Interviews
Name: Heather Gauld
Place of work: The 'Y' Project - Child Development Centre, Elgin Community Centre
Position: Child Development Manager
How long have you been in post: 5 years
Highs of the job: I genuinely love my job and have great members of staff who are dedicated and fun to work with. Everyday is different as we have such a varied programme of activities.
Lows of the job: Relying on volunteers but not being able to financially reward them.
Hobbies: Captain of the local darts team, sewing and gardening.
Heather's Top Tip: Encourage parents to be consistent when settling new children in!
Name: Jennifer Whyte
Place of Work: Sunshine Developmental Playgroup, Keith
Position: Playleader
How long have you been in post? Two and a half years
Highs of the job: The sense of achievement we all feel when a child moves into mainstream.
Lows of the job: Relying on committee members to do so much when they are unpaid volunteers.
Hobbies: Spending time with my children, we go swimming every week and try to go cycling or walking at the weekend. For relaxation I enjoy painting and attend a local painting group.
Jennifer's Top Tip: Children and adults learn so much through play - make sure as a play leader you continue to find the time to play. Also working co-operatively with other agencies is very important.
Name: Carol Morley
Place of Work: Registered childminder in Elgin
How long have you been a childminder? 18 months
Highs of the job: Getting involved with the individual characters of the children that I look after - they are all so different in the things they do and say.
Lows of the job: Not really a low but there can be a feeling of isolation because I work on my own. To avoid this I participate in various groups with the children I look after and make sure that I join in as much as possible where other adults are involved.
Hobbies: My main hobby is keeping fit. I regularly attend aerobics classes and swim at least once a week with friends. I enjoy getting outdoors with my own children. We particularly enjoy hill walking as a family.
Carol's Top Tip: Be flexible!
Even when you have made plans if the weather changes or if the children seem happy with what they are doing at that time just go with the flow and enjoy the time you have with the children.
Name: Jan Peterkin
Place of work: Elgin Community Centre 2-3 Group
How long have you been working at ECC? – Seven years in total.
I have also worked in the community centre Playgroup and Rising 5’s.
Highs of the job – The children in this age group come in as leg
huggers and leave as confident little people.
Lows of the job – Saying goodbye to the children.
Hobbies – Dog walking and looking after my 2 boys aged 10 & 14.
Jan’s Top Tip – Have the children in a routine and structure and stick to it.
Name: Margaret McInnes
Place of Work: Forres House Out of School Club
How long have you been working in Out of School Care: 13 years
Highs of the job: Getting feedback from the children in my care, building relationships with children and their families. It’s nice when children see you in town and are pleased to see you. I particularly enjoy when I can be of help to families who have difficult circumstances and require support. In the group children can be themselves, everyone is equal and there are many fun activities to suit all ages.
Lows of the job: I feel like I have failed when children cannot be integrated into the club successfully due to their complex needs, we do not have the staff resources to offer one to one support on a permanent basis.
Hobbies: After caring for 60 five to twelve year olds I really enjoy taking the dog out for long peaceful walks, reading and gardening.
Margaret’s Top Tip: Listen to the children in your care! Be available to talk things over with children their thoughts, ideas, concerns are important.
Name: Vivienne Farquhar
Place of Work: Knockando Playgroup
How long have you been working in Out of School Care: 6 years
Highs of the job: Knowing the children are happy in the group, seeing them grow in confidence and developing their own little personalities.
Lows of the job: Having to say goodbye to the children when they move on.
Hobbies: Reading, watching my eldest son taking part in motorcross racing, watching my 2 other sons playing football and taking part in cross country running.
Vivienne’s Top Tip: Working as part of a team and remembering that it is all about learning through play. I work alongside Nicola, she is a great support and she is always happy to share ideas and cheer me up when things get tough.
Name: Nicola Cormack
Place of Work: Senior Nursery Nurse at Milne's Nursery
I graduated from Moray college as a Nursery Nurse in 1988.
Since then I've worked as a nanny, childminder, playleader and then as a Nursery Nurse. I have worked at Milne's Nursery for 10 years.
