Meet the Staff

Our team of staff are highly qualified and have regular updates on courses such as First Aid, Diversity, SEND (special needs) and Safeguarding. All staff are parents and are aware of the individual needs and demands of children. Our ‘hands-on’ approach means that children always feel like they are valued as an individual and have a relaxed, home from home environment.

Staff provide a warm and welcoming environment and ensure that children are happy during their time at Pre-school. Regular team meetings take place which means that communication between staff is continually updated. With parental permission, approved outside agencies are engaged to help with specific advice on individual needs if required, such as Speech & Language, Community Nurse & Area SEND Advisors.

A member of staff is assigned as a keyperson to each child, who will update their parents/carers on their child’s progress at Pre-school. Children find this very beneficial and this often helps with the initial settling in process. We have a welcoming ‘open-door’ approach for parents to talk to staff for any day-to-day issues. Appointments can be made with staff for a discussion about your child’s learning-journey or for any concerns.

Pauline – I have worked at Pre-school since 2001 and have recently taken on the role of Leader. I am also the Special Needs Co-ordinator for the setting. My qualifications include NVQ 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development, Paediatric First Aid and Level 3 CERTSEY (Certificate for SENCO in Early Years) and I have attended all relevant up-to-date courses. I have two grown up children.

What I love most about Pre-school is that we know the children so well that we can adapt our teaching methods to each individual child.

Gillian – I have worked at Pre-school since 2005 and became Deputy Leader in 2008. My qualifications include NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development and Paediatric First Aid. I am also trained in Wellcomm and attend all relevant up-to-date courses. I have two grown up children.

I love seeing the children grow in confidence and develop the skills which set them up for school life – and life in general, while having fun!

Nicky – I have worked at Pre-school since 2004. I am NVQ 3 qualified in Childcare, Learning & Development and am currently the Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator. I am also trained in Wellcomm and attend all relevant courses. I am married with two grown up children. In my spare time I go horse-riding.

I love seeing children progress into confident children with a great sense of self-esteem.

Ashley – I joined the Pre-school in 2018, qualified in NVQ3 Childcare, Learning & Development in 2020 and completed my Level 4 in May 2023. I am trained in Paediatric First Aid and am also the Health & Safety Representative. I love working with the children and getting them ready for the future.

My favourite book is Jill Murphy – Peace at Last.

Jo – I have been involved with Datchworth Pre-school since 2007, initially as a parent volunteer and committee member. I joined the Pre-school as a member of staff in 2015 and after a break returned in January 2023. I am Paediatric First Aid qualified and am currently studying Level 3 NVQ in Childcare, Learning & Development. I am married and have three children.

I love working at Datchworth Pre-school. I find it so rewarding to see the children grow and develop in confidence, ready for school. I particularly enjoy arts and crafts on the messy table, reading stories and gardening with the children.

Louisa – I joined the Pre-school in 2008 and am responsible for pupil admissions and financial matters. I usually work from home and also provide cover when required.

I love seeing how the children change and progress over the time they are with us before going on to school.

Ofsted

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