Meet the Staff

Our team of staff are fully NVQ qualified and have regular updates on courses such as First Aid, Diversity, Senco (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 Senco teachers.

A member of staff is assigned as a key-worker 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 do 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.

What our staff say about themselves…
Chris – I have worked at Datchworth Pre-school for twenty years (as Leader for some of that time). My qualifications include First Aid and NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. I live in Datchworth and have four grown up children.

Gayle – I have worked at Pre-school for nine years. I am NVQ qualified and have attended many related courses. I am married with three children 13, 9 and 3 years and have lived in the village for twelve years. In my spare time I particularly enjoy baking.

Gillian – I have worked at Pre-school for six years and as Deputy Leader for three years. My qualifications include NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development and First Aid and I am the Health & Safety Co-ordinator. I am married with two children aged 14 and 11 years.

Nicky – I have worked at Pre-school for seven years. I am NVQ3 qualified and am currently the Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator. I am also First Aid trained and attend all relevant courses. I am married with two children aged 15 years and 9 years. In my spare time I go horse-riding.

Pam – Having worked at the Pre-school for thirteen years, I became Deputy in 2003 and have carried out the role of Leader for the last three years. I am married with two children and have lived in the village for fifteen years. I am currently studying for the Foundation Degree in Early Years which is hugely beneficial for our setting.

Pauline – I have worked at Pre-school for over ten years. I am the Special Needs Co-ordinator for the setting. My qualifications include NVQ 3 & First Aid and I have attended all relevant up-to-date courses. I am married with two children.

What our staff say about Pre-school…
“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”. Pauline

“I love introducing children to growing things in our garden and enjoying the outdoors, especially bird-watching”. Chris

“I enjoy seeing the look of wonder on children’s faces when they encounter something new”. Jemma

“I particularly enjoy assisting the children’s learning through hands on activities such as baking/messy play”. Gayle

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

“ I love seeing the children grow in confidence and develop the skills which set them up for school life – and life in general”. Gillian

“Our dedicated team of staff are great role models for all our children”. Pam