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Lisa Rodriguez
Manager 
Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have been involved with this Pre-school since 1998, I have 4 girls a boy and a furbaby.

I love watching the children develop, gain confidence and flourish when they are with us.
 I have a passion for supporting the families with us and not just the children, I believe that our pre-school offers a full family approach and we here to support and advise wherever we can.
Once a family joins us they become ours and we will always offer advise or signpost anyone that is experiencing difficulties.

Carol Thomas
Playleader
Deputy Designated Safegaurding Lead

I have worked at Barleyhurst Park and Melrose Pre-school for over 20 Years and have over 25 Years experience in childcare.

I have two of my own children and Two Grandchildren.

For me being able to teach a child something new and watching the ‘twinkle’ in their eyes when they understand and seeing how proud they look. Also listening to them whilst they play – how their imaginations make me smile! The relationships we build up to help them feel secure so that they can freely access fun activities, which help them to learn in their preferred learning style. 
The children are keen to listen to stories and take part with energy in songs and physical activities. Watching them learn how to share and make friends, becoming independent so that they can do almost anything for themselves – dressing, eating, drinking, choosing activities they like, accessing tools for making and just enjoying seeing the children have fun, Knowing we’re helping them build confidence and self esteem that will follow and help them through their whole school journey. 

NVQ 2 in Childcare and education
NVQ 3 in childcare and Development

NVQ 3 SENCO 
Certificate in Understanding Autism
Certificate in child’s Mental Health
Child Safeguarding DSL
Adult Safeguarding
Health and Safety Level 2 
Mental Health First Aid trained
Prevent
Paediatric First aid
Food Hygiene

 

Jo Henfrey 
Deputy Playleader
Deputy Safegaurding lead

I have two of my own children and Two grandchildren, I have worked for Barleyhurst Park and Melrose Pre-school for over 10 years and have over 30 years experience.

 I enjoy working with the little ones because I feel like I make a difference in their lives. This is a Critical age when it comes to developing a love of learning. 
I want to install that feeling of excitement and challenge for them when they explore their environment; I love them all to bits.

NVQ level 2 & 3 In childcare and Development
Safeguarding DSL
Mental Health awareness
Level 2 Food Safety 
Prevent

Nicky Mitchell
SENCO 
Keyperson

Nicky has worked for Melrose Pre-school for over 10 years, she has a wide knowledge on special abilities and has a nephew on the spectrum and is very understanding and patient and always available to advise.

Nicky has 2 of her own children and a furbaby and she says working with children has its pleasures seeing them grown into their own little person. She is passionate about her job role and likes that she makes a difference in how children develop at different stages.
The children are like a foundation of Joy, their innocent personalities and truthfulness.
I give every child the best chance to succeed and give them the best start to life.

Level 3 Childcare
SEND Training
Safeguarding
Childhood Mental health Certificate
Autism awareness certificate 
Paediatric First aid 
PreventLevel 3 Food Hygiene 

Melody Duah .
Keyperson

I have 3 grown up children and worked at Melrose Pre-school for over 8  years but have over 23 yrs experience in various childcare roles.

I love working with children because it’s fun, everyday is different and they always ask the best questions. The children come in with smiles and laughter and give lovely cuddles.
I like to watch them playing, exploring and learning.
I have a real passion for children and I love them!

NVQ 2 Childcare
Paediatric First aid
Mental health awareness
Prevent
Food Hygiene

 

Jane Gregory

Keyworker

I have been at Melrose Pre-school for a few years.

I have my own Son and I have two Grandchildren. I  enjoy working with the children to help them learn and grow in confidence.

Level 2 Teaching assistant

Paediatric First aid

Professional relationships

Safeguarding
Prevent
looking forward to starting  NVQ 3 soon

Chloe Thomas

Keyperson 

SENDCO in training

I have 2 young children and a furbaby I have worked at  Melrose Pre-school for over 4 yrs.

 I love seeing all the children’s faces light up when they join us for the day, its very special being such a big part of a child’s life and watching them grow and learn new things and watching the excitement when they do something for the first time.

I love messy play and watching the children explore with excitement and real belly laughs when they get paint on me.

Watching them grow and develop their own personalities before they start their big school.

NVQ3 in childcare 
Mental health in children awareness 
Safeguarding 
Prevent

Level 3 food Hygiene

Rumi Akther

Keyworker 

Rumi joined us at the beginning of 2023, she is Married and has two of her own children and speaks four different languages.

Rumi enjoys spending time with the children and listening to them talking about their like, what they enjoy doing and learning about their and dislikes. Rumi is enjoying learning all the new songs and dances that we do.

Everyday is a new adventure and Rumi is really enjoying her role here.

Rumi teaches Qran 

Islamic teachings

Safeguarding

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Jeremy Duah

Bank Staff

Jeremy used to come to this Pre-school when he was 2 and has came back to join us as a relief staff as he has now left school.

The children really enjoy having a male role model in our setting.

I Love working with children because everyday is a different day, it makes me feel young again and the endless energy, honesty, resilience and creativity is amazing!!

Joanne Hammett 

Bank Staff 

I have been working in childcare since 2017 when I registered as a childminder and my last Ofsted rating was Good.
I have two young children myself and I love working with children and understanding how their minds work. They are always so open, so honest, so forgiving and can definitely teach us adults a thing or two!  There is nothing better than seeing a child smile after  they have learnt something new!

Level 3 homebased childcare
Level 2  Mental health in children and young people
Paediatric First aid
Safeguarding
Prevent