Charlotte

My childcare journey began 22 years ago, with me leaving school and completing a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. On qualifying, I started working in a local nursery as a Practitioner. Within two years I was promoted to Deputy Manager, and I had this role for eight years, mainly based with the toddler age group. Whilst here, I gained many qualifications and attended several Early Years training courses, which I have continued to update annually to keep in line with new EYFS regulations that are introduced regularly. I have three children aged fourteen, eleven and three and whilst on maternity leave with my second child, I decided to train to become a childminder based at my own home. This business was very successful, and I gained a "Good" grade after my Ofsted inspection, which I was very proud of. In addition to my childminding business, I joined a preschool morning setting, looking after children aged 2–4 years old and, after being at this preschool for two years, I was asked to take over as joint Manager, which I found very rewarding. I helped to build this setting into a full-time, full capacity Nursery and Preschool, which also offered a breakfast, afterschool and holiday club provision. This role encouraged me to undertake many new duties, gaining relevant experience in Recruitment, Leadership and Management, and I focussed on building a motivated, enthusiastic team. This setting also achieved a "Good" Ofsted grading whilst I was there, which made all the hard work worthwhile. After the birth of my third child and following the Covid lockdown, my career took a different path when I went on to gain valuable experience managing an After School Club based in a busy local Primary School, which was a perfect way to learn new skills and enhance my portfolio. Before registering Evergreen Lodge Nursery and Preschool, I held the position of Room Leader for a busy nursery chain, where I was able to continue to update all my qualifications in the Early Years sector, including numerous Safeguarding courses as well as Designated Safeguarding Lead, Paediatric First Aid, SEN training & Food Hygiene. During my time here, I was pleased to have received a nomination for "Practitioner of the Year" and "Teams Choice". I am excited to now have the opportunity to share my skills and experiences within my own setting, and to create a professional, friendly and inspiring environment for everyone to feel they belong, made even more special by the fact I am starting this new chapter alongside my sister.

Rachel

I see myself as a natural organiser - if something needs arranging, I'm the one for the job. I have an extensive Business Administration background, having spent 25 years working for a Swiss Machine Tool Manufacturer. During my time there, I covered the roles of PA to MD, Parts & Service Coordinator and Office Manager, with regular involvement in Business Management and Administration, HR Support, Accounts and Payroll Preparation, H&S and Marketing. Unfortunately, after Covid hit, the company closed and after 25 years of service, I was made redundant. I then moved on to an Admin role within a local primary school, where I gained lots of valuable, relevant experience and I know this will prove very useful in my new role. I am also Vice Chair and Assistant Child Welfare Officer for Heather Juniors Football Club. We currently have 130 mini-kickers and 19 junior teams registered with the club. I love the social side of this role especially communicating with parents, recruiting players, assisting with coach education and ensuring all qualifications and safeguarding checks are in date. I really enjoy arranging social functions (we always host the best Halloween and Christmas parties). As a committee, we are very proud of our club's reputation and growth and regularly receive compliments and positive feedback on how the club is run.