Early Years Educators
Qualified to a minimum of Level 3, our Early Years Educators work together to provide the highest standard of physical and emotional care for all children. They plan the day to make sure each one is full of fun, learning and new experiences for all age groups.
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Vicky Smith
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Lily Thompson
Heather Jones
Early Years Educator
'Little Miss Top Tips'
Joined June 2018
Professional Qualifications:
- Diploma in Pre-School Practice (2000)
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) (2012)
Training:
- Channel General Awareness (June 2018)
Continuing Professional Development:
Key Areas:
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy walking and doing jobs in the garden. I am a keen traveller and I like being exposed to, and learning, new languages.
Tell us a little about your previous work with Early Years children...
When I initially enrolled on a course to do a Diploma in Pre-School Practice, known as a DPP, I completed my placement at Bedale Under Fives when it ran from rooms in the Town Hall. I then went on to work as an assistant manager at a pre-school in Shipston-On-Stour, Warwickshire. Most recently I have been in Greece for six years working for a holiday company, caring for children of all ages and from all nationalities.
Why have you chosen to come and work for Incy Wincy's?
Incy Wincy's has an excellent reputation, I can see that the care and nurturing of the children is their top priority. I feel very lucky to be invited to join a team that is so committed to the welfare of each individual child. I am excited to be a part of it all.
What is your favourite book?
My favourite book is 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', with all it's lovely descriptive language.
What makes you laugh?
It is hard not to laugh at some of the comments children make, the thoughts in their heads can sometimes just tumble out in words. There are always occasions though when it is better to hold the laughter in until out of sight of the children!
Heather's top tips...
- A slice of soap in your socks at night stops leg cramps.
- If you get a pen mark on your blouse, place a piece of kitchen paper under the mark, squirt it a few times with hairspray, pat it dry, squirt it again and wash. it works every time!
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:
- EYFS Incredible Learning Journey (January 2014)
- Introduction to Forest School (November 2014)
- Paediatric First Aid, Level 3 (January 2016)
- Promoting Positive Behaviour (September 2014; updated February 2017)
- Working with 2 year olds
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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:
- 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:
- 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...