Our Team
Karen and the Management Team work closely with Cumbria County Council early years team to enrich their own CPD and Karen currently is engaged as member of the County multi-agency teams for:
- Special Educational Needs Support Working group
- Early Years Strategy Group for Cumbria
- Early Years Partnership Working Reference Group
Her involvement within these groups enables her to network with wider professionals which influence and inform future provision within Kiddlywinks and wider stakeholder practice.
There is a strong mentor and management structure in place to ensure that each unique professional has the ongoing support and the development opportunities they require to ensure children are highly enthused, confident and empowered learners who believe in themselves.
We employ two qualified Early Years Teachers and network with wider educational settings, such as health and social care provision to ensure that our team are able to access current ideas and knowledge in all areas of children’s holistic care and education.
Individuals have a vast array of specialist training to support the individual requirements of children, including:
- Safe handling and administration of medication.
- EpiPen delivery
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Specialist Feeding
- British sign language
- Makaton
- Picture exchange cards
Our nurseries have designated Lead people for safeguarding who are all qualified to Level 3 and all have knowledge and experience of Safeguarding responsibilities and practice.
Training and Professional Development
We highly value the individuality of each person within our team and we are committed in offering ongoing wide range of training opportunities in order to develop the skills, knowledge and capabilities of our team that will secure the strongest and most powerful outcomes for each and every child who comes to play and learn.
All staff have:
- Extensive Induction Training
- Regular Supervisory meetings through the support of our mentorship programme
- Paediatric First aid Training
- Certified Safeguarding Training
- Certified Food Hygiene/ Safe Handling of Food Training
Recruitment
Our selection process is rigorous, and our team are carefully selected to meet the high expectations we have when working with children. Practitioners have a background Criminal Record Check at Enhanced Disclosure level, often referred to as an Enhanced DBS. It is the highest level required for positions that can involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults.
The recruitment process focuses not only on qualifications but also their ability to model a kind, welcoming and outward-looking approach to life, which makes every day for a child, full of friendships, inspiring fun, keen to fulfil their achievements whilst promoting each child’s hopes for an even more exciting tomorrow.
