The Woodside Centre

I am Jo, and I have been working at Woodside Nursery for five years, starting as a Nursery Worker then Senior Room Lead and now Assistant Manager with SENCO responsibilities.

My first experience in a nursery was when I trained in the Montessori method of nursery teaching. Before completion I had my first daughter and for work reasons moved to Italy. In Italy I worked as a language teacher, teaching five to eleven year olds.

After eight years living in Italy, we, five children and I returned to England and I completed a Level 3 in Early Years and Childcare. Five years later on completion of an initial teacher training course, I taught Music and Drama in secondary school for almost nine years. Caring for the elderly, for a while bought me to Woodside when I visited with a parent and liked it so much, I now work here.

My life’s experiences with children of all ages, has helped me to nurture and teach children using my strengths. I also use a lot of musically inspired activities, teaching the children mathematics and literacy using their favourite songs and playing instruments. As an artist, I fill the craft table with a variety of ideas enabling the children to be creative.

Each month, I like to introduce new subjects and books that match the activities as books and reading are vital to a child’s development. I also include activities in the garden and tell the children all about growing vegetables and show them insects that live under logs of wood.

I have worked with parents through the development of their children and enjoy supporting any special needs. I support other nursery workers by suggesting ways of learning or creating exciting activities to help our children develop and grow.

I have worked here at Woodside for just over 6 years, and I have 2 roles within the nursery. My main role is as a nursery Chef Whereby I plan and produce health, well balanced and nutritious meals catering for all allergies that need to be taken into account.

When Ofsted inspected in December 2022, they observed that my meals were homemade and wholesome, and the Food Standards Agency agreed in January 2023 by awarding me another 5 star rating!

My other role is a Flexi Worker so that I can work on the floor with the children whatever age as I am qualified to Level 3 with a Diploma in PreSchool Practice.

When I am not working, I love exploring the beautiful southwest beaches and going for walks among nature in the woods and on the moors. But spending time with my lovely family is the thing I love doing the most.

Hello, I’m Jessica! I started at Woodside nursery as the 2-3 lead in January 2023 after working as toddler room lead in an Exeter nursery for the last 4 years although I spent 9 months of this time on maternity leave after having my first child, on Christmas Day 2021! I have recently moved to Tiverton with my daughter and partner after living in Sidmouth all my life! In my spare time I am enjoying exploring the local areas around Tiverton and getting to know my new home town. I also enjoy going for runs in the evening to recharge and I am currently working on the couch to 5k with the ambition of running a race at the end of the year! When I’m not at work or running around Tiverton I enjoy switching my brain off by baking yummy cakes or doing a paint by numbers! I trained in level 3 childcare with Exeter College which bought lots of opportunities to gain work experience with 0-7 year olds and I’ve worked with children ever since. Working with children brings me so much joy and truly is my passion in life, there is nothing better than seeing the smiling innocent faces and watching the next generation grow! At work I love reading stories and getting messy in the sensory tray! At work my colleagues would probably say I can be quiet at times, reliable and professional but my friends and family would say I’m a bit crazy.

I’m Adelaide and I am the Nursery Manager at Woodside. I’ve been at Woodside for a year now and love it here. It is a fabulous nursery with a great space for children to play and learn. It is such a warm and friendly environment to work in and the staff are lovely. I am excited to see what the future holds here since we had our Ofsted inspection in December 2022 where we received a Good rating which we are all delighted with.
I have worked in childcare for the last 15 years. I have worked with all ages, from Early Years to age eleven. I love all ages but my real passion is the Early Years. I am fascinated by how different the children’s personalities are and how they develop and grow.
I have 2 children, Ava and Daisy, 14 and 9 respectively. Our family loves to spend days out in the countryside with our dog Herbert. Since moving to Devon 14 months ago we try to make the most of being outside and like to visit the beaches as much as we can rain or shine!
My partner and I share a love of gardening and we are starting to grow our own vegetables in our garden. I have recently bought a greenhouse and am awaiting its arrival. I cannot wait for it to arrive! I am hoping it will be full of plants by the summer!