Every child is a different kind of flower and all together make this world a beautiful garden -Gandhi
Stowey Bear's Key Worker System
We prioritise a key person approach, recognising its vital role in a child's successful settling and development. By fostering strong relationships between children, their families, and a dedicated key person, we create a secure and nurturing environment where children thrive. Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of this approach, fostering confidence in parents, commitment from our staff, and a positive, happy setting.
Our goal is to ensure every child feels safe, stimulated, and happy, building trust with our staff and enjoying their time with us. We actively partner with parents, ensuring they feel confident in their child's well-being and our collaborative approach. We strive to create a welcoming environment where children settle quickly and easily, with careful consideration for each family's unique needs.
Aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements, our Key Person System Policy outlines the procedures for developing these effective and positive relationships
We're a warm and dedicated team, passionate about helping every child flourish. We invest in continuous professional development to ensure our skills are always current, with specialised training in areas like safeguarding and paediatric first aid. All staff also hold certifications in essential areas such as Food Hygiene, Communication in Children and Young People and Role of a Keyperson. Rest assured, your child's safety and well-being are our top priorities.
Rachel
Pre-school Manager
Rachel brings with her many years’ experience within Early Years and joined the team at Stowey Bears in September 2019. Rachel holds a Level 3 qualification in ‘Children’s Care, Learning and Development’. She is also our Fire Marshall, Paediatric First Aider, Safeguarding Lead. Rachel spends time in both rooms offering hands-on support to staff and children. She works closely with with practitioners to guide practice, strengthen routines and ensure each child feels safe, seen and supported.
Sarah
Deputy Manager and Pre-school Room Leader
Sarah joined Stowey Bears in September 2017 as a keyworker before being promoted into the role of Deputy Manager and Room Leader. Alongside this, Sarah maintains her role as our ‘Panda Key Worker’, she is also our Senco and Safeguarding officer. Sarah’s qualified in ‘Level 3 Diploma Early Years Practitioner’, she is also our Fire Marshall and Paediatric First Aider. Sarah is a kind, gentle practitioner that brings calm and positivity to the Preschool each day.
Hayley
Koala Bear Key Worker
Hayley joined the team at Stowey Bears in January 2020, she is our ‘Koala Key Worker’ and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Early Years. Hayley holds the qualification ‘Level 3 Diploma Children and Young People Workforce’ and is our Paediatric First Aider. Hayley brings a calm, grounded energy to the Preschool, inspired by her love of yoga and the natural world.
Emily
Sun Bear Key Worker
Emily joined Stowey Bears in January 2022 as a Playworker and quickly progressed to a key worker. Emily is our ‘Sun Bear Key Worker’, she holds a qualification in ‘Level 2 Introduction Caring for Children and Young People’, and is our Paediatric First Aider. Emily brings a wonderful energy to the preschool and loves keeping children active and engaged.
Tracey
Bank Staff
Tracey joined our team in September 2023 as Bank Staff Tracey holds a ‘Level 2 NVQ in Playwork’.
Tracey loves gardening and she brings that passion into our setting, she enjoys teaching the children how to care for plants, showing them how to be gentle, patient and thoughtful whilst planting and exploring the garden, showing care and concern for all living things.
Ruby
Polar Bear Keygroup
Ruby joined our team in September 2024 firstly as a volunteer and then as an Apprentice. Ruby has now completed her apprenticeship and is a qualified level 2 . She now has become a keyworker.
Ruby brings fun and energy into the Preschool, teaching in a playful, loveable way that children adore. Her lively approach fills the setting with joy and excitement.
Tina
Finance Manager
Tina has many years’ experience in Early Years, previously leading another setting before joining Stowey Bears in January 2020. Tina holds a Level 3 qualification in Childcare ‘BTEC National Diploma in Caring Services Nursery Nursing’, however Tina’s role at Stowey Bears is our finance manager where she has completed a ‘Financial Management Workshop’. Tina is very knowledgeable and experienced and supports the team.
Ailish
Stowey Cubs Lead, Polar Cubs Keyworker
Ailish is our Stowey Cubs lead, the Polar Cubs keyworker and is currently training for her Level 3 qualification. Ailish is one of our DSL in the setting.
Ailish is caring and builds wonderful bonds with both children and parents. Her gentle, supportive nature shows she is able to offer help, guidance and encouragement to her staff members when needed.
Lindsey
Panda Cubs Keyworker
Lindsey is our Panda Cubs keyworker and is Level 3 Qualified. She brings a calm, gentle presence to the room, helping our youngest children feel safe and settled. Lindsey has a natural ability to tune into each child's needs, offering comfort, encouragment and joyful interactions that support early development.
Abi
Bank Staff
Abi was our long term student, she has completed all the hours she needs and will be level 3 qualified in May.
Abi has a gentle, calming approach that children are naturally drawn to. They love spending time in her company, where she creates a safe, comforting space for them to learn, play and grow.
Julie
Grizzly Bear Keyworker
Julie has rejoined the team, she has a wealth of experience and knowledge, she holds a level 6 Early years education with honours. She is our phonics queen and has spent many years working with children, her expertise, warm guidance and friendly presence helps create a confident, happy atmosphere across the Preschool.
.jpg)
Ellie
Keyworker
Ellie has been another one of our students who has taken on a role with us after completing her level 2 diploma in childcare. Ellie loves creating engaging tuff trays and offering children a wide range of malleable experiences. Her thoughtful setups spark curiosity, creativity and hands-on exploration throughout the day.
Tracey
SEND one-to-One
Tracey is employed to be a one-to-one for 2 children
She is currently studying for her level 3 qualification. Tracey is a real asset to the Preschool, gently encouraging children to take part in all activities and showing a strong, thoughtful commitment to inclusion. Her calm, nurturing manner helps every child feel supported, welcomed and confident to join in.
Gina
Playworker
Gina loves being creative and brings that spark into both rooms. As a floating practitioner, she adapts easily to different ages and abilities, offering thoughtful, engaging experiences wherever she goes. Her flexible, imaginative approach supports supports children and staff alike.
Morgan
Keyworker
Morgan is currently completing her level 3 in childcare.
Morgan loves nature and spending time in the garden, sharing her knowledge of wildlife with the children in an age - appropriate, engaging way. Her calm, outdoorsy approach helps little ones connect with the natural world and enjoy exploring it with confidence.
TBC
Keyworker
Wendy
Bank Staff
Wendy has joined Stowey Bears as a member of our bank staff, she has been covering lunch times in the cub room and longer days also. Wendy enjoys looking after her own grandchildren and has a friendly disposition, the children enjoy spending time with her