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.
Meet our two wonderful nursery deputies, Clair and Teresa, who work with the staff team every day to make your child’s time at nursery the enjoyable, educational, relaxed and like a home from home experience that you would hope for. We recognise that each child is unique and we work hard to make sure that the team get to know you and your child very well.
‘As one of our two deputy managers, I bring over 25 years of experience in childcare, working across all age groups in the under 5’s. I am passionate about supporting families as they transition into nursery life, helping them feel confident, reassured and comfortable leaving their child in our care.
I am also a parent of 3 children myself, two of whom attended this nursery and I am proud to say that my eldest daughter now works here too! This give me both a professional and personal understanding of how important trust, warmth and consistency are in early years care.‘ – Clair
‘I have worked at the nursery since 1998. During this time I have worked within all the age ranges and took on the additional role of the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) in 2017. I am passionate about early years and I pride myself on supporting and advising parents and staff on the best ways to care and educate the children ensuring their emotions, communication skills and behaviours are a priority.
I am married with one son (who also attended here at Wivenhoe Park) and a dog. In my own time I love to read, walk my dog, socialise and go for afternoon tea! I also volunteer at my local church – leading the children’s Sunday club and volunteer as a house guide within the National Trust.‘ – Teresa