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Our Main Lodge Staff
Here are our friendly members of staff at Gatehouse Farm Childcare in the Little Chicks Lodge:
Claire Mildenhall
Manager
Early Year's Educator (Level 3), Lead Safeguarding
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.
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.
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.
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