Dawn Aldrich – Administrator
I began working with the Playgroup when my daughter attended and I volunteered to co-chair the Fundraising Committee. After leaving the committee I was employed as Administrator for the playgroup, where I’ve been working for the past 2 years. During this time I have had a 3rd child and work happily from home. I enjoy my role at Playgroup and love meeting the new parents and children each term.
I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration and I have attended a basic safeguarding children course.
Sally Hough – Playgroup Leader
I changed careers into childcare at the beginning of 2006, initially on a volunteer basis. It soon became clear I’d found my vocation and I joined the team at Millmead Infant & Junior School where I worked for a year across several age groups to help me realise my heart lies with early years. I joined Bengeo Playgroup in January 2007 and took over as leader in September 2008. I love my job and I look forward to every morning to welcome the children in.
I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, have taken a 12-hour course in paediatric first aid and also attended an advanced course on safeguarding children as I am the Designated Person for child protection issues.
Rachel Mayes – Relief Playgroup Assistant
I have always had a love for children from an early age. I started my career working at All Nations Christian College Nursery, then as a nanny for five years in Hertford. During the times of bringing up my two sons I worked for Wodson Park Creche and Tiny Toes Day Nursery at Cannons Health Club before joining Bengeo Playgroup in 2007. In my spare time I am an active member of Hertford Baptist Church and Ware Operatic Society. I always enjoy a variety of craft work, which comes in very handy when a child asks you to draw ‘an elephant’!
I have an NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing, have attended a basic training course on safeguarding children and I am also a qualified First Aider for Infants and Children.
Lin Skidmore – Key Person
I was a childminder for 12 years before starting work at the playgroup in September 2008. At the time of joining I also began studying my NVQ Level 2 in CCLD, which I achieved in March 2009. I live with my husband and we have a grown up daughter. In my spare time I like to keep fit and I took part in the Race for Life to help raise funds for cancer research.
I am qualified to NVQ Level 2 in Childcare, have attended a basic training course on safeguarding children and I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.
Carol Perrett – Deputy Playgroup Leader
I joined Bengeo Playgroup in September 2008 initially as relief Administrator to cover Dawn Aldrich’s maternity leave. Upon Dawn’s return, I was asked to support the team and work with the children as a Relief Playgroup Assistant, which I loved and by September 2009 I was offered the opportunity to join the team on a permanent basis. I live with my Husband and seven year old daughter, who attends Bengeo Primary School.
I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in childcare, have attended a basic training course on Safeguarding children and am also a qualified paediatric First aider.
Karen Tarrier – Relief Playgroup Assistant
I started working as a childminder in 1996, then after my own son left Bengeo Playgroup in 1999 I started working as a Relief Playgroup Assistant. I have also worked as a supply teaching assistant in Bengeo School and if needed, a midday supervisory assistant.
I have attended a basic training course on safeguarding children and I am also a qualifed paediatric first aider.
Clair Head – Relief Playgroup Assistant
I am Relief playgroup worker and full time mum. I am married with 3 children who have all attended playgroup and Bengeo school.
I enjoy swimming and socialising with my friends.
New Team Members
Jeanette Kirwin – Inclusion Co-ordinator
I have always loved working with children, even from an early age I would always be looking after the neighbour’s children. I have worked in Bengeo School for over ten years now and have worked in every year. After returning to work after my third child I wanted to stay within the school but felt like I needed a new challenge, so I have decided to work within the early years and I am really enjoying it. No two days are the same.
I am qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and have attended a basic training course on safeguarding children.
Casey Bennington – Relief Playgroup Assistant
I joined the school as a Midday Supervisory Assistant in January 2011 and the Playgroup team nine months later in September. I am looking forward to getting to know the children in Playgroup as it will be lovely to carry on seeing them at lunchtimes in the School and watch them grow up year after year.
Suzanne Crane – Key Person
More information regarding the new team members is on its way.
