The Young Discoverers team

Ruth Newton (Director & Founder)

Ruth founded Young Discoverers in 2008 because she saw the need for a quality childcare service that offered much more than simply somewhere to leave the children, and that ensured that they benefit from all the special moments that children enjoy when in their own home environment. She believes it is fundamentally important for each one of us to learn something new every day and build fulfilling relationships with those we spend our time with through work or play.

Ruth lived in Escrick as a child, and still has close links with the village, she cares passionately about the needs of working parents and their children as a working mum of two girls herself. Her girls are both proud founder Young Discoverers.

Prior to founding Young Discoverers, Ruth enjoyed a very successful career in banking over nine years as a Branch Manager and Relationship Manager within the Commercial sector for a wide range of businesses, including a nursery or two, and brings with her a wealth of business experience. Before this she had a successful career in retail management with WHSmith Ltd.

Ruth has sound Commercial and Financial knowledge, and has sought career moves that challenge her skills base and give her opportunity to grow. Whilst she did not initially have considerable workplace childcare experience she had practical parental experience and manages the operational side of the business. She is qualified in Paediatric First Aid and Food Safety, as well as Health and Safety to provide cover in these areas. Ruth also returned to her studies, and completed her NVQ level 4 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.

 

The Before and After School Team

Jane Young (Playworker and Nursery Practitioner)

Jane has come to us without having worked with children previously, but her fabulous sense of humour, and bubbly personality have made her a natural when it comes to working with the children at Before and After School Club as a Playworker. She also assists us at Nursery as a Nursery Practitioner working with both our babies and Pre Schoolers, as well as demonstrating her culinary skills by taking on the role of Nursery Cook too.  Jane has now also completed her Diploma in Childcare Studies and is a fully qualified member of staff.

 

Andrew Newton (Manager Of Before and After-School)

Andrew has joined us without having worked with children previously, however

his experience as an uncle and step father have given him a good deal of practice outside of work.  He has a natural ability when it comes to working with young children, and has completed his studies to obtain his level 3 Diploma in Childcare.  With very few men working in childcare, we value the different dimension that Andrew brings to our practice, and how our mix of skills and experience allow us to form a great team.

 

 

The Nursery team

Kathy Wainwright (Nursery Manager)

Kathy has worked in childcare forever!!! or at least since 1980 when she qualified as a Nursery Nurse and began her career.  She has worked in a day nursery in Leeds, been a registered childminder whilst her own children were young, and joined Young Discoverers in 2009 when the Nursery opened from Escrick Pre School Playgroup, where she was Manager for the setting.  She is passionate about her work with children and families, and is committed to providing the highest standard of care for each child joining Young Discoverers.  Kathy is well known in Escrick, especially by the children in the village and surrounding area, and is keen to develop her links in the local community, to enable the Young Discoverers team to network in the childcare sector to provide the very best levels of care and education.  Kathy holds National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) and Diploma in Pre School Practice (DPP) qualifications, and has also completed her Foundation Degree in Early Years.  She currently holds Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding Children Certificates.

 

Em Robinson  (Deputy Manager) 

Emma has had lots of experience working with children and is a loving gentle and patient member of our team. Emma has run her own nursery both in the UK and in New Zealand and brings with her a great deal of knowledge and experience. Emma is mum of 3 young children and is passionate about working with children and their families. Emma is our nursery deputy manager.

Emma holds a NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing, and is currently studying her level 5 diploma in management.

 

 

 Melanie Hill (Shooting Stars Room Supervisor)

Melanie joined the team in February 2011, and as a level 3 qualified member of staff comes with a wealth of experience in Day Nurseries, as well as a teaching role in the Safeguarding of children.  Melanie is a very experienced member of the team, and has an adventurous sense of fun, and is always keen to see our children active and involved in activities.  She is responsible for ensuring the Shooting Stars Room, caring for children between 2 and 4 years, provides a wealth of learning opportunities and prepares children for school.

