Staff
Sonjia Swift
Lead Practitioner
Equal Opportunities & Child Protection co-ordinator
Qualifications
Diploma in pre-school practice (level 3)
My involvement in childcare began after the birth of my 2 children in November 1984 and April 1986. I began to attend my local parent and toddler group and quickly found myself acting as group leader. As my daughter moved on to pre-school I was a regular parent helper, and soon took on a committee role. I also became secretary of the local area pre-school alliance committee for 2 separate 3 year terms, keeping local groups up to date with childcare issues and helping to arrange training and workshops. In September 1994 I decided the time had come to earn a living from all the experience I had gained, and took a job as assistant at a local pre-school. Within 1 year I had advanced to deputy and then supervisor. I have worked as a manager in both committee run and private pre-schools in various settings in the Norfolk area.
I have seen a lot of changes over the last 20 years, there has been ever changing challenges and demands, but providing good quality childcare and education is something I continue to feel passionately about, and I am happy to have an excellent staff team to support me in striving to achieve this at Mulbarton Children’s Centre.
Tracy Dean
Deputy Lead Practitioner Additional needs Co-ordinator
Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
My first contact with the Centre was in 2003 when my eldest child attended. I also became a secretary on the committee, being involved in the administration side. I started working at the Centre in September 2007 as an assistant practitioner and enjoyed every minute. I have now taken on the role as Senco and deputy lead practitioner and am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I especially enjoy the creativity side of playgroup and if there is a messy activity you can usually find me in the middle of it.
Donna Cott
Assistant Practitioner / Health & Safety Co-ordinator
Qualifications
NVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development, now working towards level 3
I am an assistant practitioner at the Centre and have been since 2004. I really enjoy the challenges the job brings and enjoy watching the children develop. I have four children of my own, ranging in age from 13 to almost 1 year.
Marie Simmonds
Assistant Practitioner
Qualifications
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
I began helping out at the children’s centre on the parent rota when my son attended. I then applied for the position of assistant practitioner in June 2011 and was successful. I have a diploma in childcare and education which I attained in a day nursery before leaving to raise my son. I am enjoying being part of the team very much and am looking forward to meeting new children and parents alike.
Camellia Winsley
Assistant Practitioner
Qualifications
NVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development
I first became involved with the Centre in 2003 when my eldest child attended. My youngest child attended in 2008 and I then became an emergency helper and a committee member. I subsequently became a support worker, supporting a child on a 1:1 basis. I found this job rewarding and when a position became available for an assistance practitioner, I applied and was successful. I have recently completed my NVQ level 2 in Children’s Care Learning and Development.
Abbie Hill
Assistant Practitioner
Qualifications
Working towards City & Guilds Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development
