Our sessions are run by well qualified staff with many years experience in working with children. They all have up to date First Aid and Child Protection training and attend training regularly by the Preschool Learning Alliance or Early Years partnership.

Karen Best started as a supervisor in 1990. She is Supervisor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. She has been a 1 to 1 Helper. She qualified as a teacher with her main subject being music. She has gained the PLA Foundation Course and attended many short courses to keep her training up to date. These include First Aid and Child Protection as well as Curriculum based courses.

Alison Smallacombe has worked in Playgroup since 1990 and has been a Supervisor since 1992. She is supervisor on Friday mornings. She qualified with the PLA Foundation Course and Diploma in Preschool Practice. She is also the group’s SENCO (Special Needs Coordinator) and has done special training relating to this. She has up to date First Aid and Child Protection training and updates her training by attending various short courses each year. She is a qualified Adult Education trainer.

Ena Pyner has worked in Playgroups for 12 years as well as 4+. She has worked with children one to one. She is a qualified teacher and has studied at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre. She is a volunteer helper on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Sarah Cordwent started as a paid helper in November 2000. She has been on various short courses and has completed her NVQ2 in Childcare and Education. She is also the leader of our Toddler Group.

Elisa Bridgman started as a paid helper in June 2004 . She has worked with adults and children with Special Needs. She has done some induction training and is keen to do background reading on the curriculum and up to date procedures.

Caroline Butts started as relief helper in 2006. She works on Thursday mornings. She has been involved with playgroup as a parent helper and committee member for many years.

Playgroup Committee