Meet the Staff
“Genuinely - the staff are like gold dust and they are what make the playgroup a wonderful place for my child to go.”
Parent Quote
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: Sophie Jackson
Role: Deputy Manager
Worked at Playgroup since: 2018
Qualifications & Training: BTEC National Diploma Level 3, Paediatric First Aid, Food Safety Level 2, Safeguarding and Prevent training
A bit about me: I've worked in Early Years since 2011. I live in Huntington with my husband and two children. I love going out for days with them, exploring castles and the outdoors.
If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: see how many jigsaws I could complete.
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: Session Supervisor
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.)
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: Jennie Woodings
Role: Supervisor – Tiny Tots
Worked at Playgroup since: 1994
Qualifications: Level 3 diploma Children and Young people’s Work Force, Food Hygiene and First Aid
A bit about me: I live in Bishopthorpe and I am a registered child minder. I enjoy yoga, crafts and crosswords. My favourite colour is purple and I love chocolate.
If I was 3 years old and went to Bishopthorpe Playgroup the first thing I would do is: Play with Playdough.
