I am a qualified Teacher with a specialism in Early Years with over 30 years’ experience. During this time, I have held many roles including Deputy Headteacher, SENCO, Safeguarding Lead and Early Years Foundation Stage Lead. From a very young age I always wanted to be a teacher or a ballerina! I am passionate about nurturing and supporting children to develop and learn both emotionally and educationally to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to support them throughout life. I believe it is a privilege to spend time with young children and to see the world through their eyes and the enthusiasm they have for life is infectious.
I love to read and can’t pass a bookshop without going in! I also enjoy watching tennis and Formula 1 racing with my family and we all enjoy visiting Scarborough for fish and chips and ice cream.
Hello, I am Nicola, a qualified Early Years Educator for the past 10 years. Previously I spent a great many years working within the Civil Service. In 2014, I made the decision to alter my career path, which was no easy task, I can tell you! I worked, attended a full-time college course, with numerous placements and continued to raise my own three children; two of which have special educational needs, and I have never looked back. Working with the youngest people is the best job in the world. Supporting, guiding and enabling children to learn, develop and grow to achieve their potential is the most fulfilling and rewarding position I could ever hope to hold. It is a great honour to be a part of your child’s journey; enabling them to become independent, feel confident, be included, be happy and secure and feel ready as they transition to their next phase – school.
Away from my role, I am very much a home body. I love spending time with my whole family sharing a love of camping, walking, films, music, food and as much laughter as possible. I’ve recently discovered ceilidh, which is great fun! Secretly I love to sing, but I am never going to make a career from it; I’m pretty bad!
During my time at Selby College, I gained my Level 2 qualification in Childcare. I then moved onto Barnsley college where I gained my Level 3 qualification in supporting Teaching and Learning, where I learnt more about how to support children through undertaking assignments and activities set by college. I have previously worked in another nursery where I have gained experience in all the different rooms from babies to preschool.
One of the things which I most enjoy about working in childcare is watching as well as supporting the children to thrive, grow and develop to their full potential.
Away from work, one of my favourite hobbies is cooking. I really enjoy exploring and experimenting with new recipes. I also enjoy walks with my family, friends and furry companion Nova. My favourite season to go walking in is autumn due to the different coloured leaves on the trees, and the different wildlife that you can encounter. I also like to knit with my great grandma to create beautiful things such as ties, scarves, and small little hats for chocolate oranges.