Highs of the job: I love working with children and being part of their learning, development and achievements throughout their time with us. This is so rewarding. I also enjoy being part of a happy and committed team.
Lows of the job: The low factors of the job are the excessive paperwork and the ever changing expectations of our role as pre five workers. This is time which could be better spent working with the children.
Hobbies: Shopping, socialising and EATING CHOCOLATE!! (the girls wouldn't let me off with leaving this one out).
Top Tip: Be friendly, consistent and establish routines and rules with the children. Children do appreciate this!!
Name: Zoe Bickmore,
Place of work: Team Leader for Moray, Direct Childcare
I have been working with Direct Childcare for 16 months.
Highs of the job: I love travelling around all the different crèches in Moray and meeting all the families and children. Also I work with a great team of hard working and dedicated crèche workers.
Lows of the job: I really don’t have many lows of my job apart from it is only 16 hours a week and I would love it if it was more.
Hobbies: Walking my dogs, cooking and camping.
Zoe’s Top Tip? Provide lots of opportunities for the children to play, and be flexible.
Name: Lorraine Duff
Place of work: Noah’s Ark Daycare & Developmental Playgroup
I started at Noah's Ark in the year 2000 having completed an HNC in Childcare
and Education at Moray College, Elgin. This was a return to work and change
of career following time at home with our three sons.
Five years of this time was spent in the Rheingau, Germany where our boys went to German kindergarden and school. This had a big influence on my views regarding childcare.
In another life I worked for the NHS, Ferranti and Marks and Spencers where I dreamt up new recipes, some of which you have probably eaten!
Highs of the job - making a difference especially with our additional needs children.
Lows of the job - without a doubt the paperwork!!!
Hobbies - gardening, wine tasting and english literature.
Top tip - be flexible "It's not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin.
Name:
Karen Lamond-Lowson
Age: 42
Place of work: Registered Childminder
I come from a tiny village in Essex. No Essex girl jokes – I have heard them all! When I left school in England yeah, no apologies I married a RAF guy, I worked in a GP surgery. When I eventually moved to Moray a few years later I looked into studying Play Therapy but at that time the only courses were in colleges miles away. I decided instead to enjoy my own family. When my children were grown up a bit I started childminding; that was just before my fourth child’s second birthday ten years ago.
Through my job as a registered childminder I was given the opportunity to undertake an SVQ Level III qualification in Children’s
Care Learning and Development funded by MCP through Hi-Mats, I successfully completed the award last year. I have been involved in a voluntarily capacity with many local groups, one such group involved finding match funding for a village hall extension to be built. I am a
Brown Owl after helping in a brownie unit whilst my girls attended and for many years I have also been a Sunday School Leader, a role that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Highs of the job: I love my job for many reasons one has to
be the accessibility of the outdoors - garden, woodlands, parks and beaches.
The fact that everyday is different; the work is so varied, including paperwork
which is a must for every good practise nowadays. The children’s exuberance keeps me young and I gain so much energy and joy from watching them acquire new understanding. That look of wonder on a child’s face is magic! The fact that a parent has confidence in my abilities as a responsible carer is so rewarding in itself. Outings and FREE training where I get to meet other adults in the same line of work. Being here for my own children at the end of their school/college day; I could go on and on.
Lows of the job: Can be lacking in adult company if commitments
don’t allow days out or visits, this is quite important with a husband
that works away and no family network. Also, the second parents knock on the door at home time. If it’s been a long day, a child could suddenly decide they are tired, or get
grumpy because they do not want to go home; you get the picture, it makes for a very difficult transitional hand over.
Some days are better than others but it is a definite low for me as at the end of a brilliant day it’s the last thing I want everyone to
remember it by.
Hobbies: Walking, reading: fiction or fact, drawing, keep
fit and community activities. Now my four children are getting older I would
really love to start hill walking in earnest and catch up with the many things
I want to do before it’s too late! (Time ticks on).
Top tip: Be organised but very flexible!
Name: Nicola McKay
Place of Work: Portessie Playgroup
I graduated with my HNC Childcare and Education in 1998 and was appointed the post of play leader at Portessie Playgroup. Since then I have gained my PDA Childcare and Education and also my BA Child and Youth Studies and I have recently begun studying for my 3rd year of the BA Childhood Practice.
