Hi Little Squirrels and Big Squirrels!!
I opened Little Squirrels Play Forest back in December 2016, three weeks after the birth of my little boy. Whilst any new parent will tell you this probably wasn’t the most ideal time to start a business it was my dream and something I had been longing to do for a very long time. The nursery and staff team has grown considerably over the past three years and I am so incredibly proud of the staff team and the children. It is truly an honour to work with such amazing people and lovely children.
I am a passionate advocate of Early Years Education and the importance of getting this right for every child. I truly believe the education system should be adapting to reflect the needs of our children as creative and critical thinkers; valuing each child's individuality rather than the child fitting into a ‘one size fits all’ classroom. I absolutely love outdoor learning and the benefits this can bring to children and their families.
I am currently studying my Education and Research Masters at the UEA. I am a Communication Champion for the Norwich Opportunity Area and work on promoting communication and language across pockets of need in Norwich which involves training other settings and childminders in key speech and language techniques to improve outcomes for all children in the area. This year I will be heading up the 0-2-year-old hub for Norfolk to promote language development in our youngest children. I have been selected by Norfolk County Council alongside 11 other teachers and practitioners in Norfolk to be an Early Years Development Practitioner. As part of this programme we will deliver training to nurseries, childminders and preschools across East Anglia to improve outcomes for in language and literacy. A busy but exciting year ahead!
Outside of Nursery I really enjoying spending time with my husband and two children. We love going out into the woods, spending time in the garden and eating (lots)! On the rare occasions I get some ‘me’ time I enjoy playing netball (not well!) and eating a meal to myself without having to share it with my tiny humans! 🙂 (I’m sure many of you will understand this one!)
What the staff team say about me:
Brilliant educator! Adapts her teaching to each child's needs, caring and the patience of a saint! (I promise I didn’t make them say that!)
Training and Qualifications
Early Years Teacher (EYT)
Currently studying towards my Research and Education Masters degree
NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Special Educational needs
NVQ Level 3 Diploma Forest School Leader
Elklan Level 3- supporting language in 3-5-year olds
Communication Champion
Level 3 Early Years Professional Development Programme - Language and Literacy 2-4 year olds Strand 1 & 2
Paediatric First Aid Level 3.
Food Safety and Hygiene
Safeguarding Lead Practitioner
Inspired by Babies Training
English as an Additional Language training
English as an Additional Language Advanced
Sign along
Step on behaviour management training
FGM training
Prevent training
Child Protection
Fire Extinguisher safety course
Equality Named Coordinator (ENCO) training
Risk Assessment Training
Personal Education Plans (PEP) Training
Attachment and Development in early years
Social and Emotional Aspects of development (SEAD) training
Special Educational Needs coordinator (SENCO) training
Common Assessment Framework (CAF) training
Step on training- Behaviour Management
Substance awareness
Curious Two’s, evolving the environment
Anaphylactic shock and the use of Epi-pens
Talk about part 1 &2
Outdoor Environment- Characteristics of effective teaching and learning
EYFS briefings
Individual Education Plan Training
Fire Marshall
Healthy Early Years Training
Music and Movement for under two’s
Inclusion and Equality Cluster
Supervision Skills
Safe Recruitment
Supporting Bereaved Children
Early Movers
Creating a stimulating Sensory area
Effective participation in Child Protection Conference
Managing a Critical Incident
Maths outside
Are you ready for your OFSTED inspection?
Health and safety Management
Multi-Agency working
Cluster Delivery of Safeguarding Materials
BA (Hons) Criminology
Letting Loose Parts Lead the Way
Early Years Assessment Networks
Leaders, Managers & Childminders Briefings
Level 3 Early Years Senco Award
EYFS Lead Teacher Networks
Yoga & Mindfulness
Autism 4: Developing Play
Amazing & Magnificent: Babies Brains
Autism 3: Understanding Behaviour
Loose Parts & Young Children's Curiosity & Learning
Moving In Moving Up Moving On
Outstanding Outdoors
Early Years Safeguarding Lead Practitioner -Refresher
Pedagogy Into Practice
Making Maths Count
Developing The Early Years Environment
Being An Effective Communicator
E-Safety
Supporting Children As Writers
Supporting Children With Attention & Listening Difficulties
Once Upon A Time
Developing Excellence In Maths, Literacy & Science
Moving In, Moving Up, Moving On
Autism 2: Aiding Communication Through Visual Supports
The Cleverness Of Boys
Writing Support Plans For Children With SEND
Sounds All Around
Practitioner-Child Interaction Skills
Best Practice Room For 4 Years Olds
Speech & Language Introductory Sessions
Safety Training
Getting To Good Seminar
Responsive Assessment Training
Young Children Learning
Working with Gypsy Roma Traveller Children in the Early Years
Making Multi Agency Assessments Work
Are You Ready For Your Ofsted Inspection?
Supervision Skills
Maths Outside
Managing A Critical Incident In The Early Years
Effective Participation At Child Protection Conferences
Enhancing Your Sensory Environment
Health & Safety Management
Early Movers
Supporting Bereaved Children In Early Years Settings
Safer Recruitment
Healthy Early Years Training
IEP Training
Best Practice Room - Sally Thomas
Curious Twos, Evolving Environments To Thrive Within
Cieh Level 2 Award In Food Safety In Catering
EYFS Progress Check at Age Two
Equality Names Coordinator Training
Setting SENCO
Social & Emotional Aspects Of Development
Language and Pedagogy.
Strategies for language development.
Selective mutism.
Communication friendly spaces.
Dual language learners.
Holistic development and vocabulary
Supporting positive behaviour
Mindfulness in Nursery
Theories of Language acquisition
The importance of developing Self-Esteem
Speech, Language and communication: Definitions, typical development and impact on other areas of learning
Identification and assessment of Speech, Language and Communication Needs
The communication Environment, including the home environment and engaging parents
What is communication? - Language and Literacy for 2-4 year olds
Communication friendly settings, adult - child interaction and working with families
Literacy Learning - Reading and writing for ages 2-4 years
Supporting the early stages of reading and writing
Developing Excellence in Maths, Literacy and Science through Children’s Understanding of pattern
Managing a Critical Incident in an Early Years Setting
Bereavement awareness training
Moving in, Moving up, Moving on- Effective Transitions
English as an Additional Language
Equality and Diversity within an Early Years Setting
Black lives matter workshop
Dealing with and supporting children who bite
Early Brain Development
Characteristics of Effective Learning
Social and Emotional intelligence development in children
Theories of Learning
The importance of Play
Learning to Listen and non-verbal communication
Vocabulary Development
Understanding Spoken Language
Planning in the Moment
Language for Thinking (The Blank Language Scheme)
Exploring Language and Early Narrative Skills
Play for Language and Literacy
Developing Speech and Phonological awareness
Risk Assessment
Pep Training
Attachment & Development In Early Years
RAG Training
Birth To Three Matters - The 4 Aspects
Listening To Young Children
Birth To Three Matters - An Introduction To The Framework
Understanding And Improving Behaviour (playworkers)
Meeting Children's Medical Needs
Epilepsy Training
The use of Epi Pen
Pool rescue course