Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery has a dedicated, caring, and welcoming team
Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery’s team is made up of early year teachers, early year practitioners, forest school practitioners, an inclusion officer, and an enquiry based teacher. Many of our senior team have worked in childcare for over 10 years.
Some of our staff at the Nursery Graduation
Dawn – Business Manager
I am the Business Manager for the nursery, this role ensures the smooth running of the nursery, maintaining records, policies adhered to and that we are compliant with Ofsted and other regulations. I also work on ensuring the nursery remains an integral part of both the University of Essex and the local community that surrounds us so that families find us accessible and welcoming.
My professional heritage includes training and working in early years environments all of my life. I have been an Area Manager for the government funded Children’s Centres for 15 of those years, forming partnerships with families from all over North East Essex. I have two children of my own that are growing up fast and I’ve spent time trying to juggle work and family and understand the challenges this can bring. In one of my previous roles I was privileged to be present at the birth of a baby and do not underestimate the absolute honour it is to be in a position now to care for your baby (they remain our baby’s no matter how big they grow). I understand that parenting is one of the most important jobs in the world, I want you to feel confident about leaving your child here in our care and if you ever feel you would like to discuss your child’s progress or even just tell me about what they did at the weekend, my door will be open.
From the perspective of the nursery, as a management team, we remain committed to continuous development and feel passionate about fresh ideas and ways to build on what we do to set us apart from the rest, creating an atmosphere that is caring and positive. Our whole team ethos ensures our dedication to achieving outstanding childcare and development is achieved for every child, so that when they reach the time they need to go off to school, that they do so with confidence and independence with you safe in the knowledge of the sound investment you have made in their early days.
Lucy - Early Years Practice Manager
Lucy – Early Years Practice Manager
I am the Early Years Practice Manager here at the day nursery and i have worked in the early years for over 10 years now. I have worked in various different roles, which means i have a wealth of experience and knowledge across the different age groups. I am responsible for making sure the nursery is safe, stimulating and compliant with the Early Years Foundation Stage, local authority and safeguarding requirements.
I have a passion for the social and emotional well being of each and every child, encouraging and supporting children to socialise with peers, build friendships understand and talk about feelings, learn ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, develop independence and ultimately build a positive sense of self.
As a management team we highly value the well being of our staff team. We aim to provide reflective learning community in which people feel valued, supported, respected and listened to. My ethos is ‘happy staff team, happy children, happy parents!’ .
In my own time i enjoy spending time with my little boy ( who of course attends this nursery! ) going for dog walks and family days out.
Kathryn, Early Years Practice Manager
I am the new Early Years Practice Manager, working alongside Lucy and Dawn at the day nursery. I have worked in a variety of roles in Early Years and Primary education over the past 25 years. Most recently, I have worked for Ofsted, and before that as an Early Years Education Partner for Essex County Council. This means I have lots of experience of inspecting and supporting lots of different early years provisions across Essex and London.
I am extremely passionate about ensuring that young children develop an early love of books and reading, as well as nurturing their confidence and independence skills. This helps them to be ready to continue their education journey when they leave the nursery.
It is extremely important at the nursery that we work in partnership with parents, carers and families. We welcome all feedback and comments about the care and education your child is receiving during their time with us. As a mum and a step mum, I understand some of the challenges and joys of parenting and living as a blended family.
I am a trained Mental Health First Aider. Staff well-being is a high priority for us as a management team. It is important that we ensure that our staff take good care of themselves and each other, so they can support your children to thrive at nursery.
Teresa – Senior Early Years Educator, SENCO & Inclusion Officer
I have worked at the day nursery since 1998 and have remained motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about working with children and their families. I began training in matters involving equality, diversity and inclusion in 2011 and found that this was where my focus would be. Since September 2017 I have also taken on the role of the Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator and have been working with children with various additional needs, and their families, to ensure they get the best support in reaching their milestones and full potential.