Highs of the Job: Working with the children and helping them to gain confidence and learn new skills. Helping them to build on their own personalities and be confident individuals.
Lows of the Job: The never ending paperwork.
Hobbies: Walking, playing pool and socialising.
Top Tip: Be organised but have fun!!
Name: Liz Wood
Place of work: Elgin Childcare Centre
Position: Manager
I live in Lossiemouth with my husband and two boys where we share the love of the beach and freedom. I moved to Moray with my parents in the early 80’s under protest! I soon settled into school and would now never move away. My career in childcare started at Moray College where I trained as a Nursery Nurse. I left college in 1991 and was lucky enough to have an interview for a new ‘playgroup’ opening in Esmonde Gardens within the RAF quarters. I was full of enthusiasm and passion so despite being quite young and relatively inexperienced I got the job and Funshine was opened.
I started out with a group of 3 children that August but by June the following year I had a full morning and afternoon session with 32 children in my charge – I never looked back!
In 2000 the RAF expanded their housing provision in our area and the group was re-housed in Myreside Circle. By this time I was a mum and job sharing with my own mum, Linda, who had previously worked at the RAF Lossiemouth Nursery in Church Street, Lossiemouth. It was nice being able to have time with my own family but knowing the pre-school was in good hands!
In 2007 the Funshine chapter of my life closed as the group was taken over by DMP-B Ltd but I decided to stay with the group and manage Elgin Childcare Centre as it is today for Debra Parker-Banfield. Debra has allowed me to continue to run the Centre as I always have done with few changes being made so I still enjoy my role and have had the added pleasure of meeting new people and learning new skills.
Highs of the job: would obviously be based on achievements. Every achievement that the Centre and those who have been involved with the Centre have ever experienced are precious from children who enter the setting without Mum for the first time, the child who climbs the frame and reaches the top and of course the child that proudly comes back to show me their uniform for ‘big school’. With parents it is sharing their joys, wonderment at how their child is developing, new births, passing driving tests and the trust they empower you with in times of hardship. With staff it is seeing them gain confidence, developing their skills with children and finding that all their hard work, patience, understanding and guidance is worth it all when the children move along to school as confident, enthusiastic learners. Finally for me it is having a happy, productive place to work with Fiona, Dawn and Bev and having people recognise how hard you work and why.
Lows of the job: would have to be split between 2 things. The first would be the difficulties you meet dealing with families who have a family member serving in the armed forces, away for long periods of time in difficult circumstances and the very humbling way they deal with this.
The second – you guessed it – qualifications! It is very draining working full time and studying toward the SSSC registration requirements and trying to juggle family life too!
Hobbies: would include weekends away around Scotland, Scottish history, card making and cooking. I also like to indulge in chocolate, the odd glass of wine, cake and broccoli! (Yep, you can tell the one I felt I ought to add to balance things up a bit!)
Top Tip: would be to always value those around you.
Name: Lynn Davidson
Place of Work: Jack 'n' Jill Preschool Centre
Position: Manager
I established the centre in October 1985 making this the start of my 25th year in the business. How childcare has changed since the early days. Not all for the better I’m afraid, certainly as far as paperwork is concerned anyway.
I love my job and feel passionate about the centre.
Highs of the Job: is the wide variety of children who attend, meeting parents, achieving success in settling children, gaining their trust, meeting individual needs and the satisfaction gained when children progress on to primary school with confidence. Recent times have seen an increase in children with behavioural and social issues attending the centre giving me the opportunity to work with other agencies. This has proved to be very worthwhile and rewarding.
Lows of the Job: are paperwork, financial restraints, lack of recognition as a valued provider and oh! did I say PAPERWORK?? All in all the highs definitely outweigh the lows and I would not change my job for all the tea in China!!
Hobbies: when I am not at the centre my hobbies are looking after my one year old grandchild, singing and photography.
