OUR STAFF TEAM

OUR TEAM

Each and every member of our talented staff team has their own specialism, whether it be outdoor play, music, speech & language development, Signalong...and so on. All our original staff attended two weeks of intensive training before we opened, and further training is ongoing. Courses included Baby and Child First Aid, Signalong, Child Protection, GIRFEC, the Curriculums, Promoting Positive Behaviour, Partnership with Parents and Building the Ambition.

As a nursery we focus on continuing our professional development and take every opportunity to learn from each other, as well as participating in regular training courses. Please have a look at our Parent/Carer Handbook for more information about our commitment to training and developing each staff member's leadership skills by outlining our roles and responsibilities. A career as an Early Years Educator is so much more than "just childcare"!

Mel Scrimgeour

Director

Having completed my MA honours degree in Psychology and Linguistics (First Class) and my BSc in Speech Pathology and Therapy (Distinction), I worked as a Speech and Language Therapist for the NHS for 11 years, along with helping to run our family business. Always looking for a new challenge, I decided it was time for something different. I very much enjoyed running speech, language and communication groups and working in a nursery environment, and felt I could offer so much more than the experiences my own children had had at various local private nurseries. We found the ideal setting at Newbyres Hall. I run regular speech, language and communication groups at the nursery and use my skills, experience and knowledge to ensure that we are Getting It Right For Every Child, as well as upskilling our staff team with specialist training.

Marie Arthur

Operations Manager

From a young age I had decided that I wanted a career in the Early Years, so I began my HNC in childcare and education as soon as I left school. I have recently completed my PDA and am now in the third year of my BA Degree course in Childhood Studies. I have been working at a senior level in private nurseries ever since leaving college. I love being outdoors and enjoy giving the children in my care lots of different experiences, whether this is indoors or outdoors. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends as well as following my local football team with my husband and son.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Please contact us for more information by email at hopefieldcastlenursery@gmail.com or phone on 0131 629 3363.

Lauren Glodeck

Nursery Manager

I have over 22 years' experience working with children. After gaining my NC & HNC in Childcare and Education, I travelled overseas to work as a children's club manager. After returning to the UK, I moved into private nurseries and gained my PDA8 in Childcare, and have worked as a Manager in 3 different nurseries. I enjoy craft activities, cooking and baking. I am currently completing my PDA Level 9 (Leadership and Management). I love the outdoors and have qualified as a Forest Kindergarten Leader.

Julie Ferrier

Deputy Manager/2-3s Supervisor

I have over 15 years experience working within the private nursery sector, starting as an apprentice and working my way up to management level. I have a SVQ 2 and 3 in Childcare and Education and I am currently studying for my SVQ 4 in Leadership and Management. Upon completion I hope to start my BA degree in Childhood Studies. I excel in the under 3s age group and enjoy providing educational and fun experiences that help each individual develop and grow. I have two sons of my own and when not working I am usually encouraging their rugby and golf interests or I am exploring Scotland with my dog Kali.

Kate Johnstone

Nursery Practitioner - Dragons (3-5s)

I am an Early Years Practitioner with over twenty years’ experience in local authority and private settings. I am 40 years old and I’m originally from Glasgow but currently live in Bonnyrigg with my partner, and our daughter. In my spare time I love nothing more than spending quality time with my family whether that be nice country walks, visits to the zoo/farm or lunch in a nice restaurant. At nursery I enjoy stories, imaginative play and outdoor learning. I am also a fully trained Forest Kindergarten leader. My friends highly recommended Hopefield as a safe and fun place for their children to learn, after hearing about this nursery I just knew I had to become part of the team. I have a varied and extensive knowledge of the Early Years with training in First Aid, Curriculum for Excellence and Realising the Ambition. I am delighted to be part of the team as my passion for the Early Years continues to grow here at Hopefield Castle Nursery.

Kerrie Dolphin

Supervisor - Dragons (3-5s)

I am a qualified Nursery Practitioner with 18 years’ experience working in private nurseries up to the level of Room Supervisor. I have worked with all age groups and at Hopefield I work with the 3-5 year olds. In my previous role I supported the Manager and Deputy Manager with the running of the nursery and supported with the paperwork including the setting’s Improvement Plan and Self-Evaluation document. I have a good knowledge of the curriculums and the latest documents such as Realising the Ambition. I enjoy spending as much time as possible in the outdoor space at Hopefield and help the children to develop ideas about how we can improve the setting.

Rebecca Wylie

Senior Practitioner - Griffins (2-3s)

I have worked in private nurseries for a few years now, having gained my SVQ3 qualification at a nursery in Edinburgh. I was attracted to Hopefield Castle Nursery because of the focus on outdoor learning and the incredible outdoor space. As well as my SVQ3 I have training in Paediatric First Aid, and have lots of experience working with preschool aged children. I love the outdoors and hope to become trained in Forest Kindergarten as soon as possible.

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