My name is Sandra Easton and I’m a mother of four grown-up children and have over thirty years experience in looking after children.
I have a law degree (London LLB) and a masters law degree from Cambridge University, and the solicitor’s qualification. I started my childcare business in 1996 and built up the nursery at Narnia, which has been given the ‘Outstanding’ grade by Ofsted in all areas. I have attended many childcare courses including paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding children, and I’m a qualified nutritionist. In 2010 I achieved the highest childcare status: the early years professional status, from Kingston University.
My name is Gillian Wadsted and I joined Narnia over ten years ago.
I am a qualified teacher (B.Ed.) and worked as a teaching assistant at Wonersh and Shamley Green Primary School and I also worked at Wonersh Pre-School as a leader for thirty years – having taught Sandra’s children!!
I am a qualified ‘forest school’ leader (NVQ3) and I’m the designated safeguarding head. I have three grown-up children and two grandchildren. I love arts and crafts, cooking and I am very passionate about outdoor learning.
Manager’s comments: Gillian has brought into the nursery amazing activities and the older children adore her for her outdoor school trips.
My name is Melanie Gordon, and I have my level 3 qualification in Early Years and Childcare, gained at Guildford Childcare in 2012, a B.A. Hons in Early Childhood Studies, and I am a qualified primary school teacher.
I love working with under five-year-olds and sharing their wonder and joy when learning new things.
I am a mummy to a 22-year-old son, and a one-year-old daughter. I am pleased to be back working at Guildford Childcare.
Manager’s comments: It is wonderful to have Mel back working at Guildford Childcare. She is a fully qualified teacher, with recent experience of working in reception classes at schools, as well as having worked here prior to her qualifying as a teacher. She is bringing lots of exciting activities to the nursery.
My name is Maryanne Duncton and I started work at Narnia as part of my NVQ2 work experience in 2012. I have obtained my level 3 qualification – a requisite for nursery managers.
Whilst working in childcare, I gained my qualification in food hygiene, completed a physical wellbeing course for toddlers, and during 2018 I gained a qualification in promoting positive behaviour. I specialise within the ‘baby field’ – I have studied baby communication – a pre-cursory for speaking and language acquisition, alongside safeguarding and first aid which are compulsory within our nursery.
As continual professional development I undergo regular in-house training to update all relevant information within childcare.
Manager’s comments: Excellent relationships with the children as well as the parents – a valuable quality in a full time member of staff.
My name is Dawn Stanton and I joined Guildford Childcare Limited in 2013 and now I am a full-time member of staff. In September 2015 I obtained by NVQ level 3 (managerial status) and following this I completed a food hygiene course and various other in-house and online courses.
Originally, I specialised in working with babies, and I have continued to progress my development with older children as well, and have obtained a certificate in promoting positive behaviour.
Alongside my present role, I am also a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO), first aid paediatric qualified and have completed all safeguarding courses.
Manager’s comments: Dawn is always a pleasure to have around. She is a very popular member of staff with both parents and her peers, and very popular with the children.
My name is Aimee Gent and was initially the apprentice at Guildford Childcare Limited. I have my NCFE Cache Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) through the government-backed scheme.
I love ‘forest school’ adventures, puzzles, games, and enjoy preparing arts and crafts for the children.
Manager’s comments: Aimee is a very likeable person, with a calm and caring personality. She is a popular member of our team.
My name is Becky Rose and I’m a qualified teacher with a primary education degree, and I have a child of my own.
I have worked in reception classes and as a supply teacher. I am a SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator).
Manager’s comments: Becky, as our qualified teacher at the nursery, provides a full educational programme of phonics and numeracy education and fun activities (at the same time) until they leave for school.
My name is Jane Mercer and I am a part-time member of staff at Guildford Childcare Limited – since 2013.
I have qualifications in health and safety, promoting positive behaviour, the prevent duty in early years, and I am a qualified nursery practitioner – NVQ Level 2. As mandatory at Guildford Childcare Limited, I am also paediatric first aid qualified and I have undergone all the safeguarding training. I regularly attend in-house training updating all relevant childcare courses.
Manager’s comments: Jane has a great sense of fun and shows a unique calmness in all situations. She is a valued member of the team.
Team Members of Recent
Over the years we have had several young women come back to work at the nursery, having been babies themselves in the nursery many years before!!
Manager’s comments: This has felt extremely rewarding – we love that they have chosen to come back and work here!