Our Staff

Fees

All our staff are subject to full DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks to confirm their suitability to work with children.

We employ carefully screened, qualified and experienced staff, who understand the needs of young children. All staff are trained to a minimum Level 3 qualification and the Manager has Degree in Early Childhood Studies and is an Early Years Teacher.

Staff are all fully qualified paediatric first aiders, trained to deal both with those inevitable tumbles and those rare but more serious emergencies. We regularly attend courses to extend and update their skills and knowledge.

We currently employ four members of staff: The manager, a deputy manager and two assistants.

Norton Pre-School is fully insured and a copy of the relevant certificate can be inspected at any time on the parent's notice board.

Two members of staff also have high level experience in caring for under 2's

We have a high staff to child ratio ensuring close supervision of your child at all times.

“The staff are always helpful and welcoming and obviously enjoy their job. The children always seem happy.” Parent Survey

Helen Hope (Manager) EYP

I have been connected with Norton Pre-School for over 20 years, starting with joining the committee when my eldest son Thomas started at the setting. My previous job was as a Control Room Supervisor for West Mercia Police where I enjoyed 20 yrs service. Unfortunately with my husband working shifts as well and the arrival of our 2nd son I decided a career change was needed and began working as an assistant. From there it all snowballed, I was promoted to Supervisor and then Manager and oversaw the purchase and move to the new building with the support of the committee in 2010.

I also spent 3 years studying at the University of Worcester to attain my Degree in Early Childhood Studies and my Early Years Teacher Status, hard work but extremely rewarding.

In my spare time I am a Trustee for Norton Parish Hall.

In June 2016 I purchased the business from the Committee and I am now the sole owner.

Niki English (Deputy Manager) LVL 3

I worked in childcare for a number of years after leaving school and had a gap to have my family. With four girls, 3 cats, 3 dogs and a husband to look after I am kept very busy!!

I retrained after starting at Norton, gaining my Level 3, over 11 years ago.

I am currently Supervisor and the Deputy Safeguarding Officer, supporting Helen in the role of Senior Safeguarding Officer.

I hope to further my studies when time allows but continue to regularly attend training courses to further my professional development.

Caroline James Level 3

CrCCaroline

I'm Caroline - Norton Pre-School has been part of my life since the month I moved to Norton in 2006!. Both my children attended at different times and when my eldest Reuben started at school I joined the staff.
I find child development absolutely fascinating and realised while I was at school this was the career path I wanted to take. So on leaving school I started at Trowbridge College in Wiltshire doing my level 3 before transferring my course and moving to Worcester, where I completed my qualification. I got married in 2001 and went onto have 2 children of my own. Between them and our black lab Arthur, life is rather busy.

Sam English level 3

I have always had a passion for childcare which I studied for GCSE and spent a lot of time at Norton Pre-school completing my work experience.

I then qualified with a Btech level 3 in 2011 and jumped straight into working in a busy, fast paced day nursery baby room, where I then worked for the next 4 years.

Very excitedly I then had my own little girl in 2015 which was then another amazing experience and something which I learnt so much from.

From here I returned back to Norton Pre-school in 2016 and have loved every minute of working with an older age group, again I have learnt and gained a lot of knowledge from my colleagues and the further training that I have completed.

I have developed a love for the outdoors and finished my forest school assistant training in 2018 and currently run our forest school sessions with Kelly our forest school leader.

Working at pre-school is fantastic every day is different and we just love to have fun! Watching the children develop and soar in their own individual learning journey is something that is a joy to see!