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 18 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.

Carla

I am a qualified Nursery Nurse (NVQ III). I have been implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage for 8 years. My learning journey started in Australia where I completed my qualifications. 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!

Tizzy

I have been with Pooh's for 17 years on a part-time basis. I have now completed my NVQ Level III qualification. I have attended various other training courses such as Health & Safety, Talking to Learn, Child Protection, and most recently Working With Children with Special Educational Needs. I really enjoy baking and have used this skill to teach and work with the children, making banana cakes, apple pies and 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.

Donna

I have been with Pooh's Nursery for 14 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.

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.

Shamsun

My name is Shamsun and I come from Bangladesh. Whilst living in Bangladesh I completed my Master of Commerce degree in Economics, after which I worked as an Economics lecturer in a college.

On moving to the UK I decided to work with children as I love and enjoy to be with children.

I am currently nearing completion of my NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning & Development. This will add to my other professional qualifications including Child Protection, First Aid and others.

Away from nursery I am a housewife. I have a 9 year old son and my hobbies include sewing and dressmaking. I like to design dresses, sometimes handpainting onto the fabrics.

Tina

I completed my training at a local nursery in addition to my NVQ Level 3 qualification in Childcare & Education. I have always wanted to work with children; it makes me very happy to see them developing new skills, especially when I have had the chance to help them do so.

During my time at Pooh's I have enjoyed every moment and all the girls have been fantastic at helping me settle in.

Away from nursery I like to spend time with my boyfriend, family and friends. I love going shopping and I enjoy looking after my animals.

Misha

I started at Pooh's as a volunteer and now I am a fully-fledged member of staff!

I am currently working towards my Children and Young People's Workforce Level 2 certificate (this has recently replaced the NVQ).

I have always wanted to work with children and have explored many different aspects, including teaching and becoming a social worker however my real passion is working with and supporting children's learning and development. In the long-term I hope to move abroad and work as a nanny or au-pair.

I love working at Pooh's, the children are so lovely as are the other members of staff. In my spare time I like seeing my friends, going to the cinema, shopping and eating out. In the summer you might even see me rollerblading on the seafront!

Melissa

I have recently completed my 'Level 3 in Childcare and Education plus a National Diploma in Health & Social Care. I have always been interested in helping children learn, achieve and have fun.

I love the friendly atmosphere at Pooh's and am enjoying becoming part of the team and getting to know the children

I am a very chatty person and love to socialise and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy going shopping, to the cinema, eating out and Zumba.
I have also been doing karate for 9 years.