Meet the Staff

Name: Julie Morris

Role: Manager, SENCo, designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Worker for Looked-after Children

Worked at Playgroup since: 2006

Qualifications & training: Level 3 CASHE Level 3 in Pre-school Practice, Accredited SENCo, Portage Workshop, Level 3 Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, Safeguarding Children - Working Together A and B, FGM Awareness, Prevent Training, Early Talk Boost

A bit about me: I live in village not far from Bishopthorpe with my husband and 2 of my 3 big boys live at home with us. We have a lovely dog called Charlie and a very lazy cat called Cookie. We have a prickly hedgehog who sleeps in our garden who we feed every night. I love Disney films and like to sing along to the songs very loudly! When I'm not at playgroup I like going on long walks with Charlie into the woods and along the beach. I also like exploring different countries with my family and have had some exciting holidays.  I enjoy snorkeling when the sea is nice and warm and once I saw a big shark!

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: paint a nice picture of my Mum.

Name: Carol Henk

Role: Deputy Manager, Tiny Tots Leader, Admissions

Co-ordinator

Worked at Playgroup since: 2005

Qualifications & Training: Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice, Safeguarding Children - Working Together A, Level 3 Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, Prevent Training, Early Talk Boost

A bit about me: I’ve been involved with Bishopthorpe Preschool Playgroup for over 15 years since my children were little; first as a Parent, then on the committee and then as a staff member. My favourite colour is purple and my favourite foods are salt and vinegar crisps and fruit (though not necessarily together!) I like spending time with my family, especially my son and daughter, and my friends.

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: Play in the Home Corner making lots of lovely meals for my friends and looking after the babies and the cuddly toys.

Name: Lorna Clare

Role: Session Supervisor, Forest School Leader

Worked at Playgroup since: 2014

Qualifications & Training: BA (Hons) English with QTS. Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), Level 3 Forest School Leader, SENCO, Portage Workshop, Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, Paediatric First Aid, Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding and Prevent Training

A bit about me: I am a mummy to two girls who keep me busy. My daughters provide me with some great ideas on what to share with the children at playgroup. Having young children also stands me in good stead to talk about the latest happenings on Paw Patrol and which series of LOL dolls are currently out! I have worked with children since 2006 and love the fact that everyday is totally different. I love spending time with my family, having days out, going on holiday and having adventures. I am partial to an escape room and like murder mystery evenings. I have to also admit my guilty pleasure is Bingo!

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: look through all the drawers and make a big mess then be told to help tidy up!!!

Name: Sarah Moss

Role: Deputy Manager

Worked at Playgroup since: 2010

Qualifications & Training: Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young Person Workforce, Level 3 Paediatric First Aid, Emergency First Aid at Work, Level 2 Food Safety in Catering, Level 2 Health and Safety, Fire Warden Training, Safeguarding and Prevent training.

A bit about me: I live in the village of Bishopthorpe with my husband and two children. (Both came to Playgroup when they were younger.)

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If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: Ride the bikes with my friends.

Name: Karen Gamble

Role: Session Supervisor

Worked at Playgroup since: March 2016

Qualifications & Training: Level 3 CASHE Level 3 in Pre-school Practice, Level 3 Paediatric First Aid, Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, Allergen Awareness, Safeguarding and Prevent Training

A bit about me: I live in Acaster Malbis, a small village close to Bishopthorpe. I have a dog called Ossian, 7 geese and 16 chickens. I have a big garden with a small sheep living in it. I drive a big blue pick-up.

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: play with the marble run and the BeeBot because i love to find out how things work.

Name: Lynne Mandle

Role: Session Supervisor

Worked at Playgroup since: 2020

Qualifications & Training: BA (Hons) Business and Marketing; PGCE (post grad certificate in education) in Early Years 3-8; 25 years as a primary school teacher working throughout the primary age phase; Relief Playgroup staff member; Level 2 award in food safety; Safeguarding children training; Prevent training; Food Allergy Awareness Level 2. Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

A bit about me: I have 3 children called Laura, Joe and Matty, 2 dogs called Frank and Layla, a husband called Tim and have lived in Bishopthorpe for the last 20 years.  My two youngest children both attended Bishopthorpe Playgroup and loved it! I retired from 25 years as a teacher in York in August 2020 but didn't want to stop working with children completely so I became a permanent staff member at playgroup. The things I like doing best are spending time with my family and friends, reading stories, cooking, going to the gym and walking my dogs! You may see me walking the dogs around the village, as I have to walk them at least once every day. I also love having days out with family and friends and going on holidays when I can.

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: try out as many different activities as possible and make as many new friends as I can.

Name: Theresa Doherty

Role: Session Supervisor

Worked at Playgroup: for over 6 years

Qualifications & Training: I have an NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Development, Paediatric First Aid and prevent training.

A bit about me: I live in Bishopthorpe with my husband. We have 2 grown up children and 5 grandchildren who are constantly teaching me new and wonderful ways to have fun,  playing hide and seek, making dens and creating with lots of craft.

If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is:  head straight for the paint and make a picture for Mummy.