Meet Our Team

All of our team are Paediatric First Aid trained and we are proud to have gained the endorsement of Millie's Mark

 

 

Manager - Clare Gibson

Childcare is my passion and I have worked in nurseries for the past 22 years building a wealth of experience in the sector.

I believe that every child deserves the best start in life and here at Smarties we build the foundations for children to learn and grow. I pride myself on my hands on approach to management and ensure I am fully involved in the full life of the nursery.

Qualifying in 2001, I began my journey within childcare. Continuing with my training, I first completed my Foundation Degree in Early Years then continued on to gain my BA in Early Years Education.

Here at Smarties, we believe children learn best through a balance of well-planned, purposeful play taking every child’s individual needs into consideration. We aim to provide an enabling environment where children are able to form positive relationships and develop lifelong skills.  

 

Deputy Manager - Sophie 

I am based in the under two's room. I am currently completing my Early Years Degree to enhance my NVQ Level 3 qualification to further my knowledge and understanding of childcare and development. I have always known I wanted to work in childcare and being a mum has emphasised this. I wake up and look forward to coming to work to see all the rays of sunshine. 

 

 

Early Years Practitioners

 

Amy: I am a mum of two and I have been working in childcare since 2012 and I have an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Early Years. I love being around the children and shaping young minds. I am based in the babyroom, looking after the little ones and helping them learn about the world around them.

 

 

 

 

Emma: I have always had a passion for working with children as I love that when working in childcare every day is different.  I qualified as a teacher in 2010, since then I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. I am currently working in the pre-school room at Smarties, I look forward to expanding and developing the room watching the children grow and supporting them with the transition into school. 

  

 

Lauren: I always knew I would have a career working with children. After working with children for 8 years coaching sports in 2013 I finally made the decision to move into working within early years and childcare. I worked in a private day nursery for 3 years and gained my level 3 qualification in childcare. I love my career and look forward to gaining more and more experience and knowledge through working at Smarties. I work in the pre-school room with children aged 3 to 5 years old. 

 

 

 

Francesca: I qualified in 2007 with a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Early Years. I have experienced working in both private day nurseries and school nurseries. At Smarties I am based in the Toddler room. Each day I look forward to helping the children grow and learn,  I really enjoy singing and creative activities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leanne: I am an apprentice training towards my National diploma level 3 in childcare. I love working at Smarties and have a great passion for working with babies and young children.  I have previously gained experience through working in nurseries and schools, being an apprentice at Smarties allows me to the gain practical skills and knowledge I need to become an Early Years Practitioner.

 

 

'Always welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic'