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Staff TeamHere at Birch Farm we have a team of dedicated staff who look after the children and customers on a daily basis. All of the nursery staff undertake regular training in First Aid, Food Hygiene and Safeguard Children as well as other courses to enhance the opportunities we offer to the children. The Owners - Mini & Darren Shakespeare - Mini has worked at birch farm since 2006 starting by running the Nursery then moving on to running the site Darren has been involved in the site for some time as IT support and has also designed the web site and is well know by the staff and children. Site Director - The team is headed by Mini Shakespeare the site director who has over 20 years childcare experience in a variety of settings. Mini oversees all site activities and has an office based in the barn. Qualification - BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Professional Status Qualification [EYPS] The Nursery Team:The nursery is run on a day to day basis by the manager Sarah Sharman. Mini oversees the nursery as part of her whole site role. Each room has their own team of staff and more details on the staff for each room are listed below. The management team also work in each room on a weekly basis to provide guidance and support. Joint Nursery Manager - (Presently is on maternity leave and we would like to congratulate her on the birth of Dylan on the 26/07/2011) The nursery manager - Sarah Sharman has been at Birch Farm for 7 years. Sarah undertakes all the day to day running of the nursery and regularly liaises with Mini and Darren. Qualification - NVQ Level 4 Childrens Care Learning and Development, Undertaking her Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Joint Nursery Manager - Nick Leeder - is our joint Manager. Nick has worked in primary schools for several years prior to specialising in Early Years and joining our team. Nick works along side Sarah with the day to day running of the nursery and can be contacted if Sarah is unavailable. Qualification - BA Hons Sports Science and Early Years Professional Status Qualification [EYPS] Catkins:Diane S - (Acting Nursery Deputy Manager whilst Sarah is on Maternity) Diane is our Catkins leader and works in full time in Catkins. Diane has been with Birch Farm for 11 years, and has 4 children of her own. Qualification: NVQ Level 4 in Childcare and Education. Undertaking Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Kathleen Gladding - Kath is full time in Catkins and has worked at Birch Farm for almost 3 years, she enjoys having 'fun' with the children both indoors and outdoors. Qualification:
Rebecca Freeman - Rebecca has been working at Birch Farm since Jan 2011, she enjoys messy activities with the children Qualification: Cache Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Amelia Smith - Amelia is full time in Catkins having joined us in Sept 2011. Pippins:Victoria Jones. Vicky is acting room leader of Pippins. She is full time in Pippins and enjoys outdoor activities. Qualification: NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development Tracey Maskell - Tracey works 4 days per week . She has worked in childcare for many years including as a 1:1 support carer. Qualification:NVQ Level 3 in Early Years. Ami Simpkin was a student with us before completing her level 3 qualification in June 2009. Ami is full time in Pippins and enjoys quiet activities such as stories. Qualification: Btec Level 3.
Hannah Grinnell - is presently undertaking her Foundation Degree with Suffolk College and works part time around her studies. Qualification: Level 3 Health and Social Care - working towards her Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Acorns:Kirsty Barnes - Kirsty is acting room leader in Yellow room whilst Laura is on Maternity leave. Kirsty enjoys sensory activities and is also our SENCO for the setting. As part of this role Kirsty receives extra support from Suffolk County Council and additional training. Qualification: Btec Level 3 in Early Years
Laura Abery is head of our Pre-School section mainly based in the yellow group. Laura has been at Birch Farm since November 2007 she is presently on maternity leave following the birth of her second daughter. Qualification: BA Hons in Primary Education and her [EYPS] Early Years Professional Status
Abi Borrett is Supervisor of the red group and has15 years experience. Abi has been at Birch Farm since March 2006. Abi also runs our holiday club Barnabys. Qualification: BA Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies
Abi Clarke - Abi is deputy leader for red and yellow group. Abi has worked in our baby unit before transferring to Acorns in Jan 09. Abi works in both red and yellow room. Qualification: BA Hons Early Childhood Education and Early Years Professional Status Qualification [EYPS]
Lucia Johnson - Lucia is deputy to Blue and Red rooms and joined Birch Farm when she moved back into the area in January 2011 with her family. Qualification: NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development.
Liz Farncombe – Liz works in red room and is the Equal Opportunities Officer for Birch Farm. Within this role Liz receives additional training and supports the staff to develop balanced opportunities for all children. Liz is presently on maternity leave after the birth of her daughter in August 2011 we would like to congratulate her on the birth of Layla. Qualification: Liz has an NVQ Level 4 in Childcare
Kim Warren - Kim started at Birch Farm in June 2010. She is full time and Kim works full time in Yellow room with the exception of Wednesdays when she attends her childcare course.. She enjoys messy activities with the children and can often be found in messy play areas. Qualification: NVQ Level 2, working towards her Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare
Victoria Sayer - Victoria has worked in childcare for several years gaining experience working with all age ranges . Victoria works full time in Yellow room. Qualification: NVQ Level 3 Children's Care Learning and Development.
Sophie Thrower - Sophie has recently joined Birch Farm having completed her 2 years Level 3 Childcare Course at Suffolk College. Qualifications: Cache Level 3 in Early years and Childcare Supplementary Staff:
Leanne Quinton - Leanne has worked at Birch Farm for 3 years and enjoys baking cakes at home. Qualification: NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care learning and Development
Lauren Upson .Lauren has been working at Birch Farm for several years and is presently studying Social Work at Suffolk University, working part time in all rooms. Qualification: Level 4 Foundation Degree in Early Years
Karen Last -Karen started at Birch Farm in June 2006. Karen works full time across all rooms but mainly in preschool. Karen is presently on maternity leave following the recent birth of her second child. Qualification: NVQ Level 4 in Childrens Care, Learning and Development.
Amy Page - Amy is full time in Catkins and has been with Birch Farm since 2010. Amy enjoys taking the children for buggy walks in our 60 acres. Qualification: Level 3 Early Years and Childcare Ann Last - Ann has been at Birch Farm for several years and works part time in all departments. She can often be found in story areas with children sat on her knee. Laura Rogers: Laura is presently on maternity leave following the birth of her second child. Laura works 3 afternoons per week, and has her son attend nursery. Qualification: BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies and an NVQ Level 3 Playwork.
Amy Seager - Amy is working at Birch Farm as an Apprentice and also attending her Level 2 course with YMCA. Amy works in all rooms to help her gain maximum experience with Child development to link with what she is learning on her course. Qualification: Working towards level 2 in Early Years and Childcare
Haidee Cook - Haidee has been at Birch Farm for 2 years part time. Haidee also works as a nanny to a local family.
Rebecca Gladwell - Rebecca works 2 days per week mainly in the baby room, Rebecca is employed as maternity cover Rebecca has her Level 4 in Early Years.
Lisa Jackson - Cache Level 3 - Lisa is part time working 2 days per week acting as maternity cover. Lisa covers all ages and originally worked for Birch Farm before having her daughter.
Nursery support team:Chef - Here at Birch Farm we also have our own chef Lorraine. Lorraine prepares meals in the open plan kitchen based in the barn daily. She is happy to discuss special diets with parents should this be required. Lorraine caters for a variety of special dietary needs as required. Caretaker - We have our own on site caretaker Mick who undertakes all maintenance. Children can often be seen helping Mick or calling for him if they have a broken toy. Children have often been known to tell parents at home we can take it to Mick to fix. General Information:Keyperson - In order to support children as individuals we operate a keyperson system and staff undertake daily observation to help them plan for your child's learning experience. Staff will monitor and record each child’s progress regularly, and progress files are available for parents to see at our parents evenings or on request. The keyperson system also helps to support both parents/carers and children during trial sessions and those essential first few weeks and builds into a supportive relationship for children, parents and staff. Staff training - Staff training is highly valued here at Birch Farm and staff regularly attend training. Named Officers – The following staff are the named officers within the nursery. These staff receive additional training to help them within their roles: Special Educational Needs Support Co-ordinator: Kirsty Barnes
Child Protection Officers: Mini Shakespeare & Diane Sexton Equal Opportunities Officer: Liz Farncombe Health and Safety Officer: Mini Shakespeare The Barn Team:The Barn is open for soft play for children 5 yrs and under Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm, and for public swimming, private pool hire and lessons, as well as ballet and Birthday parties. Mini again supports the day to day running of this section of Birch Farm. Lorraine Dickson- is chef for the nursery and also cooks for our cafe during the week. Nicki Hubert - Nicki works part time as a kitchen assistant and receptionist on Tuesdays and Wednesdays helping to prepare our snacks and meals in the cafe. Heidi May - Heidi is a kitchen assistant on Mondays, Thursdays and Friday and also works as a Saturday party host on alternative Saturdays. Josh Shakespeare - Josh is our lifeguard during public swimming sessions and parties he also works as a kitchen assistant and party host. Jordan Shakespeare - Jordan is our Kitchen assistant and evening cleaner working full time in the barn. Rafal Pochec - Rafal is our Saturday Chef supporting the party team. Leighanna Maskell - Leighanna is a Saturday party host also supporting the Sunday team when needed. Jessica Sexton - Jessica is a Saturday Party host and kitchen assistant as well as studying for her GCSE'S. Heidi Brown - Heidi is our Sunday Party host supporting customers with private party hire. Jasmine Sheil - Jasmine is our second Sunday Party Host working with our private parties. Ballet, Jo Jingles and Swimming lessons:Rebecca Willsher - is our ballet instructor and operates lessons for children 2 -8 yrs on Mondays and Thursdays during term time. Jo Jingles - Jo Jingles lessons are run on Tuesday Mornings during term times. First Strokes swim school - run all swimming lessons and have dedicated teachers for each class.
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Send mail to mini@birchfarm.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
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