OUR PEOPLE
Little Smarties in Bishops Cleeve employ people who are genuinely passionate about childcare. Of these, most are qualified to at least an NVQ Level 3 and nearly all of our senior team has achieved a degree in Early Years. This highly qualified and formidable team has a fantastic, professional work ethic but also an exciting team spirit that rubs off on the children.
What’s more important than the great qualifications is that our staff LOVE children and have years of experience with all different ages. This is the key ingredient to our success as a nursery. We test their ability to engage, listen and respond to children when we interview new members of staff.
We operate a Key Person policy. Each member of staff is allocated to a small number of children. It is their responsibility to engage with your child and to communicate with you about their progress and any issues that may crop up.
Sarah Rowland and Katie White are our nursery managers. Sarah has over 14 years experience in childcare. She has a Degree in Early Childhood Studies (1st) and has almost finished her Masters Degree in education. She has lead quality practice in a federation of Children Centres including four nurseries. She has two lovely girls both of whom attend Little Smarties. Katie also has 14 years experience in childcare and has a degree in Early Childhood Studies (2.1). She has a post-graduate certificate in post compulsory education and has lectured in Early Years. She has managed two nurseries – The Old Station Nursery and St Thomas More Nursery. She is also a qualified baby yoga instructor! Her two lovely twins attend Little Smarties.
Our owners have qualifications too! Gerard has a first class degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham, an MBA from London Business School and a post-graduate qualification in childcare (Early Years Professional Status) from the University of Gloucestershire. Gisela has a post graduate diploma in Theatre Studies, and has teaching qualifications in music, dance and drama. All three of the Gray family children are graduates from Little Smarties and love being part of the family business.
The best nursery I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t want any other nursery for my little girl. Best staff and just so warm and like a family x
B Collins 4th October via Facebook