Shipdham Pre-School
We’re proud to have a caring, qualified, and experienced team who put children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. There are always first aid trained staff on duty, and every team member holds a current DBS check as well as Child Protection training. We also have specialists in special educational needs, sign language, and behaviour management, ensuring we can support every child as an individual.
Staff
Our Wonderful Team
We are extremely proud of our dedicated team of qualified, caring, and experienced staff. Each member of our preschool family brings their own strengths and passions, but together we share one goal—to give every child the very best start in life.
Safety is always our top priority. All staff are trained in Paediatric first aid , and every member of the team holds an up-to-date DBS check. Our staff also complete regular Safeguarding Lead/Child Protection training to ensure children are always safe, supported, and cared for.
Beyond this, we’re proud to have staff with additional training in special educational needs, Speech and Language support as well as forest Schools and behaviour management—helping us to meet the unique needs of every child and celebrate their individual achievements.
Annette Watts - Manager
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Certificate in Early Years Practice (level 4)
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Diploma in Pre-School Practice (level 3)
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Child Protection
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Paediatric First Aid
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Safeguarding Lead Practitioner and designated safeguarding lead
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Over 25 years experience working in early years
Annette is also enthusiastic about hands on learning outdoors. She has attended a ‘Fresh Air, Freedom and Fun’ course which imparts the value and benefits of outdoor learning and she is also currently undertaking the level 3 Forest School Leader qualification which also includes an advanced first aid course.
Maxine Hinde - Manager
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DPP Level 3 Diploma in Preschool Practice
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Safeguarding Lead Practitioner
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First Aid
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SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator)
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ELSA (emotional literacy support assistant)*
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Communication Champion accredited to help improve early speech and language.
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Elklan level 3 Speech and Language
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16 years experience working in early years
* ELSA is a teaching assistant within an early years setting, who has received training in psychological theory and intervention to enable them to plan, deliver and evaluate individual and small group support programmes for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Maxine has attended a Signalong course, which is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language, She has also completed Elklan and Wellcomm Speech Communication assessment training which is used as an evaluation tool within the setting.
Chloe Ramm - Early Years Practitioner
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Level 3 in Early Years
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Paediatric First Aid
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Child Protection
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Safeguarding Lead Practitioner
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Health and Safety Leadership support
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Fire Marshal training
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Has worked in early years since 2017
Chloe is enthusiastic about the EYFS and is responsible for the planning for the children's development and learning opportunities and keeping parents up to date via Tapestry. She has also completed a Baby Friendly accredited course which promotes baby friendly practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Norfolk Step On course supporting positive behaviour.
Luce Thaddeus Smith - Early Years Practitioner
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Paediatric First Aid
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Child Protection
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Has worked in early years since 2022
Luce is currently completing her Level 3 qualification in Early years.
In addition, we have some regular bank staff and volunteers and we support students on placements from local colleges and schools.
Upon joining Shipdham Pre-School your child will be allocated a Key Person, who will become your first point of call should you feel the need to discuss any area of your child’s development. Your child’s Key Person is responsible for necessary observations, assessments and record keeping and also helping your child to reach their full potential.