I am Head of Early Years for Centrepoint; a role, where I combine twenty years experience in the childcare sector, having worked in States schools, for the JCCT and in the private sector. In 2015 I was approached to join Centrepoint to update practice and modernise the nurseries' approaches.

I am passionate about inclusion, which is one of the reasons for choosing to work for a charity such as Centrepoint and believe in equal access for all children to quality learning and play at their individual levels of development. I recognise the importance of relationships and respect as one of the cornerstones in improving outcomes for our children.

I believe that training and shared knowledge between colleagues at all levels is the key to ongoing improvement and quality, reflective practice. To achieve this, we are fortunate to be able to train internally, in the island’s sector and off island, accessing and being influenced by modern ideas and approaches to childcare. I feel fortunate to be supported at Centrepoint by a passionate, hardworking, loyal and friendly team. I believe strengths, quality and reflectiveness in practice comes from a hands-on management style and have selected the nursery leadership team accordingly.

My biggest challenge to date was researching and setting up the baby rooms in both nurseries, bringing the ideas of respect, time empathy and relationship to the forefront of how we care and educate; a process which also helped to define the values for our nurseries. Our rooms have been visited by the sector and used as examples for other settings.

I promote the use of outdoors as a healthy learning environment, be it in our nursery gardens or on our trips around Jersey. Nature provides endless learning opportunities; playful learning combined with nature to me are the perfect combination for best outcomes for our children.

As a parent of two grown up children I can also relate to and empathise with families and colleagues, when supporting them.

Outside of Centrepoint, as a Trustee, I support the work of the Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT).