Oliver's Fruit Salad

24/7/2020

One of the children showed a huge interest in the book 'Oliver's Fruit Salad' yesterday, he kept asking the staff in the Inventors room to read it to him throughout the day. So Melissa brought in some fruit today so that the children could make their very own fruit salad. They sat in the dining room, read the story and then worked alongside the story, to make their own fruit salad, following 'Oliver's Fruit Salad' recipe.

They carefully chose and cut their own fruit with the child friendly knife, under staff supervision, talking about different health and safety measures and good hygiene practice.

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Meet The Team!

Kelly: Owner

Simon: Finance Director

Management:

Deputy Manager and SENCo
Hi my name is Melissa, I am the room leader of the Inventors and joint SENCO.

I have been working with children for around 8 years! I love working with children because not only is it great fun but it also very rewarding by helping them grow and develop into young people.
In my spare time I enjoy going out with my Husband, friends and family.

Explorers and Discoverers Room:

Room Leader
Hi, my name is Emily. I am the room leader in the Explorers and Discoverers room.
I started working in early years in 2016 and left in 2018 to work in a high school with older children. Since gaining my level 6 degree in childcare, I find it really rewarding to watch the children grow and develop.

Outside of work I do a lot of creative activities, such as drawing. Therefore, I enjoy providing arts and crafts activities for the children.

Nursery Practitioner
Hi my name is Laura. I have a level three qualification in childcare.
I began volunteering at Smiles whilst completing my qualification at college. I then began working at Smiles full time once my course was completed.

I really enjoy messy play with the children and I also love getting them outdoors!

Assistant Practitioner
Hi my name is Kasey and I am an Assistant Practitioner.
I worked in Smiles Before and After School Clubs before coming to the nursery full time and I am currently working towards having a Level 3 in Childcare.
I enjoy supporting the children’s imaginative play and playing outside with them.

Adventurers Room:

Deputy manager and Room Leader
Hi, my name is Nic!
I’m a senior nursery practitioner with a level 3 qualification in childcare.
I am recently a new mother who loves going on family outings.

Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Jodie.
I have been working in childcare for around 15 years and I love it. I have my level 3 childcare qualification as well as completing various further learning course to continuously expand on my knowledge.
I love the idea of helping and caring for children and them becoming anything they wish to in the future and I love the idea of me having something to do with that.

Nursery Practitioner
Hello my name is Amy and I have my Level 3 in Childcare and Education.
I have worked in childcare for over 7 years and joined the Smiles team in May 2018.
I really enjoy reading stories and singing songs to the children, I also love messy play!

Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Lacey!
I have been working with children since 2016 and I have a level 3 qualification in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
My favourite part about working with children is knowing that I can help them learn and develop, giving them the strongest start to their future.

Creators Room:

Room Leader
Hi my name is Caroline and I am the Creators room leader.
I have got my Level 3 in childcare.
I previously worked in a wedding shop and a florist, but children are my passion and I am always excited to learn more about them and their amazing imaginations.

Assistant Practitioner
Hi my name is Kirby and I started at Smiles at the end of November 2018, but I have been working with children for around 7 years. Some of my experiences include working at Dorothy Goodman School and volunteering at Green towers. I gained my Level 2 NVQ in Teaching and Support Learning and I am also qualified climbing instructor. I enjoy working with the children because I love watching them learn new things and progress. Being a part of their journey is incredible.

Assistant Practitioner
Hi my name is Chloe. I first began at Smiles as a placement student whilst at college. I am now employed as a full time Assistant Practitioner. I am currently working to achieve my Level 3 qualification in childcare.
Helping young children in their learning and development is an ambition I have had from my primary school days.

Assistant Practitioner
Hi, my name is Julie. I have worked at Smiles for around 4 years now. Before Smiles, I worked in a care home for 13 years.
I have experience with every age group in the nursery, as I used to cover in all of the rooms.
I have grandchildren as well, that keep me very busy!
I love to read to the children and be outdoors with them too.
I really enjoy being with the children and watching them progress as they grow.

Nursery Practitioner
Hi, I am Charlotte. I have completed my apprenticeship in Children and Young Peoples Workforce at Smiles. I have helped care for my younger sister at home. I enjoy working with children and with their development, as they grow up. Helping children is something that I am passionate about.

Inventors Room:

Room Leader and SENCo
Hi, my name is Jackie and I am a mum of two teenage boys.
I have been working within the early years sector for 7 years, having started off as a volunteer in a playgroup. I completed my level 3 qualification and then graduated with an Early Years Foundation Degree in July 2018.
The early years are such a special time and having been there to support my boys growing up, I want to be there for other children to support their learning and development and to give them the best possible outcome in life.

Nursery Practitioner
Hello, I’m Lydia. I have a level 3 qualification and I have worked in childcare for around 10 years.
I have a daughter called Evie, who also attends the nursery.
My favourite part of the job has always been helping the children grow and develop, letting their individual personalities shine.

Assistant Practitioner
Hi, I am Katherine.
I have worked with children for 18 years now, mainly working with 4 – 11 year olds prior to my full time job at the nursery.
I started with Smiles as a play worker at the before and after school club.
I mainly enjoy doing craft activities and interacting with the children.

Nursery Practitioner
Hi, my name is Jenna! I have worked with children for the last 20 years. In this time I have worked on holiday resorts and a number of nurseries in Coventry, Leicestershire and Warwickshire.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Years Professional Studies which I gained whilst working full time.
I enjoy working with children as no two days are the same and children always have a way of surprising you!

Support Staff:

Nursery Practitioner
Hi I’m Vina, I have worked with children for over 19 years now!
I am Level 3 qualified in childcare and I am up to date with relevant training.
I enjoy doing all sorts of activities with the children and taking them out, watching them learn as they play.

Apprentice
Hi, my name is Sarah. I am a level 3 apprentice and I have my level 2 NVQ qualification in childcare. I have had around a years worth of experience in a nursery, where I developed new skills conducting myself as a nursery nurse. I enjoy working with children because it’s interesting to see them learn and develop each day. It is a good feeling to know that you have earned the children’s trust by making them feel safe and happy.

Apprentice
My name is Lauren,
I have just joined Smiles Day Nursery as an apprentice in 2021. I’m looking forward to becoming a full time practitioner. I enjoy crafting out of work!