I have been working with children for 20 years, in a variety of childcare settings from nurseries, primary and secondary schools. I have even worked on a cruise ship, travelling around the world. Over the years I have been trained in Makaton, Elkan and Forest School to name a few, the learning never stops even for grownups!
I love to read and I adore the Big red library bus here at Brookes. I open it three times a week as a space where the pupils can come and read, in a calm, relaxing environment.

As a child I thought I would grow up to be an Art Teacher and I studied Art alongside, Theatre and Dance at College, however life took another turn and I found myself working in a private hospital for ten years, working my way up to management level. For a few years I was a stay at home mum, but when my daughter started school, my thoughts returned to teaching and so I began to volunteer as a parent-helper. I liked it so much I decided to do a degree in Education Studies with the Open University and at the same time I began officially working at the school as a Learning Support Assistant. I am very proud to say that after four years of juggling studying with working and family life, I achieved a First Class Honours Degree. I then decided to take my degree even further and last year completed the SCITT course to get Qualified Teaching Status and my PGCE. I decided that I wanted to work for Brookes as they are passionate about working with children with additional needs to help them achieve their full potential.
In my spare time, I like to go for long walks in the countryside or when the weather turns cold, curl up by the fire with a good book.

I have worked in Early Years for 17 years, undertaking my training in Montessori 15 years ago. During this time I have studied and obtained the following qualifications ;- Level 4 Montessori, Level 3 Cache Diploma in Preschool Practice, Level 2 Cache Certificate in Preschool Practice, Safeguarding, First Aid, to name a few. I enjoy the ethos of Montessori and how it promotes independence, confidence and self discovery within children.

Five years ago I was offered the opportunity to undertake further qualifications relating to Special Needs, which led to me becoming the Senco Lead these qualifications included Level 3 Role of the Senco, Good Beginnings Autistic Awareness, Cache Level 2 Awareness of Mental Health, Cache Level 2 Mental Health in Children, Cache Level 2 Working in Mental Health, PEC’s, and many others . Being both an EY practitioner in Reception and Senco instills passion, drive and commitment in myself and my work.

I enjoy learning outside of work and have recently signed up to do a Neuroscience course in Early Years.