Abington Vale Playschool
Our Staff
At Abington Vale Playschool, we are committed to providing an enriching and supportive environment for young children, facilitated by our dedicated team of highly experienced and qualified staff. Each member of our staff is carefully vetted and has undergone comprehensive checks through the Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our care.
Our dedicated team comprises six motivated professionals, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the playschool. To uphold our high standards of care and education, our staff continually engage in professional development, participating in workshops, training sessions, and additional courses that enhance their skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
We adopt a key person approach, assigning each staff member specific responsibilities for a small group of children. This model fosters strong, nurturing relationships, allowing each child to develop a trusting bond with their designated key person. This individual is not only responsible for overseeing the child's learning and development but also plays a crucial role in communicating with parents and carers. We hold biannual consultations to discuss each child's progress, goals, and any observations made. Additionally, we welcome parents to come in at any time to talk about their child's learning journey, emphasising our open-door policy that supports ongoing communication.
Collaboration with parents and carers is vital to the development of every child. By working closely with families, we aim to create individualised learning experiences that help children reach their full potential, allowing them to grow and develop at their own pace while feeling supported every step of the way.
To ensure that we provide a high level of care and individualised attention, we maintain a high adult-to-child ratio that exceeds the legal requirements for early years settings. This approach ensures that each child receives the attention they need to thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment, allowing us to cater to the diverse needs of all children in our playschool.
Natalie Fleck
Manager
SENCo
DSL
Early Years Educator
Mandy Goodrich Deputy Manager
DDSL
Early Years Educator
Shante Elston
Early Years Educator
Health and Safety Officer
Nat Martin
Early Years Educator
Nic Reed
Early Years Educator.
Claire Rolls
Early Years Educator
Natalie Fleck
Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead
SENCo
Early Years Educator
First Aider
Natalie has been an integral part of our team since September 2005, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as the playschool manager. In addition to her managerial duties, she serves as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) and the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the safety and well-being of all our children.
With a genuine passion for her work, Natalie thrives in her position as SENCo, where she is committed to supporting children with diverse learning needs. Her expertise in this area is backed by an Early Years SENCo Award, which reflects her specialized training and knowledge.
Natalie holds a degree in Early Childhood and Education, providing her with a solid foundation in child development and pedagogical practices. Moreover, she maintains an up-to-date certification in safeguarding, as well as first aid, which are crucial for ensuring a safe environment for our children.
In her multifaceted role, Natalie also takes on the responsibility of managing all funding applications for the setting. Her keen organizational skills and financial acumen enable her to oversee the financial management of the playschool, ensuring we can provide the best resources and support for our children and staff. Her dedication and expertise greatly enhance the quality of care and education we offer at our setting.
Amanda Goodrich
Deputy Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead 2
Early Years Educator
First Aider
Keyperson colour-Orange
Mandy joined our team in January 2017 and currently holds the position of Deputy Manager, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Level 2.
With a deep passion for education, Mandy loves to introduce the children to the wonders of the world around them, fostering their curiosity and love for learning. She relishes the opportunity to spend time in our outdoor learning area, where she believes children can thrive through exploration and play. One of her favourite activities involves working with tuff trays, where she engages the children in hands-on, sensory experiences that promote creativity and hands-on learning. Mandy encourages children to embrace messy play, understanding its importance in their development and skill-building.
Mandy holds a Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice, specialising in Early Learning and Childcare, and is also certified as a Level 3 SENCo. She is committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children, and as such, she maintains an up-to-date certification in safeguarding practices and pediatric first aid. Her qualifications and experience enable her to support each child's individual needs effectively while promoting a joyful and enriching educational experience.
Shante Elston
Early Years Educator
Health and Safety Officer
First Aider
Keyperson colour-Blue
Shante has been an integral part of our team since September 2018, bringing her expertise to the role of Early Years Educator. With a nurturing spirit and a genuine love for working with young children, she creates an engaging and vibrant learning environment where creativity thrives.
