About Us & Our Staff
History of our Pre-School
Sydling Springs Pre-School has been running for over 30 years and caters for children from the village and surrounding area. The pre-school runs in the recently refurbished village hall, which is a bright and spacious area enabling us to combine quiet areas such as the book corner with exploratory play areas and a messy art area. We also have a large grassy play area outdoors which is used as often as weather permits. We have links with Cerne Abbas and Charminster schools, the curriculum and stepping stones to early year goals begin here and continue at the schools.
Sydling Springs Pre-School is a member of the 'Pre-School Learning Alliance'. We are registered with Ofsted and had a very positive inspection in July 2008.
We have a high ratio of staff to children in our group - usually 1:6 with a maximum of 1:8. The maximum number of children in the pre-school is 20.
Our Staff
Sam Mercer
Pre-school Leader
Experience working with children
Parent helper at Sydling Springs Pre-school - 1999 – 2003
Childminder 2001 – 2005 - Pre-school assistant : 2004 – present
Pre-school assistant at Charminster Playgroup 2003 - 2004
Pre-school Leader at Sydling Springs Pre-school: 2004 - present
Training / Qualifications
City & Guilds NVQ3 Early Years Childcare & Education Dec 04
CACHE Working with children with SEN unit of level 3 in DPP Aug 05
CACHE Certificate in Childminding Practice Level 3
St Johns First Aid Aug 05
Child Protection 05
Behaviour Management 05
Music course
Future Training
Possibly NVQ Level 4 training – O.U. or college Sept 06
Diane Tucker
Pre-school assistant
Experience working with children
Parent helper at Sydling Springs Pre-school : 1992 - 2000
Pre-school assistant at Sydling Springs Pre-school : 2000 - present
Training
Child Protection Awareness - Jan 2003
Young Children Talking - April 2003
Paediatric Medic 1st Aid - June 2003
Behaviour Management 2005
Other relevant information
Village hall rep : 1994 - 2002 (link person, raising issues on behalf of and reporting back to pre-school)
Fundraising : 1992 - present (very active in fundraising for pre-school)
Lisa Hammett
Pre-school assistant
Experience working with children
Parent helper at Sydling Springs Pre-school 2004 - 2005
Pre-school assistant at Sydling Springs Pre-school: 2004 - present
Training
Child Protection 2004
NVQ2 Pre-school Assistant (near completion)
Introduction to the Foundation Stage 2005
Practical Inclusion 2005
Future Training
Special Educational Needs 2006
Behaviour Management 2006
Other relevant information
Exam Invigilator