Each setting highly values its staff and we strongly promote the continuous professional development of all practitioners. It is in the interests of the nursery, the children, the families and the individual, that each staff member is given the opportunity to develop their skills to their maximum and to broaden their knowledge and skills in caring for children.
Personal and professional development is essential for maintaining the delivery of high-quality care and learning for children in their early years. It underpins all aspects of positive interactions and activities planned for children. Therefore, Cliffe House Day Nurseries ensure that the majority of staff are qualified to Level 3 or above in childcare and education. In addition, each member of staff has individual training records and training plans to enhance their skills and expertise.
Coach, lead and offer encouragement and support to achieve a high level of morale and motivation.
Provide opportunities for delegation based on skills and expertise to offer recognition and stimulate staff.
Encourage staff to contribute ideas for change within the nursery and hold regular staff meetings and team meetings to develop these ideas. Regular meetings are also held to discuss strategy, policy and activity planning.
Provide regular in-house training relevant to the needs of the nursery.
Carry out regular reviews with all staff. Staff appraisals are carried out every year where objectives and action plans for the staff are set out, whilst also sourcing training according to their individual needs.
Develop a training plan addressing both qualifications and continuous professional development needs of the nursery and individual staff.
Training needs analyses for all individual staff, the team as a whole and for the nursery are carried out regularly.
Promote a positive learning culture within the nursery.
Provide inductions to welcome all new staff and assign a ‘work-buddy’ to coach and support new staff.
Emma joined the Cliffe House family in January 2020 when we took over Prospect House Pudsey. Previously working for Prospect House for 18 plus years Emma has a wealth of Early Years knowledge, she loves the outdoors, learning through play and the loose parts approach to learning.
Sally has worked at Cliffe House Baildon since it opened in June 2010. She is also the Head of Red Room and she enjoys setting out lovely activities for the children using their interests. She also uses her expertise to set up the garden area for the children to engage in open ended activities.
Vida has worked at our Bramhope setting since it opened, she has undertaken all kinds of Early Years Training including Managerial courses, which have helped with management of the setting as well as Ofsted contribution and evaluation. She loves organising and promoting children’s learning at any stage and values their multicultural backgrounds.
Katie has worked at our Bramhope setting for over five years and was promoted to Deputy in 2017. She is level 6 qualified, having a degree in Early Years and Education. Katie is passionate about providing high quality care and learning to ensure all children are prepared for the transition to school.
Kim has worked for Cliffe House since 2015, originally starting off at our Featherbank setting and then transferring to our Burley-in-Wharfedale setting in June 2022. Kim has a BA (Hons) degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development. Kim loves to see the children flourish and develop into their own little personalities. In her spare time, she is a keen fitness enthusiast who likes running, walking, going to the gym, spending time with her three boys, eating out and music.
Employed since 2002, Lucy has Level 4 qualifications in Childcare and Level 5 in Leadership & Management. Lucy is one of our longest standing members of staff and has gained a lot of experience whilst working for Cliffe House over the past 20 years.
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Laura joined the Cliffe house team in 2016 and has recently become the deputy manager at our Horsforth Trinity nursery having previously worked at our Featherbank nursery. Laura has a degree in Early Childhood studies and has always fostered a keen interest in working with children and being an inspiration to others.
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Catherine has worked in early years for over 30 years, as a childminder for 18 years at home while her own children were young, and then in a children’s centre and a nursery. She has a degree in Early Childhood Studies as well as Early Years Professional Status and an Early Years Teacher qualification. She enjoys all aspects of early years especially reading to the children to help support their language and literacy. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, walking and spending time with her family, including looking after her four young grandchildren.
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Cathy has over 25 years experience working in childcare, she holds a BA in Childhood in the Early Years and has Early Years Professional Status. Cathy joined the Cliffe House family in 2018 after previously managing nurseries. Cathy has a keen interest in supporting children and their families with SEND. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, Cathy’s children are keen footballers! She also likes going for walks and enjoys cooking.
Usha joined Cliffe House in 2018 and has over 20 years experience. She holds a level 4 in Early Years and Childcare. Usha is deputy manager of the nursery but also the Head of the Pre-School room. Usha loves to watch the children grow and develop from starting with us to when they start primary school. In her spare time, Usha enjoys shopping, walking and spending time with her family and friends.