Name:Sharon Hayward
Place of Work:Torridon Education Group
Position: Managing Director
I have owned and managed my own business, Torridon Education Group Ltd, for 15 years since moving to the area with my husband’s job. I have 2 nurseries;- Torridon Pre-School Nursery in Lossiemouth and Bishopmill Pre-School Centre in Elgin. Together they are staffed by a 12 strong dedicated professional team of Early Years Educators, Sports Coaches and Dance & Drama specialists. Alongside providing day care and education, we are also a registered centre for the Scottish Qualifications Authority and provide training & assessment of the Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. We are a busy team and work hard to ensure that the children in our care receive the best possible start and solid foundations for life long learning.
Like many people, I became involved in childcare when I had my own children,
firstly by completing the Diploma in Pre-School Practice and then becoming
a County Advisor for the Pre-School Play Association in England.
Previously I was a Regional Manager for an International Hair & Beauty
Therapy company with a staff team of around 200 people, so I surprised everyone
by changing from a very successful career, to start a new one working with
children.
When I decided to start my own nursery I knew what I wanted to achieve; a fun, stimulating education that allowed the children to express themselves and grow in confidence. I wanted the children to be able to dance and learn about languages, as well as being able to use a computer, and make & design things through wood work. Very quickly I had a group of parents that felt the same way - Torridon Education Group was formed and I have never looked back.
I am often asked “why did you call your group ‘Torridon”? The answer is simple, it was the name of my house where the nursery was first accommodated and I had read a poem about how beautiful the mountain was, as well as the challenges that climbers faced. Looking back at the early years of my business, my husband used to call it my hobby and my sister-in-law used to bring us food parcels! If it hadn’t worked out we would have lost everything, including our home. Thankfully that did not happen.
Hobbies
I have dance qualifications and speak Spanish so I love sharing these with the children. Outside of work I don’t really have much time for anything other that trying to get fitter!
Highs of the job - there are so many
Building a fantastic team is definitely a high. Giving others the chance to develop by providing the right training and career opportunities.
Having really supportive parents that share your same vision has such positive effects on the education that the children receive and certainly makes the job far more enjoyable.
My own children are now also part of the staff team. They are both qualified Early Years Practitioners (SVQ 3 Children’s Care Learning and Development). Lauren is also in her final year of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies. Amber has almost completed her first year of the BA Business and Management. My husband Paul is the “care taker” when he is not at his paid job with the RAF Search & Rescue Helicopters, and in his own words he is our general dogs body! So we are a real family business which is fantastic most of the time, but we do have to say “No shop talk” at the dinner table!
At the start of this year myself and Michelle, the Head of Centre in Lossiemouth, were able to go to Denmark on a “Nature Kindergarten” study tour. Children were learning through nature and were given freedom to experience it fully. They were able to make their own risk assessments and as a result had confidence and a passion for outdoor learning. We were with other practitioners from all over the world which enabled us to reflect on our practice. The trip was amazing and really gave us lots of ideas to develop within our centres.
Lastly I get a real sense of achievement when the care commission award my centres grade 6 - excellent, or when Her Majesty’s Inspectors call me an inspiring manager. That makes everything worth while.
Lows of the job
When I was first asked to do this I thought I would be able to list loads and tell it as it really is, but when it all comes down to it, for me it is quite simple:-
The demands on practitioners, the never ending red tape, paperwork and evidence building to prove that you are doing a really great job.
The financial strain that is placed upon the early year’s sector.
The changing goal posts. Early Years Managers now have to complete a new degree, The BA in Childhood Practice. I have been able to enter the degree in the final year but it still infuriates me that this new qualification is much lower than the existing ones I already have in the management of my nurseries. My daughter’s degree, “BA - Child and Youth Studies”, will also be no longer accepted for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council later this year. In my opinion that is crazy. Scotland will end up losing excellent managers and early years educators. A child once asked me “When does your brain get too full of all the clever things you learn”? For me I think that it is around about now!
Top tip
Believe in yourself and your team. Do not be scared to try something new. Listen to the children and establish a true partnership with parents. If you want a career in the management of childcare, learn to handle stress and take up a hobby that helps you relax, then you will be fine. Most importantly, have fun. Our staff team have team building events, competitions, cake bets and dressing up days, as well as murder mystery nights. You spend a long time at work so you have to enjoy it.