of Mel for sharing her experiences.

“Mel is inspirational to us all,” she said.

“For her, seeing people from different backgrounds in leadership matters. She wants children to see themselves reflected in the people around them and to feel that their ambitions are possible.”

Laura added: “We are proud that Mel has chosen Black History Month to share her story and hope it will encourage more people to keep learning about others and celebrate differences throughout the year.”

Black History Month takes place in October in the UK, celebrating the history, achievements and contributions of black people of African and Caribbean descent.

Partou Best Friends Day Nursery and Pre-school is located at Parr Bridge Retail Park in Tyldesley.

The purpose-built nursery welcomes children from birth to five years old.