Gill Davidson- Centre Manager

My name is Gill Davidson and I am the Children's Centre Manager.
When I first arrived at Lewsey in November 2005 it was an empty building, since then I have resourced and equipped the building to a high standard, I have recruited good quality caring staff, and I have filled it with children aged between 4 months and 5 years.

At present I have eighteen years experience of working in childcare, and I continue to learn and undertake qualifications.

My job is to be responsible for all of the staff, all of the children, and all of the building. I am also responsible for managing the way we work with our partners and other outside agencies.

I am responsible for the finances of the Centre, the budgeting and accounting.

As I have attained the "Early Years Professional Status" I am also the lead practitioner for the curriculum, education and assessment of children.

Although I am very busy I will always find time to speak to you, either in person or on the telephone.

I offer you a warm welcome to the Centre and its activities.

My name is Sarah Simpson. I joined the Children's Centre in December 2005. I am the Deputy Manager and SENCO - Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

I am currently attending The University of Bedfordshire to gain a degree in Early Years.

I deputise for Gill in her absence and I work in both of the rooms at times. I am the Student co-ordinator - we take students from local colleges and schools.

As SENCO I work closely with the SENST area team (Special Educational Needs Support Team) and with parents. I take a special interest in those children who need additional help and support.

Karen Barnes- Team Leader For The 2-5's Room

My name is Karen Barnes and I am the Team Leader for the 2-5's room. I have been working in childcare for 10 years and have an NVQ level 3, however I am currently working towards my Early Years foundation degree. I have been a part of Lewsey Children's Centre for 4 years.

I lead a hardworking, enthusiastic and dedicated team of Early Years Practitioners. I am responsible for ensuring my team and I provide a high quality of care, as well as a safe, hygienic, inclusive, stimulating and friendly environment for all the children who are attending our setting.

My team and I are passionate about our roles, and appreciate the importance and the impact we have on these young children's lives and enjoy preparing and ensuring they are ready for School.

We run a keyworker system within the setting and I work with my team to ensure the system works effectively within our room.

I ensure that every child is making progress through the early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) by providing appropriate, relevant, fun and exciting activities for the children as well as providing quality learning opportunities for all.

As a Team Leader I am responsible for the general day to day running of the    0-2's room, including welcoming new children to our setting and assigning a key worker to each child. I am also responsible for overseeing the key workers in the room and monitoring the progress of the children which is recorded in their profiles.

As a team we provide a high level of care for the children in an environment that is safe, hygenic and stimulating.

If you have any questions regarding the 0-2's room please contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions.

All of our Early Years Practitioners are working towards or have already gained a level 3 in childcare. 13 of us have a First Aid qualification.

We take our job very seriously and work hard to provide the very best for your child at all times.

All of us are keyworkers and all of us are involved in the planning and assessment of children's progress.

We continue to attend training courses and continue to expand our knowledge and skills.

We care for the children whilst providing a variety of learning opportunities and activities both indoors and out.