All our staff have had the necessary checks with the Criminal Records Bureau, and are continually undertaking further training. It is hoped that all Staff will eventually hold a recognized Childcare qualification.

There are always at least 2 members of staff on the premises who hold a recognized First Aid qualification

At Barn Owls Pre School we have Five dedicated, enthusiastic and experienced practitioners who are:-

Judy Polak

Judy is the Leader of the Pre-school and is qualified in childcare having taken the Diploma in pre-school practice in 1992/3. She became involved in the group when her own children attended and she undertook the role of secretary on the Management committee. It was the enjoyment of this involvement that led her to taking her training. Judy is also the special educatio0nal needs coordinator for the group, and she is also currently studying an Open University course 'Working with children in the Early years'.

Norma Page

Assistant Leader

Sam Bott

Qualified Assistant ~ Started as a parent helper and became quite frequent, as I enjoyed this some much I enrolled in 2001 in on a Diploma in pre-school practice (level 3) at a local colledge with one day per week in Pre-school. Soon after this finished a job became availiable which I took on a job share basis.

I am currently working towards a level 4 'early years practioners' course with the O.U.

The above staff are all fully trained in Childcare and Child development. here is also a further Two members of staff, these are:-

Sue Rogers

Assistant ~ My main qualification is that of being a mother of two boys. When both children were younger I helped run 2 groups for babies, toddlers and parents. This was very different from my previous job, but something that brought me great pleasure. I took an active role on Barn Owls Committee when each child attended. This was an excellent way of helping my own children as well as others. I thoroughly enjoyed the Rota Duties as it helped me get more of an understanding of how Barn Owls (previously Wickets) ran.

Since working at Barn Owls I have been on several courses including Child Protection, The Foundation Stage, and several Core Training sessions covering Science and Technology, History and Creative Development.

I have now been employed at Barn Owls since April 2003, when my youngest son started school. It is a job that not only gives me great satisfaction, seeing children develop and experience new things. It is all about caring and sharing, and helping encourage others to lead happy fulfilling lives. I must admit that it is also convenient for my own family commitments which I feel has to be a priority.

Karen Le Brun

Assistant ~ I became involved with Barn Owls through one of the children I minded. I helped out during the sessions and was encouraged to apply for a position within the pre-school when a vacancy arose.