Over The Rainbow Day Nursery

For the last 20 years, I have been the owner and Manager of a childcare setting in Nottingham. As part of this role, I have gained significant experience regarding the standards of care and education which are required within a nursery setting. As part of my own professional development, I have undertaken an Early Years Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies and am now a level 5 qualified person. My passion for childcare is one of the fundamental reasons that we decided to proceed with the new venture of becoming one of the new owners of Over the Rainbow Day Nursery in Ashton-in-Makerfield, which I am the nominated person for.

After becoming a mother I decided to embark on a new career in Early Years by becoming one of the new Owners and Directors at Over the Rainbow Day Nursery. This was very much the start of my journey and since then I have qualified as an Early Years Teacher so I am now a level 6 qualified person. Qualifying as an Early Years Teacher has proved invaluable to my understanding of early years care and education and to form my own pedagogical views.

Wendy has worked in early years across the Wigan borough for over 24 years from a trainee through to management. Along the way, Wendy has gained a vast experience of the operations and the importance of good quality childcare.

Wendy has a level 6 BA Honors in Leadership and Management within her early years, her NNEB level 3 and qualifications in paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding.

Safeguarding is paramount and Wendy has been recognised by Wigan Council as an advocate for other settings to support and manage Safeguarding concerns with other early years settings. Wendy initially opened Over the Rainbow Nursery in 2004 ( Previously known as Imagine Day Nursery) and developed the ethos of the setting and its team.

Wendy is a full-time manager and designated safeguarding lead and values her interactions daily with children of all ages.

Wendy is a mother of two girls which has given Wendy the empathy that parents experience when leaving children in the care of others and the small things that are important to a parent.

Vicky has worked at OTR formally Imagine Day Nursery.

She started her career as a college trainee at Imagine Day Nursery and continued full-time since qualifying.

During her time at OTR, Vicky has progressed from practitioner to deputy manager and has undergone numerous training around safeguarding, paediatric first aid, food hygiene and most recently SENCO award.

Vicky's passion is to work and support the team, parents and children with SEND. Vicky has vast experience in supporting and obtaining support through the council and other professionals for children and their families to enable them to access their early education.

Vicky has a wide range of experience from 0 - 5 years and has developed good relations with outside professionals and local schools in ensuring children transition into school at the age of 4.

Vicky has ELKLAN, ECAT and more recently WellComm training to support children's communication and language development.

Danielle has gained her level 2 and 3 qualifications in her early years along with her paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding. Danielle has been part of the team at the nursery for 14 years and has worked from a trainee up to a senior supervisor. She currently is our early years lead overseeing the education and routines of our preschool children.

Danielle brings many experiences to the team and community and enjoys interacting with our local care home with the children giving them aspects of British values and cultural capital this ensures children have gained vast life experiences. Within the nursery environment, she encourages and involves parents in their child's nursery journey and ensures quality learning and education in the preschool environment.

Danielle has most recently become the deputy SENCO of the setting and also has a vast array of training such as keys to communication, ELKLAN and WellComm.

Amy is level 3 qualified in her early years along with her paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding. She has been part of the team at the nursery for 14 years and has worked from a trainee up to a senior supervisor and is currently our baby-room leader.

Amy has recently completed working with babies and safer sleeping training.

Beth is level 3 qualified and alongside this has completed paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.

Karen is level 3 qualified and in addition to this is has her paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding.

Karen has also completed working with babies training, safer sleeping and most recently WellComm to support the children in their communication and language.

Tanya is level 3 qualified.

Gemma is level 3 qualified and alongside this is Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Training.

Kay is level 3 qualified and alongside this has completed Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Training.

Chloe holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and development and has also completed her level 2,3 and 4 SEND Diploma.

She has two children of her own alongside many years of experience working in nurseries and schools.

Chloe in addition to this has paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.

Brittany is level 5 qualified and has also gained her Paediatric First and Safeguarding Training.

Caitlin is level 3 qualified and alongside this has completed paediatric first aid and safeguarding training.

Abbie is our newest team member, has over 3 years experience working in a private day nursery in both the Wigan and Bolton Borough, Abbie has worked across the different age ranges, and will be based in our pre school room at OTR. Abbie has enjoyed a short break from her childcare in 2024, taking a few month off from to travel around southeast Asia. Abbie has brought some fantastic new ideas and is very creative loves messy play and creating art.

Molly joined our setting in October 2024 working part time, 3 days a week. Molly is Level 3 qualified and has many years experience working in Early Years settings. Molly has completed specialist training for babies, safer sleeping and First aid and safeguarding. Molly loves to be creative and brings many fun activities to share with the children.

Natalie has been a valuable team member at OTR for over 19 years, Natalie has completed her Level 4 childcare qualifications, First aid, safeguarding, positive behaviour, and exemplary practice for 2-3 year olds. Natalie has also completed food hygiene training and has trained in Special Educational Needs.

Chantelle joined our team after completing some voluntary work at the setting back in 2023. Chantelle is currently working towards her level 2 NVQ at the setting. Chantelle receives 1-1 training from Wigan & Leigh college once a month and completes supported on the job learning from our experienced nursery practitioners.
Chantelle currently works in our baby room supporting staff and gaining new experiences on the job.
Chantelle has completed her first aid & safeguarding training. Along with exemplary practice working with babies training, Children's development in the eyfs.

Keisha joined our setting earlier this year having been on MAT leave from her previous job. Keisha and her son aged 1 year 8 months joined our team and has settled in well at the setting. Keisha has gained her level 3 in Early years and worked in the sector for over eight years. Keisha has level 3 in Early years, has completed first aid and safeguarding training.

Jodie qualified in 2013 and completed her placement with us at OTR. Jodie then went on to work full time as a 1-1 support for a child with SEND in a local primary school. Jodie later went on to work around the world in various locations as a private nanny.
Having returned home Jodie has just finished her MAT leave and has returned to OTR to join our growing team. Jodie is mum to a beautiful baby girl of 9 months, who will also be joining us at OTR this September.

Joshua is new to our Over the Rainbow team but has lots of experience in catering holds a level 2 in food hygiene and has also completed allergen training.