Sam
My name is Sam Glasspool and I joined Starfish as Manager in November 2010. I have been in Childcare since 2002 having completed my A’Levels; I joined a small Nursery as a Nursery Assistant and immediately began studying for my Level 3 in Childcare and Education. I worked throughout the Nursery with children between 3 months and 5 years. I left this Nursery after 2 years as my family moved further North. Since then, I have worked and progressed within Childcare. I studied for and received my Level 4 in Childcare and Education in the year 2007 whilst I took on the position as Pre School Room Head, where I remained for 3 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this position, being able to work so closely the curriculum and the development of the children. Throughout this position I worked closely with the Manager, who was also my twin sister; she left to have a baby in January 2010 and I asked if I could be considered for the position of Manager. I undertook an in-depth Ofsted interview and was given the post. I have found this the most challenging but rewarding of all the positions I have held; being able to shape the children’s lives so positively and work on creating a warm and thriving environment for the children and staff to develop in. Childcare is the most rewarding career path you could take; the love and time you put in is given back ten fold!
As you can see, being with the children is something I thoroughly enjoy. Things I like to do in my spare time are walking for miles at a time, taking in the fresh air and a bit of exercise! I like to take in a good book or a film at the cinema to relax, and I have also been known to enjoy a yummy meal out with my husband and friends.
Steph
I started at Starfish as a student and soon became a full time member of staff in January 2006 where I gained my NVQ level 3. When we moved over to the new build I took on the role of room leader in preschool in 2007. After 18 months of this role I decided to take a break but stayed on at Starfish as bank staff. I then returned as a full time staff member in January 2011 as Room Leader of Preschool. Looking back I cannot believe how long I have been working at Starfish but I have had great fun along the way. I have gained vast experience of all age groups and have been thrown into many different situations, which have provided me with confidence in which to fulfil each role I have been given.
The children in Preschool keep you on your toes and we all have lots of fun!! I find that there is a nice balance of needs in this room; they still enjoy cuddles and depend on adults somewhat but at this stage they are beginning to do things for themselves and are very willing to learn, in order to prepare themselves for ‘Big School’.
I have always loved working with children and find it very rewarding. I am a big kid myself really and don’t care about getting messy or making a fool out of myself! I am more often than not very bubbly and very smiley, but that’s just the way I am. I love coming up with new and interesting activities to help further the children’s development and the busier we are the better!!
Gemma
I’m Gemma, the Angelfish Room Leader! I have been working at Starfish for 3 years now. I started off as a student while I was qualifying for my Level 3 Childcare and Early Years Diploma. I then joined the team as Bank staff whilst completing my qualification. I joined Angelfish as a full-time member of staff in June 2008.
I was then thrilled to be offered the Room Leader position in January 2011 and have been enjoying creating a fun and happy room for the children. I am so proud of what we, as a team, have achieved along with the children. I love working with all ages but personally find the developing personalities within this age group fun and rewarding.
I have always wanted to work with children from a very young age and started gaining experience from babysitting at 14. During my school Work Experience I worked in a school, with children aged 9 and 10. Further to that I did one year at Alton College studying Health and Social care; I did a 2 week placement in a secondary school where I discovered that age was rather challenging!! I attended Farnham College for 2 years where I studied for the Level 3 Childcare and Early Years Diploma. Throughout the course I gained experience at a vast amount of nurseries and schools. In my free time I enjoying walking my dog, I like going to the cinema and going for meals out. I have also enjoyed reading from a young age and find I can get lost in a good book.