Staff
Sophie
Hello I’m Sophie, the supervisor for Playtimes Playgroup. I concluded my degree in Early Childhood Studies with practitioner status at Sheffield Hallam University in June of 2006, gaining a 2:2 honours. I have worked in childcare environments (mainly Clancarty kindergarten) since leaving Kimbolton school, in all available holidays.
After working at Playtimes for 3years I decided I needed a new challenge, and so embarked on my EYPS (Early Years Professional Status), of which I completed in September 2009.
I am very attached to Playtimes, as it has provided me with a great depth of knowledge about the real world of childcare!
I work directly with the children 3 and a half days a week, the rest of my time is spent doing the paper work!!!
I enjoy leading a fantastic, dedicated and passionate team of staff that we have here at Playtimes (of which you will read more about below).
I am also trained to Designated Person level in First Aid, Equal Opportunities, Special Educational Needs and Child Protection, in order to help, support and guide the other members of staff with their roles. I am the settings designated person for Child Protection and Food hygiene.
I have attended many training workshops and sessions in Just Managing, creativity, Early Years Foundation Stage, Behaviour, Staying Safe in the Foundation Stage, just to mention a few!
I also manage the after school and holiday clubs, here in the playtimes building.
You can contact me directly on sophie@playtimesplaygroup.co.uk
Abi
I’m Abi, I am the deputy supervisor at Playtimes. I have worked at Playtimes since January 2006, and became deputy in March 2006 – and thoroughly enjoy it!
Each day is different and watching the children play and learn is as exciting as watching my own two children achieve something new.
I have been to university to study a BAHons in Textile Design, being creative is almost a must for working with children! I have always enjoyed being ‘arty’ and have completed many qualifications in various creative areas from BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design, A-Level Photography and GCSE Ceramics.
There is always an area in Playtimes where something from one of these can be applied!
I completed the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice in April 2007. I am a qualified first aider, and am the settings designated Equal Needs Co-ordinator with Judi. I also have qualifications in behavioural management, Child Protection, Special Educational Needs and the new Early Years Foundation Stage. I also hold a number of workshop certificates relating to early years.
I enjoy doing the planning of the sessions and the displays with the children.
Jane Wiggins
I have worked as an assistant at Playtimes since October 2005. I have the CACHE Level 1 qualification for Pre-School settings and First Aid. I have completed several training sessions including; Managing Challenging Behaviour, Autistic Spectrum, Child Protection and others.
I enjoy gardening especially with the children and encourage them to grow plants, vegetables, fruit and herbs. We have a fantastic strawberry patch and vegetable garden. I have also started to develop Playtimes very own sensory garden with fragrant herbs and flowers, bright colours and different textures. The children love walking through this on sunny and also wet days! Most of our plants our grown from scratch with the children planting seeds and bulbs and watching them grow until we can harvest the crops!
Judi Dennis
I have worked at Playtimes since September 2004, prior to which I worked as a qualified Nurse for 12 years. I am the Designated Person for first aid in the setting as well and Equal needs co-ordinator with Abi.
I have gained my NVQ L2 in Child care, and hold many certificates for Early Years Training such as Child Protection, Equal Needs and Positive Behaviour Management. I am married with two children and also work at Spaldwick School as a lunch time Supervisor.
Paula
My name is Paula and I am the administrator at Playtimes.
I have worked at Playtimes since February 2007 and can be found every morning (except Wednesdays) in the playgroup office.
I have a Legal Secretaries Diploma as well as Level 2 certificate in Book-Keeping and Accounts.
I keep my first aid and child protection training updated.
My door is always open and I look forward to seeing you.
Suzanne Winterlich
Hello my name is Suzanne. I am the setting’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). I have worked here since September 2006. I am also trained in first aid, Child Protection and behaviour management. I have also attended various early years workshops including working with parents, Early Support Programme and creativity, along with others.
I also hold a BAHons degree in French and Russian, which I use to read stories to the children, which they find very interesting.
I am also qualified in Management of Accounts.
Tracey Ball
My name is Tracey, and I have been working at Playtimes Playgroup since April 2006. I currently run liturgy classes on Sundays for the under 5’s. I completed my NVQ level 2 in May of 2009, which I am very proud of. It has given me valuable knowledge of how children develop and learn best through their play.
I hold a first aid certificate and am trained in Child Protection and Special educational Needs.
I also have attended many courses and workshops including behavioural management, creativity, working with parents along with many more.
I really enjoy working with the children at Playtimes, learning new things everyday. It is very inspiring and rewarding.
I also work at the breakfast club with Sophie and Abi.
Fiona Gallagher
My name is Fiona and I have been working at Playtimes as an assistant since May 2007. I am a mum of three who all came to playtimes, so have been involved for a number of years prior to my employment. This involved being on the committee and helping out with the running of things.
Since working at Playtimes I have completed my NVQ L2 in Childcare, Learning and Development. I have also attended numerous Early Years Training courses; Special Educational Needs, First Aid, Child Protection and many other work shops.
I also now assist Suzanne with Special Educational Needs Co-ordinating within the setting.
Lisa Lane
Jane O’Dwyer
I am one of the cleaners at Playtimes. I started here in January 2009.
As well as working at Playtimes, I work at Overhills school in Kimbolton.
Alexander Corbett
I am also a cleaner at Playtimes. I started in June 2009. I am also doing an apprenticeship in Plumbing.