Sophie Dinsley (Nursery Practitioner )

Sophie was originally with us for work experience whilst studying at College for her NVQ level 3 in Childcare.  She was an excellent student, and became a relief practitioner for us last summer.  Fortunately, in September 2011 we were able to offer Sophie a full time position.  She flourished in our Twinkle Stars Room, and since moving to Shooting Stars in January 2012 has shown a whole new set of skills in working with our older children, developing relationships, and undertaking key person responsibilities.  Sophie is a real asset to us, and an excellent team player.

 

Penny Oldroyd (Nursery Practitioner)

Penny is an experienced member of staff, working in our baby room and particularly enjoys seeing children learn and grow.  She is patient and understanding of the needs of babies, and very encouraging of the achievements the children experience in the setting.  Penny holds an NVQ level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, and recently returned to study to obtain her NVQ level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.

 

Jessica Lonsdale (Senior Nursery Practitioner)

Jessica joined the team as a level 2 apprentice in February 2011, having had no experience in working with children, but very practical experience of coming from a very large family with plenty of children for her to nurture and care for.  Jessica has proven to be an absolute natural with children, and with commitment and dedication, sped through her level 2 and 3 and she is a  level 3 diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development. Jessica is currently studying her level 3 in Leadership and management.

Rebecca Cram (Nursery Apprentice )

Rebecca joined us in January 2012 as a Apprentice.  Having already started her apprenticeship in a volutary capacity in an unpaid role, her commitment to a career in childcare was apparent.  Becky is now completing her training with us in a formal role, and working with her tutor to gain her qualification by attending study classes at weekends.  Becky has been working mainly in the Twinkle Stars Room, but as part of her training will have involvement in working in Shooting Stars too.

Kirsty Baker (Nursery Practitioner)

Kirsty is a valuable member of our team .She has been qualified for 9 years and holds her B tec National Diploma in Childcare qualification. Kirsty has had a lot of experience working in nurseries, and as a supply member for nurseries and also as a nanny. Kirsty works with our older children in our Shooting Stars room who adore her.

 

Harriet Pulleyn (Nursery Practitioner)

Harriet originally joined us as a student from Selby College, but was so fantastic we asked her to stay! She is now qualified to NVQ level 3, and is currently studying further at University in Leeds.  Harriet provides us with some additional help in between her studies, and covers whilst our staff take a well earned holiday.

 

 

Faye Davis (Nursery Practitioner)

Faye is another valued member of our team. From mid October she will be working full time in the Twinkle Stars room. Faye loves working with children and has a friendly caring approach to the role , she holds a Diploma in Health and Social Care. Faye is currently studying towards her level 3 certificate in childcare.

 

 

Aimee Dent (Nursery Practitioner)

Aimee joins us from Selby College where she obtained her level 3 certificate in childcare. She works in our Twinkle Stars room with our under 2’s. Aimee has a gentle manner and is a perfect person to be working with little people. Aimee is currently studying her level 3 in leadership and management qualification.

 

 

Kayleigh  Powell  (Nursery Practitioner)

Kayleigh holds her level 3 qualification in childcare which she obtained 4 years ago. Kayleigh has worked in nurseries for 3 years where she had lots of experience working with babies. Kayleigh works in Twinkle Stars with our little ones from 3 months to around 2 years and is wonderful with all the children. Kayleigh is currently studying her level 3 in leadership and management qualification.

 

Helen Nicholson  (Nursery Practitioner) 

Helen joins us as an apprentice studying towards her level 2 childcare qualification. Through JHP training. Helen is predominantly based in our Shooting Stars playroom but may occasionally support staff in the Twinkle Stars room. She is adored by all the children and is a valued member of our team.

 

Finlay Davison (Nursery Practitioner)

Finlay is a member of our team with a level 3 qualification in childcare which she gained in July 2012. Finlay is a gentle caring and hard working member of our team and supports the staff and children in both Twinkle Stars and Shooting Stars.

 

 

Rebecca Reid  (Nursery Practitioner)

Rebecca joined us as a valuable member of our support staff team She is qualified at level 3 and was previously a student on placement with us from Selby college. She offers support to the team in both Twinkle Stars and Shooting Stars.

 

 

 Jenni Robson 

Jenni  is a member of our team, you will see Jenni up stairs in our Twinkle stars room and also at Before and after school club. Jenni is studying towards her level 3 certificate in Child Care. Jenni loves working with children, she has a very caring  manner towards children.