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Our Staff
Here are our friendly members of staff at Gatehouse Farm Childcare:
Claire Mildenhall
Manager
Early Year's Educator Level 3, Lead Safeguarding and SENCO
I started my career in childcare in 1990 in London. In 1994 I qualified as an N.N.E.B Nursery Nurse and went on to work in numerous primary schools around London. During this time I also ran after school clubs and holiday clubs, transporting children all around Central London - having lots of fun along the way! In 1997 I started working for Social Services. I was part of a dynamic team of highly professional and qualified staff working in an Early Year's Centre. We offered parenting support and childcare for children classed as 'in need', as well as other children from the surrounding community. As if this wasn't enough, I also worked three evenings a week in Youth Centres and was a full time Foster Carer. In 2005 I moved to Dawlish from London and began Cheeky Monkeys Childcare, a childminding service, whilst raising my two young boys. In 2013 demand for my services were extremely high and I was finding myself having to turn down lots of enquiries due to places being 'full'. This leads me on to where I find myself today! Gatehouse Farm Childcare has been started to meet increasing demand for high quality, flexible childcare in Dawlish.
Shelley Lake
Deputy Manager, SENDCO and Early Years Educator (Level 6)
I have had various experiences, ranging from Health Care to Marine Engineering. After having five children of my own, I volunteered in Nurseries, while mine were young. I have worked in Primary schools, in year 1, and in Special Education settings. Special Needs, is very important to me, having had personal experience. I have a BA in Early Years, and recently become Gatehouse SENDCO.
Jacqui Plain
Nursery Support Practioner / QTS Teacher
Hi there! I have always been interested in children's learning journeys and used to be a Secondary Maths Teacher in Exeter. I decided to take a career break when having my 2 children. Whilst they are still young I decided to go into assisting young children in nursery which is how I became a worker here. I like to think of myself as an aware and empathetic person who will be there to talk to if you need to and help your child love their time here.
Vicki Walker
Early Years Educator (Level 6)
Hello I'm Vicki, I live in Dawlish with my family for the past 20 years. I have a BA in Education Studies, Food Hygiene Level 2, Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding training. I previously worked in another nursery in Teignmouth before joining Gatehouse Farm, but have also done work experience in Primary School and Special schools. I choose to work in childcare because I really enjoy helping young children develop and become confident individuals.
Paula Middleton
Early Years Educator (Level 3)
Hello I'm Paula. I'm a bubbly happy person and always happy to help others. I have got a NVQ level 3 in childcare and I have been working with children for 10 years. I enjoy watching and helping them develop through play. I enjoy being a key worker for my children and focussing on planned activities to help further their development.
Teresa James
Early Years Educator (Level 3)
Hello there, I'm Teresa. I live in Dawlish with my husband Kelvin and our beautiful children. I have a level 3 diploma in childcare and education. For the past 7 I have worked as part of our Dawlish and Teignmouth Sure Start Children's Centre team. I'm looking forward to being part of the Gatehouse Farm Childcare team and offering your children a safe, nurturing environment to develop in, that meets their individual needs, all whilst learning through play and developing their confidence and self esteem, but most of all having lots of fun!
Charlotte Wakefield
Early Years Educator (Level 3)
My name is Charlotte. I started my journey on child care after having my first child. I did my NVQ 2 and 3 at South Devon College and my placement at a private prep school where I was offered a job on completing my level 2. I left the private school when I had my second child. I went on to have my third. I've enjoyed staying at home raising them but now they are all at school I wanted to get back into childcare. I've worked at GHF since November 2016 and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Victoria McBride
Early Years Educator (Level 3)
I've worked with adults with learning disabilities and Mental Health for 14 years. I have experience of challenging behaviour. I delivered training to adult learners within the Health and Social Care Industry. From safeguarding vulnerable adults, induction to health and social care, moving and handling fire, infection control. I have a preparing and certificate to teach adult learners. My role included supervising the staff team on call and supporting adults to live in their own homes promoting their daily living skills. I'm new to the childcare industry but feel I have a lot of experience to offer. I hope to commence my Level 3 Training soon.
Sammi Stead
Early Years Educator (Level 3)
Hello, my name is Sammi. I started here at Gatehouse Farm Childcare as a workplace student whilst completing my level 2 in children and young peoples workforce. Shortly after completing my course I was offered a part time position which soon increased to full time, term time only. I have completed my Safe Guarding training, First Aid and Food Hygiene certificate. My decision to work in childcare come after having my son in 2013 where I had a 2 year break from work to be at home with him. I developed and interest in child development and watching them progress and grow as individuals. I enjoy engaging with all age children, one to one and as a group to provide for each of their individual needs. Once I have gained more experience working within a childcare setting, I would like to progress on to my level 3.
Courtenay Burnay
Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)
Hi my name is Courtenay. I'm 20 and started my training at Gatehouse Farm towards a Level 3 in Childcare. I have over 1 years worth of experience with childcare settings. I have completed a Health and Social Care course together with Full Peadiatrics First Aid, Safeguarding, Food hygiene and Level 2 in Childcare.
Courtney James
Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)
My name is Courtney, I'm 19 and I live in Dawlish with my family.I have a Btech in Child Care Studies and currently studying my Level 2 in child care. I have my Pediatrics First Aid and Food Hygiene training. I want to work with children as I like to watch children progress and learn.
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