Staff and Qualifications

Manager - Julie Walkey

Julie has been working at the preschool since 2008. After two of her own children attended the preschool, she started helping out as a volunteer until starting work as a one-to-one helper.  She became Deputy at the end of 2015 and moved into the manager's position in 2018. 

Julie's qualifications include:

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership  for the Children's and Young People's Work Force Early Years Management.

Level 3 Diploma for Early Learning and Childcare Pathway

NVQ 2 in Children's, Care, Learning and Development

Safeguarding Lead Practitioner

Autism: The Invisible Condition

Autism: Aiding Communication through Visual Support

Autism & Social Communication Difficulties - Understanding Behaviour

Autism & Social Communication Difficulties - Developing Play

Step On

The Prevent Duty in an Early Years Environment

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering

Paediatric First Aid

Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning

Developing a Nurturing Engaging & Inspiring Outdoor Environment

A Commitment to Healthy Early Years

Child Protection training

Level 2 Functional Skills - English, Mathematics and ICT

ECAT - Every Child a Talker

Developing a Nurturing, Engaging & Inspiring Outdoor Environment for Babies, Toddler and Two Year Olds

Deputy Manager and SENCO - Danielle Gilbert

Dani joined us in June 2018 after she had just arrived back in England after a 4 year posting in America with her husband and daughter.  Her qualifications include:

Safeguarding Lead Practitioner

Special Educational Needs Coordinator 

NCFE CACHE LEVEL 3 for SENCO in early years settings.

Norfolk Communication Champion

Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development

Level 3 Award in Child Psychology (merit)

Special Educational Needs Certificate

Level 3 Award in ADHD Awareness (higher distinction)

Level 4 Award in Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (distinction)

SEN Higher Level 5

Paediatric First Aid

Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety

Introduction to Safeguarding Children

The Prevent Duty in an Early Years Environment Level 2

Early Years Practitioner - Katy Walkey

Katy attended the pre-school as a pupil in 2000/2001 and was been a regular volunteer helping in the setting and at fundraising events. In Jan 2019 Katy became a member of bank staff and then joined us as a permanent member of staff in 2021. Whilst working and volunteering Katy is studying for her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare

Her other qualifications include:

The Prevent Duty in an Early Years Environment

Pediatric First Aid

Safeguarding in Early Years

Early Years Practitioner - Kirstie Hammond-Wakefield

Kirstie is our newest member of staff.  She began as a parent then we talked her into becoming bank staff.  She joined us as a permanent member of staff in July 2021.  She has quickly become established as the most practical member of staff!  Kirstie is also taking over the Health and Safety role in the setting.

Kirstie is studying for her Level 3 in Early Years.

She also has a level 3 in Understanding Autism and has completed her safeguarding and first aid training. 

Liz Blakie - Bank Staff Playworker

Liz has been working at the preschool for the longest, nearly 20 years.  She was Manager for over 10 years before stepping down to allow her to spend more time with her family.  She is now semi-retired but we won't let her go completely!

Her qualifications include:

B.E.D Teaching qualification in early Years.

Paediatric Emergency First Aid

Communication and Language

Step On

Lead Practitioner Safeguarding Training

Foundation Stage Planning and Assessment Training

Helping Young Children Play together

Office Manager - Harriet Garrod

Harriet is an invaluable member of our team, dealing with all the paperwork that comes through the office.  She began her association with us as a parent, progressed to Committee Member, and is now a member of staff.  She also makes amazing cakes! (not often enough)