Sunny Days Dorchester

I am the lead DSL for the Training Centre and offer guidance and support for the DSL across the Sunny days family.

I have worked in the Early Years for over 25 years, starting off as a nanny, before settling into nursery life. Throughout my career, I have continued with my professional development and qualified in the Early Years to NVQ4 and then went on to achieve my A1 assessor’s award and IQA qualification. During the early part of my career, I managed 2-day nurseries in Bridport, enjoying the challenges that come with a management role and building up a team of dedicated nursery practitioners. However in 2009, I decided I needed a change and a new challenge and so I joined Side by Side Training centre as a full-time NVQ assessor, I loved this role and was able to put my A1 and A2 qualifications to good use, eventually stepping into the Lead IQA role which I still hold today. Having never really wanted to teach I then went on to complete my DTLLS adult teaching qualification which enables me to now teach and support our Apprentices within the centre and is an aspect of my role which I love. In January 2020 I was offered the opportunity to extend my role further to become the Operations Manager across the Sunny days family and the training centre. Up until this point, I was already actively supporting both Sunny days and the Training Centre, so this opportunity has been an exciting extension of this and is the role I still hold today.

I have been working within the Early Years sector for over 25 years and have been with Sunny Days for 18 years!

If I am not working you will usually find me on the beach with a Pina Colada in my hand!!!

I absolutely love what I do, the job is so varied and diverse that no two days are the same. Some days are more challenging than others but that’s what makes it fun, you never know what the day is going to bring!! I love that I am able to use all the skills, experience and qualifications I have gained over the years in a role that I am passionate about which supports and guides others to reach their full potential. Read less

Due to mobility issues, I am now training to become a counsellor as the importance of good mental health and wellbeing has always been a passion of mine. I hope to support others in the world of childcare, to take care of themselves, creating a better wellbeing, thus creating a happier person inside and out. This can only create happier childcare practitioners and the children and young people they care for will benefit from that.

I have completed Level 2 in Counselling Skills and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. I hope to start my Level 3 next year. Even though I have only been in my role for a few months, I am enjoying meeting different people and witnessing them grow in positivity.

Over the years I have learnt how to accept myself and my own limitations and finding other ways to have a better lifestyle. If you find you can no longer climb the path you were on, you find another way! I love being creative! I paint, crochet, and now dabble in macramé. I’m proud of being qualified in British Sign Language and use it with my deaf friends regularly. My biggest achievement is being with my husband for over 30 years (but that could be seen as an achievement for him putting up with me!) and having 2 grown up, level-headed children and 2 grandsons. I live for my family! Read less

• Awards/certificates I have won - The Biggest Heart 2020, Fire Extinguisher Award 2020, Safe Award 2016, Warm Fuzzies Award 2016 Read less

I love creating different types of food for children and learning new things all the time and knowing that the children are eating a nutritious meal. Read less