The Circus Family
“TEAM… Together. Everyone. Achieves. More.”
We would be nothing without our extraordinary team of staff, Our Circus Family. Here are some of the hard-working, passionate and dedicated individuals we are blessed to have here at the nursery…
Dear Parents,
I am thrilled and proud to introduce Melanie, our new Manager at Circus Day Nursery. She has recently joined the Circus Family team and having dedicated the nearly 20 years of her career to the Early Years, brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
I would like to personally take this opportunity to welcome Melanie. She is a hugely positive, fun-loving person with a deeply thoughtful, passionate and dynamic approach to leading the team forward to achieve the best possible outcomes, in the best possible setting for the cherished children in our care.
Sue
Sue Wilson, Founder
Some heartfelt words from Melanie:
Maria Montessori said: “The Goal of early childhood education is to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn”. It is this that is such a privilege to be part of and I truly believe that the early years of a child’s life are the most formative. It brings such a sense of achievement when you are rewarded everyday by a child’s wonder and joy, as they explore and discover through the opportunities that we provide them with.
A quality setting is ever changing to meet the needs of the children and families, no two days are ever the same. You never know what you might experience; just like the saying goes “Every day is a school day” this applies to the team and the children. Just as I think there is not much I haven’t experienced in my eighteen-year career, a child will say or do something that I will remember for the rest of my life, or one of my staff decides today is the day she is going to have her baby in our staff toilet!
Every child is unique, every team member is unique and we are all learning together in our own styles and pace. Embracing and celebrating this creates a culture of togetherness, support, inclusion and high moral values. Laughter and happiness is the order of the day and when you put all these things together, you have a safe, nurturing and rich environment for learning where our curious children can live out their adventures.
This is why I work in early years education and am so delighted to be working with the family team at Circus.
Mel
Melanie, Manager
Ashlee
When did you join the Circus family?
2014
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- No two children are the same, they’ve all got their own personalities and quirks.
- The way you nurture and teach the children, truly helps shape them as a whole.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Jesus died on the cross-eyed, didn’t he?”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Peg and boards – keeps them and the adults engaged forever!
- Any of the “Meg” stories – they are hilarious!
Bekah
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- All are unique
- Patience
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“You ain’t big, you’re little”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Hide n Seek
- Monkey Puzzle
- Matilda
Melanie
When did you join the Circus family?
1998
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every family is different – it is critical to find out their needs and expectations.
- Nursery is so important for children to learn about sharing, socialising and being away from their parents. A good start can really make all the difference!
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
A child said to me that he had been to “God’s Castle” at the weekend. When I asked mum later that day, she confirmed they had actually been to Tewkesbury Abbey!
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- We’re going on a Bear Hunt
Gemma
When did you join the Circus family?
2011
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- All children are individuals
- Children are very clever, use their imaginations and have an amazing memory.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“He’s got a Willy Wonka”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- The Yoga Ogre
- Whiffy Wilson
Claire
When did you join the Circus family?
2012
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
Unpredictable and interesting
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Have you got a baby in your tummy? I think it’s a food baby in your tummy.”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Imaginative Play and Making Dens
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
Jaymee
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
Children always have a choice.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Don’t laugh at me”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Penguin says nothing
Hannah
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child is different and responds in different ways to situations and how they learn.
- Communication with children, other staff and parents.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
Whilst playing in the garden, a child said “Sit down Hannah” wanting me to join in her game / song
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Dancing
- That’s not my Rabbit Book
Tanya
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Becoming more patient
- Every child is different and has a different personality and character
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
During breakfast a child said to me “Look my daddy is in my porridge… Help! Help!”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Puzzles and Bricks
- The Gruffalo
Michelle
When did you join the Circus family?
2014
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- There are different challenges every day and there is always something new to learn
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
” My nanny has a baby in her tummy”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Abacus
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Lucy
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child is an individual
- Every day brings something new, different and exciting
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Hama Beads
- Monkey Puzzle
Lacey
When did you join the Circus family?
2016
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Each child develops and learns in different ways
- Every child has their own little personality which shines through
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
When asking the children to do “sticky bottoms” ready for lunch, a child said, “I got a stinky bottom, I need a bath”.
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Any messy activity
- The Gruffalo
Emma
When did you join the Circus family?
2007
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- All children are different and learn at their own pace
- Good bonds with children and parents
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
When explaining the Paralympics to a child, I said some people are different and Emma has poorly legs” to which the child said, “So are you in the Paralympics?”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Brian and Bob Guinea Pig
- Wendy the Wide-Mouthed Frog
- Dilly Duck
Sarah
When did you join the Circus family?
2014
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child is unique and an individual
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“I have hairs on my legs, I think I am turning into a werewolf”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Lego
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
- 10 Little Pirates
Maddie
When did you join the Circus family?
2013
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child is different from their speed and ways of learning to their personality.
- Each new day brings new challenges and learning skills.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Have you got two babies in your tummy or have they come out yet?”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Interactive ICT Walker
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Vikki
When did you join the Circus family?
2008
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child works at their own pace, they all achieve so much in the early years it is important to embrace all goals and achievements.
- Positive praise and showing care is crucial in understanding individual needs and progression within a child.
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
Whilst doing a Circle time activity a child turned to me and said “I think you are about 82 years old!! Near my mummy’s age!!”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Aliens love Underpants
Laura
When did you join the Circus family?
2015
The most important things I’ve learned about children since working in childcare
- Every child is different and individual in every way
- Every day is different and brings new challenges!
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
A pre school child tried to guess my age and when I said how old I was, he said that was “mega old”
Your favourite child’s toy or game or book?
- Dear Zoo
- The Gruffalo
Kerry
When did you join the Circus family?
2017
What’s your Favourite Dish to make for Children?
I enjoy making Lasagne (Meat and Vegetable.) It’s packed full of goodness that is enjoyed by all of the children and I have been cooking this with big happy smiles in return for many years now!
The funniest thing a child has ever said to you?
“Why is my mashed potato yellow?”
What’s the greatest lesson you can share about food and children?
There is a vast array of wonderful food with such nutritious choices to choose from. Helping educate the children about the different foods and their values is so rewarding. Children have an openness and natural curiosity to learn, it’s beautiful to observe and share.