Vicky Smith

Early Years Educator

'Little Miss Bubbly'

Joined April 2007

Professional Qualifications:

• Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce, Level 3 (2012)

Training:

• Makaton, Level 1 (February 2025)
• Paediatric First Aid, Level 3 (February 2022, renewal booked 22.02.25)
• Working with 2 year olds 
• Promoting Positive Behaviour (February 2017)
• Introduction to Forest School (November 2014)
• EYFS Incredible Learning Journey (January 2014)

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Currently Studying:

Key Areas:

Hobbies/Interests: Watching my son play cricket and football. We're both keen Leeds United supporters too.

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What do you enjoy most about living in Bedale?

I moved to Bedale when I was a few months old, when my Grandad became the Postmaster. I lived in a very busy household as three generations lived together. It's a lovely town to live in as, after all these years, I have so many friends and family around.  Bedale is the perfect size to get to know everyone.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Incy Wincy’s?

The thing I enjoy most of all about my day to day role is the expressions on the children’s faces during our activities or when they are out and about; they really can’t disguise when they are surprised, amazed or completely absorbed in an activity.

I have stayed at Incy Wincy’s because it has such a lovely atmosphere, we really do all get along working together as a team to provide the best experiences we can. It is such a special job, I like everything - though playing is always more fun than the paperwork!

Where do you go to get away?

The east coast; the seaside always makes me feel calm and relaxed. I often go to Flamborough, and watching my son happily splashing around in the waves makes me smile. Anyone who knows me knows how important family is, perhaps because so many of us lived together when I was younger, so whenever we go to the seaside my mother comes along too.

What was your favourite toy when you were younger?

So many of the children at Incy’s arrive with something to snuggle during the day and I was no different when I was little. I had a yellow blanket with teddy bears on, known suitably as my ‘teddies’, and even when I was a teenager I would take it on sleepovers.  It's still in my wardrobe today, though a little the worse for wear from being so well loved.

At Incy’s, I like the large, wooden construction blocks in the Grasshopper room and really enjoy watching the children make all sorts of wonderful things from them. 

Vicky's top tip...

Always try and see the funny side of everything!

Tracy Robinson

Early Years Educator

'Little Miss [TBC]

Joined August 2022

Professional Qualifications:

Training:

• Let's Go Potty, ERIC [October 2024]
• Safer Sleep, The Lullaby Trust [October 2024]
• Paediatric First Aid [July 2025]
• Makaton Workshop, Level 1 (November 2022)
• Introduction to Child Protection, Level 2 
• Strengthening Language Support in the EYFS at Early Excellence (February 2024)

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Currently Studying: 

Hobbies/Interests:

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Tell us a little about you...

What is your first childhood memory?

Why have you chosen to join Incy Wincy's?

What was your favourite book when you were younger?

Tracy's top tip... 

Giselle Bacon

Early Years Educator & Teacher

'Little Miss [TBS]'

Joined May 2024

Professional Qualifications:

Training:

• Makaton, Level 1 [January 2025]
• Let's Go Potty, ERIC [October 2024]
• SIDS & Safer Sleep for Babies, The Lullaby Trust [August 2024]
• Introduction to Child Protection, Level 1, NDNA (May 2024)
• Prevent Awareness Course, HM Government (May 2024)

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Currently Studying:

Key Areas: 

Hobbies/Interests: 

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As you join Incy Wincy's, what are you looking forward to?

Tell us a little about life before Incy Wincy's...

Do you have a favourite activity to introducechildren to?

What is your favourite book?

What makes you laughs?

How would your friends & family describe you?

Tell us a little about yourchildhood...

Giselle's top tip for families... 

Lily Thompson

Early Years Educator

Joined April 2021

Training:

• Paediatric First Aid, Level 3 (May 2024)
• Apprenticeship - Level 3 Standards in Early Years Educator

Currently Studying: 

Key Areas: 

Hobbies/Interests: 

Tell us how you came to work at Incy Wincy's...

Ruth Harvey

Early Years Educator

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'Little Miss Tidy'

Joined February 2025

Professional Qualifications:

• QTS

Training:

• Paediatric First Aid, Level 3 (Booked 3rd & 4th March 2025)
• Child Protection Level 2, NDNA (February 2025)
• Prevent Awareness Course, HM Government (February 2025)

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Currently Studying: Let's Go Potty, ERIC

Key Areas: TBC

Hobbies/Interests: Being outside, walking and travelling. Spending time with my family brings me immense joy. I love moving around furniture and creating new spaces, painting and wonky sewing. I am also slightly addicted to YouTube!

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Tell us about your early education experience...

My background includes seven years of teaching experience in city of Nottingham schools after graduating from Lincoln/Hull with a degree in Early Years Teaching. While raising my two children as a full-time mum, I have continued to work with children through running toddler groups, holiday clubs, and childminding

Do you have a favourite type of activity? If so, what is this?

I thrive on being creative and learning from others. I love working with people to create something new, fresh and often a bit different.

As you join Incy Wincy’s what are you looking forward to?

I am really looking forward to working in a team and learning from others. I love this age group as they constantly surprise you, make you laugh and their perspectives on life are refreshing - reminding you what is important in life. I love being outside and being creative which IW really values so I am very happy to be here.

What is your favourite children’s book?

I love any book where you have to ‘read’ the illustrations as well as the text. A book that gives children a feeling of surprise and they want to return to it again and again. It's too hard to say just one, but on my bookshelf, I have ‘Dark, Dark Tale’ by Ruth Brown, ‘On the way home’ by Jill Murphy and ‘Owl Babies’ by Martin Waddell

What makes you laugh?

My gullibility and occasional mishaps often make me the target of good-natured jokes. I often find myself in amusing pickles! I love listening to funny voice messages my adult children leave me about their days. And there is nothing better than watching a good sitcom with others.

Elizabeth Estensen

Early Years Educator

'Little TBC

Joined August 2020

Professional Qualifications:

Training:

• Makaton Level 1 (February 2025)
• Let's Go Potty, ERIC 
• Safer Sleep, The Lullaby Trust 
• Paediatric First Aid, Level 3 (September 2024)

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Currently Studying: 

Key Areas:

Hobbies/Interests:

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What is your first childhood memory?

When you were little what did you hope to do when you grew up?

Tell us a little about your career to date...

Is there one activity you particularly enjoy during the nursery day?

What was your favourite toy when you were younger?

Elizabeth's top tip...