Shante has a special affinity for exploring a wide variety of art and craft materials. She delights in activities such as junk modeling, where she encourages children to transform everyday items into imaginative sculptures, and painting, where colorful expressions come to life on canvas. Her frequent use of glitter adds a magical touch to their creations, captivating the children's attention and inspiring them to experiment with different textures and techniques. Through these activities, Shante not only fosters artistic skills but also enhances the children's confidence and self-expression.
In terms of qualifications, Shante holds a Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice with a focus on Early Learning and Childcare, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to support children's development effectively. Furthermore, she maintains an up-to-date safeguarding certificate, ensuring that she is fully prepared to uphold the safety and well-being of every child in her care. Shante’s unique blend of creativity, dedication, and professional expertise makes her an invaluable member of our educational community, as she passionately shapes the minds of future generations.
Nat Martin
Early Years Educator
Keyperson colour-Red
First Aider
Nat became a valued member of our team in February 2020 when she joined us as an Early Years Educator. With her innate ability to connect with young children, she creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters trust and comfort. Her caring nature shines brightly as she engages in play, particularly through imaginative role-playing activities that captivate the children's interest and encourage their creativity.
Nat's dedication extends beyond the classroom; she is truly passionate about supporting families in their journeys. She strives to build strong relationships with parents, understanding the importance of creating a collaborative environment where both children and families can thrive.
Holding a Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice (Early Learning and Childcare), Nat combines her academic background with hands-on experience to provide high-quality education and care. Additionally, she has completed essential training in safeguarding, ensuring that she is equipped to keep the children safe and secure. Her certification in pediatric first aid further enhances her ability to respond to any health-related needs, highlighting her commitment to the well-being of each child in her care. Through her dedication and thoughtful approach, Nat plays a vital role in the development and happiness of the children and families she serves.
Nic Reed
Practitioner
First Aider
Keyperson colour-Green
Nic joined our team in January 2021 as a Practitioner, bringing with her a vibrant enthusiasm for early childhood education. Nic possesses a deep-rooted passion for helping children who may require extra support, whether due to challenges in learning, emotional struggles, or social interactions. She approaches each child with a kind and patient demeanor, making it a priority to establish a trusting relationship that allows for open dialogue. Nic takes the time to engage with each child individually, actively listening to their concerns and feelings. Her nurturing spirit shines through as she tailors her support to meet their unique needs, using creative and engaging methods to encourage their growth and development. By creating a warm and inclusive environment, Nic ensures that every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. possesses a genuine passion for helping children who may need a bit of extra support, consistently embodying a nurturing and caring spirit in her interactions with them.
With a Level 2 Diploma in Preschool Practice, Nic has a solid foundation in the principles of child development and learning. Her training has equipped her with practical strategies to foster a welcoming and enriching environment for young learners. Additionally, Nic has completed vital training in safeguarding, which highlights her commitment to ensuring every child's safety and welfare. She is also certified in first aid, allowing her to respond confidently to any medical situations that might arise. Through her dedication and warm approach, Nic plays a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for the children in her care, making a lasting difference in their lives.
Claire Kirton
Early Year Educator
Keyperson Yellow
Claire joined our vibrant team in January 2023 as an Early Years Educator, bringing with her an impressive decade of experience in the childcare sector. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice, specialising in Early Learning and Childcare, which provides her with a solid foundation for nurturing the growth and development of young children.
Known for her warm and nurturing approach, Claire creates a safe and inviting atmosphere where children feel valued and supported. Her genuine care for each child's well-being shines through in her daily interactions, fostering trust and building strong relationships.
Her passion for the outdoors is a hallmark of her educational philosophy. Claire actively encourages children to connect with nature, leading outdoor activities that promote exploration, creativity, and an appreciation for the environment. Whether it's nature walks, gardening, or imaginative play, she knows how to make the outdoors a joyful learning experience.
Moreover, Claire stays current with essential training, holding up-to-date safeguarding and first-aid certificates. This not only highlights her commitment to child safety but also reassures parents that their children are in capable hands. Claire's dedication to early childhood education and her ability to create enriching, engaging environments make her a truly invaluable member of our team.