Staff Profiles

We're only as good as our staff. Thankfully they're really, really good.

Gorete (Tita)

Head of Nursery

I have been running my own setting for 17 years.

I am multi-lingual, very well travelled and passionate about different cultures and recognising children as unique individuals. I have a BA Degree in Early Years and I am an Early Years Professional.

I connect with children and feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping children achieve and enjoy their time at the nursery. Working with children gives me much joy and happiness.

My hobbies include walking, cooking "dinner parties with my friends", and gardening, shopping, travelling and listening to Andrea Bocelli. Most of all I get a great sense of achievement and feeling of well-being when I help others to succeed.

Donna

I have been with Pooh's Nursery for 13 years on a supervisory level. I have a level 3 qualification in childcare and numerous other courses in Early Years. My main role at the nursery is helping with children's learning journeys, albums and supporting key workers with their observations and assessment. I also help Gorete with all the planning, evaluations and decision-making and all the artwork.

I work at the nursery on a part time basis, as I am now a registered Nurse at Eastbourne hospital currently working towards a degree level in this role. I still work at the nursery on a part time basis because I enjoy working with children and it is a very rewarding profession to be part of. My hobbies include socialising, travelling and I am very conscious of health and fitness.

Tizzy

I have been with Pooh's for 16 years on part time basis. I have now completed my NVQ Level III qualification. I attend various other training courses such as Health & Safety, Talking to Learn, Child protection, and most recently working with children with Special Education Needs. I really enjoy baking and have used this skill to teach and work with the children in baking banana cakes, apple pies, carrot cake, (to name but a few). I wanted to have 10 children of my own but since I only managed to have one, being at the nursery with all the children gives me great pleasure and certainly fills the gap. My hobbies are Salsa & Roweda dancing, reading and walking.

Sara

I have been working at Pooh's for over 5 years. In that time I have achieved a level 3 NVQ qualification in Childcare & Education. During my time at Pooh's I have also attended many training courses, including: First Aid, Child Protection, Health & Safety, "SENCO" (Special Education needs Coordinator), Whatever the weather, Rhythm and Rhyme, phonics and most recently how to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. I decided to go into childcare after leaving school because I have always liked children. I really enjoy being involved in children's development and love seeing their progress. I think that I relate well to children and I am caring and understanding towards them. My hobbies include socialising, reading, swimming, cycling, listening to and playing music.

Carla

I am a qualified Nursery Nurse (NVQ III). I have been implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage for 7 years. My learning journey started in Australia where I completed my qualification. I worked in Portugal for 5 years and now my journey continues in England where I am applying all my knowledge and experience gained in this lovely, multi-cultural environment. I am presently studying towards the Foundation Degree in Early Years. I've passed the first two modules and am now studying for the third. My hobbies include socialising, reading, cross-stitch and travelling. I am also quite an accomplished gymnast!

Jessica

Better known as Jessie I am at present working towards an NVQ level II qualification. I have always wanted to work with children and enjoy all aspects of playing and being part of children's lives. It gives me great pleasure being in home corner with a few children and making cups of tea and pretending to eat cakes and so on. Just supporting children's language and knowledge makes me feel I can make a difference. Children at the nursery like me to do rolly pollys, cartwheels and generally like to watch me being 'sporty'. I enjoy demonstrating to children the benefits of keeping fit and healthy. I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and family and I like to socialise. I am quite an outgoing person and can come across as very confident when in fact I am quite shy.

I am travelling to South Africa in May 2010, to work as a leader with the YMCA. I will enjoy sharing my experiences with the children when I come back!

Isabel

My name is Isabel Rodriquez Quesada and I originally come from Spain. Having my own children has been the most wonderful and rewarding experience of my life and in spite of being qualified in Beauty & Therapeutic Massage and Reflexology, I decided I wanted to learn more about children but in a more academic way.

In January 2009 I completed an orientation programme titled: "Making Choices in Working with Children, Young People and Families". The outcome of the course was to direct my existing knowledge and skills towards working with children as a career.
In February 2009 I started my training at Pooh's, as part of my NVQ Level 2 in "Children's Care, Learning & Development".

I have now completed my NVQ Level 2 and am continuing my professional studies by studying for NVQ Level 3.
Alongside the NVQ certifications, I have undertaken several other courses in professional development in subjects including Mark Making and Behaviour Management.

Away from nursery I love dancing, listening to music, reading (all kinds of books), walking and spending time with my children enjoying nature and outdoor activities.

Charlotte

Hi, my name is Charlotte. I am currently studying for my NVQ Level 2 in Childcare which I hope to finish by May 2010. I shall then go on to study for Level 3. I have always wanted to work with children so I am very pleased that I have the opportunity. I hope to develop my professional skills and experience here at Pooh's and will enjoy seeing the children grow and develop along the way.

Outside nursery, I enjoy going out with friends and also go to the gym a couple of times a week.