Sheree Gurney : Level 3 in Children’s and young people’s workforce, Nursery Pactitioner

Work experience: Sheree has worked mainly in hospitals as a supervisor, but changed her career and came to work at Toybox in 2014 where she gained her level 2 and 3 qualification, Sheree is First Aid trained, autism training and support and cleaning sciences. Sheree has worked in all rooms at Toybox.

Sheree’s comments: Sheree enjoys meeting new children and helping them develop and grow, doing art displays and planning personal activities.

Manager’s comments: Sheree is very artistic and has a good eye for detail.

Keeley Gurney: Early years Foundation Degree Nursery –Manager/SENCO

Work experience: Keeley has worked in the private nursery sector for all her carer where she gained all her qualifications and has worked with children in different age ranges, and worked up to be a manager in both nurseries she has worked at, Keeley has done various training such as forest schools training, First Aid, SENCO Award Keeley has been a SENCO for over 12 years.

Keeley’s comments: I enjoy seeing children develop independently and gaining the skills they need to take them off to school, I enjoy working with staff members and helping them grow and develop as Nursery Practitioners

Jay Foster: Early years Foundation Degree Nursery -Manager/Owner CPO, HSO

Work experience: Jay had 2 years previous experience working as an apprentice and gaining her level 3 qualifications, she helped set up Toybox Nursery in 2007 working as a practitioner until 2010 then became manager and now runs the nursery.

Jay’s comments: Making relationships with all our families and seeing each child grow and develop. Watching staff grow in their skills and experience.

Claire Ward : BA HONS Early childhood degree-Deputy Manager

Work experience: Claire has worked in various settings during her placements in college and university such as schools, youth clubs and private nurseries. Claire has been at Toybox since 2011, she job shares Deputy Managers role and has worked with all ages at Toybox, Claire currently works in the toddler room and is First aid.

Claire’s comments: I love working with the children, exploring play and teaching them new skills.

Manager’s comments: Claire is a confident member of our team who is always on top of her work load and has great organisational skills.

Sarah Wright: NVQ level 3 Childcare Play work – Nursery Practitioner

Work experience: Sarah has over 20 years experience working with children, she has worked in various private nurseries and has been with Toybox since 2013. Sarah has worked with Toddlers and currently working in preschool room. She has completed First Aid, Safe Guarding, Challenging behaviour training and Food hygiene training.

Sarah’s comments: I love working in preschool and being involved in creative activities.

Manager’s comments: Sarah works brilliant with all ages, we love that she is green fingered and works wonders in the allotment

Chelsea Fearn: Level 3 Diploma in Specialist support for teaching and learning in schools- Nursery Practitioner

Work experience: Chelsea volunteered in various schools, she has worked with various ages from nursery to year 2 for 7 years before starting at Toybox, Chelseas skills have grown since working with early years children and she is a confident member of staff. Chelsea is working in our baby room and is first aid, Autism, challenging behaviour and food hygiene trained.

Chelsea’s comments: I have always loved working with children, I really enjoy it. I would like to further my career and work with special educational needs.

Managers Comments: Chelsea is loved by all the children, she is very caring and comforting and we love how Chelsea brightens up any room.

Olivia Howe: CACHE level 3 Diploma in childcare and education- Nursery practitioner

Work experience: Olivia has worked in restaurants before starting her childcare course and joining the Toybox team, Olivia has grown massively in confidence since moving on from her level 2 qualification. She has learnt necessary skills to be a confident key worker and strong member of staff. Olivia is currently working in the Toddler room.

Olivia’s comments: I love seeing develop intellectually and knowing that I have helped them learn and grow.

Managers Comments: Olivia is a bright and cheery member of staff she is always willing and works brilliant as a team member.

Katie Hague : BA HONS Children and Play work - Nursery Practitioner

Work experience: Katie has had over 16 years of experience working in various nurseries working also in schools with different age ranges. Katie has worked with the wildlife trust and forest schools, trough Activity Sheffield. Katie has been at Toybox for many years and is a well established member of the team. She currently works in our preschool room and is First aid trained.

Katie’s comments: Katie enjoys getting messy with the children, trough creative and sensory play. Watching the children become independent little people.

Manager’s comments: Katie is always thinking up fun activities that the children enjoy and learn fun, Katie has fantastic group time skills

Heidi Barton: CACHE level 3 Diploma in childcare and education- Nursery Practitioner

Work experience: Heidi has worked in the private nursery sector since qualifying in 2008, Heidi has worked within all rooms at Toybox and has built up experience working with children from 3 months to 5 years,Heidi currently works in the baby room she is First Aid, Autism and Challenging behaviour trained.

Heidi’s comments: I enjoy working with different age ranges an meeting their individual needs through fun activities.

Managers Comments: Heidi is a confident member of staff that can think on her feet when planning fun activities that the children will love.

Amy Gall: CACHE level 3 Diploma in childcare and education- Nursery Practitioner

Work experience: Amy has worked in various nurseries and schools throughout her qualification, Amy gained her first nursery job here after qualifying and has worked in our toddler room and currently works in the baby room. First aid, challenging behaviour training.

Amy’s comments: I enjoy getting down on the children’s level and getting to know them all individually.

Managers Comments: Amy works really hard getting to know all the children’s routienes and works well with parents developing children’s learning.

Lucy Hampshire: Level 2 Nursery assistant

Work experience: Lucy has volunteered at a school run after school club, she took part in setting up daily activities for primary aged children, Lucy has also enjoyed babysitting for family members. Lucy is currently working in our toddler room.

Lucy’s comments: I enjoy being a caring member of staff when children need a cuddle, I like to get down on children’s level and play fun activities to make them happy.

Managers Comments: Lucy has grown in confidence since starting at Toybox, she has gained so much knowledge already and we are pleased to have her in our team.