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 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 is also returned to her studies, and completed her NVQ level 4 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.

The Before and After School Team

Heather Wilson (Before and After School Facility Manager)

Heather has a wealth of experience in childcare, and is qualified to NVQ level 3. She is an integral part of our Management team and continues to provide support to the Nursery as well as managing activities for the Before and After School facility. Heather also co-ordinates Young Discoverers’holiday club’ that operates from our Nursery site when schools out. Heather extended her learning and completed her Playwork Certificate at NVQ level 3 about a year after joining us, which specifically considers the age group she is working with at the Before and After School Club.

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 just started studying for her Diploma in Childcare Studies and will become a fully qualified member of staff in 2011.

The Nursery team

Kathy Wainwright (Nursery Manager)

We have an excellent Nursery Manager in the shape of Kathy Wainwright. Kathy is an experienced childcare professional, having worked in various Early Years settings.  More recently she has been Manager at Escrick Pre School and Playgroup, and we are delighted to have her on board.  Kathy brings with her some excellent experience and ideas, and is keen for all of the children in the setting to receive the best level of care that starts with a home visit, and learn how they like to play before introducing them to the setting.

Samantha Bryan (Nursery Practitioner)

Samantha holds her NNEB childcare qualification, and has a wealth of experience in working with babies and young children.  Having started with us in our baby room, Sam has now moved down to our Pre School room with some of her key children, and is part of the team caring for children aged between 2 and 4 years.  Having been with us since we opened, Sam knows all of the children in nursery very well, and works closely with children and their parents to prepare their child for school and the wider world in a caring and supportive environment.

Emma Cassidy (Nursery Practitioner)

Emma joined us in 2010 having previously worked in a Pre School environment.  Emma has worked in childcare since leaving school and holds her NVQ level 3 in childcare.  Emma works closely with Sam in supporting our Pre School children and encouraging learning through a stimulating mix of resources, environment and best practice.  Emma also has key person responsibilities and brings valuable input and ideas to our Pre School team.

Andrew Newton (Nursery Practitioner)

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 commenced his studies to obtain his 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.  Andrew is part of the team in our Pre School room, and also our resident Mr Fix It!

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 has recently returned to study and is in the process of completing her NVQ level 3.

Hannah Brown (Twinkle Stars Supervisor)

Hannah is an enthusiastic team player, and has demonstrated a natural affinity in working with children, especially from a young age.  Her experience dovetails well with Kathy’s experience, and between them they are able to meet the needs of the full range of age ranges from 3 months to 5 years. Hannah is responsible for planning the activities and the environment for those aged 3 months to three years, as well as having her own group of ‘key’ children.  She has several years experience in an Ofsted registered day nursery, and has taken this role to further her career in childcare and develop her skills.  Hannah holds a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years, and is currently also undertaking her Foundation Degree in Early Years.

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.