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Little Echoes Children’s Day Nursery staff members

 
The staff at Little Echoes are qualified in child care holding a minimum of level three certificates in child care. The senior staff at Little Echoes have held their posts for five years or more. All staff are vetted and checked with the Criminal Records Bureau to assess their suitability to work with young children. The majority of our members of staff also have qualifications in first aid and food and hygiene.

On occasions we have students on work placements from local schools and colleges, who do not count as part of the staffing ratios. We have a staff training budget that allows us to continually update our knowledge and improve performance.

We currently employ 18 members of staff including an admin assistant, bookkeeper, kitchen/ catering assistant, and a cleaner. We also have a qualified and experienced full time chef on the nursery team as our new premises has a fully equipped kitchen.

Jane Gratton N.N.E.B.
Little Echoes Day Nursery Manager

Jane Gratton

Jane joined Little Echoes in 1999 as Clever Cats Room Leader, in 2004 she was promoted to Deputy Manager and in 2013 took on the role of Manager.

Jane has experience in Maternity and Special Care Baby Unit, Residential Children’s Home, Reception class Year One and Two, Nursery School, Special Needs and has recently achieved her Foundation Degree in Early Years Management.

Claire Bedford
Deputy Manager/ SEN Co-ordinator

Claire Bedford

In her capacity as Deputy Manager and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at the nursery, Claire Bedford plays a pivotal role in the daily operations.

Collaborating closely with the nursery manager, she assumes responsibility for overseeing the nursery's day-to-day functioning when the manager is absent.

Engaging in collaborative problem-solving, Claire supports and guides room leaders, stepping into various rooms as needed. Her duties include ensuring strict adherence to policies and procedures and maintaining open lines of communication with parents.

Additionally, Claire takes on the crucial role of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), offering support to children and families with additional needs.

She collaborates with other professionals to develop targets and support strategies for these children, fostering an inclusive environment where every child is treated equitably.

Clare Porter
Safeguarding Lead & Training Co-ordinator

Clare Porter

Functioning as the Designated Safeguarding Lead at the nursery, Claire Porter holds a key role in ensuring the welfare and safety of the children under their care.

She is responsible for reporting and addressing concerns related to safeguarding, maintaining effective communication with staff, parents, carers, and other professionals.

Claire is committed to keeping the team well-versed in the latest safeguarding procedures, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately in safeguarding situations.

In her role as Training Co-ordinator, Claire mentors apprentices and maintains communication with training providers to offer comprehensive support throughout their training.

Rapidly addressing any challenges that may arise, she supports the team's Continual Professional Development by organising relevant training sessions to enhance their skills and service provision.




The Dizzy Ducklings Team
The Bouncing Bunnies Team
The Clever Cats Team
Senior Management Team
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