Grace

Manager
Designated Safeguarding

Lead

I’m Grace Bayliss, the Manager at Brambles Figheldean. I’ve worked in child care since my very first work placement at school when I was 15 and can’t imagine doing any other job!Over the years I’ve worked with every age group from birth to 18 years. When I was offered the chance to go to university after working in a nursery I jumped at it and spent the next six years at uni in Winchester as well as working with different age groups. I was extremely proud to graduate with a B.A Honours in Primary practice. As a child I moved around a lot as my dad served in the RAF and I’ve lived in 5 different countries and attended even more schools.This has lead to a love of travel and adventure and I love travelling to different countries this year I’m travelling around France so I’m learning French before I go. I’ve got an extensive bucket list often adding things on as fast as I tick them off! Some of the experiences I’ve ticked off so far including climbing the O2 and Snowdon and this year I’m going white water rafting.

Emily

Senior Practitioner

Hi, my name is Emily I have been working in Early years since I was 17. I have a degree in Early Childhood studies and my Early Years Professional status. I love working with children watching them explore new activities, grow and develop. I have worked in a variety of different settings who have used different approaches to learning. So I am hoping to bring all my knowledge and skills to Brambles.

In my spare time I enjoy going for walks out in the new forest, baking lots of yummy goodies and I love to sew making various creations. I have recently learnt how to make children’s clothes. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to make my own wardrobe!!

Jo

Senior Practitioner   

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

My name is Jo and I have over 15 years experience working with children aged 0-5 years and I have an NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. 

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I previously worked in a nursery for 8 years, before having the opportunity to work as a family support worker in a children's centre. During this role I gained extensive knowledge of safeguarding young children and families and I am looking forward to my new role as deputy designated safeguarding lead here at Brambles Figheldean nursery.

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I have two children aged 5 and 10  and we love being outdoors, especially finding big puddles to bike through or to jump in! I also love playing netball, walking our dog and generally seeking out adventures with my family!

Clare

Practitioner

​SENCO

Hi my name is Clare, I have enjoyed many years working with children and young people in a variety of settings. I worked in residential children’s care homes for 12 years specialising in working alongside children who have speech, communication difficulties and Autism.

I have lots of SEN qualifications, including Thrive and Makaton training. I have experience in residential schools, outdoor activity centres and in the Early Years setting in schools.

Outside of work I love to have adventures with my family, enjoying camping, walking our dog and riding our pony. I can also be found a few nights a week playing on a Netball court.

Bex

Deputy Manager

Hello there! My name is Bex and I belong to Brambles Owl family at Figheldean.

My Brambles journey started at the beginning of 2021 as a SEN Practitioner in Foxes, however, I was offered the role of Deputy Managerfor there Owls family and I jumped at the opportunity!

I have many qualifications and a lot of experience in young children's learning and education. Furthermore, I have a true passion for helping children get the best start in life.

I am currently working towards a BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies.

Away from Brambles I enjoy reading and spending time with my friends and family. I also love travelling and exploring different cultures of the world.

 

Emma

Practitioner

Hi I'm Emma but most people call me Em.

I have been working in childcare for 14 years. I Have a level 5 Foundation degree in childcare and I'm always keen to learn new things.

I really enjoy  encouraging children to get up and get moving so you will always find me singing songs with lots of action and dances,  or re-acting out stories.

Through the years I have learnt a lot in my career, especially Makaton. Makaton is great to teach children and adults, especially through songs and stories; ( when I lost my voice for a year Makaton really helped me to communicate and teach others).

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and 2 cats, going for walks, doing some arty creative displays in my window with my son and helping out being a hedgehog watch hero.

Emma

Practitioner

Hello, I started Brambles, in January 2021, I am looking forward to being a part of the owl family

I am level 3 qualified and have worked in childcare for 5 years.

I love being active and sharing my enthusiasm with the children to encourage confidence. I enjoy all types of sensory and singing action songs to get the children moving and having fun.

In 2020, I had a ‘lockdown’ baby. She is now 10 months and has such a character. In the next couple of months, she will be able to join in the adventures with me and the Brambles family.

Georgia

Apprentice

My name is Georgia and I’m a new apprentice that’s hoping to accomplish my level 3 during my time at Brambles!

I enjoy watching children turn into little people and developing their individual characteristics.

I enjoy art and being creative which I hope to pass on to the children that I get to work with.

On the weekends I enjoy relaxing, seeing family and fun days out all of which makes me me :-)

Beki

Deputy Manager

Hi, I’m Beki. I started at Brambles in September 2019 as a member of the squirrel family. I have worked in childcare for 6 years now and I just knew that early years is meant for me. They do say that ‘big hearts help shape little minds’.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, catching up with friends and spending time with family. I am currently saving up to buy my own home so I am very much looking forward to that adventure!

Emily

Practitioner

I started my Brambles journey in January 2019 as part of the owl family, I completed my level 3 in September 2020 and I can’t wait to continue helping and supporting all of our young people as they grow and develop at Brambles.

I have 3 nephews who love going out for walks and bike rides with me when they aren’t at school so they can get super mucky as well as helping my mum or dad outside in their gardens planting flowers and veg.

Jade

Apprentice

Hello I am Jade and I am an Apprentice at Brambles.

I am really looking forward to being a part of the Brambles family as a Fox and completing my Level 3. I love being outside and working with children.

I have 2 children of my own and 2 step daughters. I have always enjoyed working with children, in the past I have babysat for various families. I have a dog called Oscar and enjoy taking him for walks and to play fetch.

I love spending time with my family most and I enjoy swimming and fun activities.

Penny

Cleaner

Hello I'm Penny and I'm the cleaner here at Brambles Figheldean.

I live in picturesque Figheldean, just across the road from Brambles so my commute is very manageable!

I have two lovely grandchildren who come to visit often and in my spacetime I like photography and needle felting, reading and music.

Michelle

Cook

My name is Michelle and I am the cook here at the  Brambles Figheldean nursery setting.

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I enjoy every aspect of my job, what better way to make someone happy though their tummy?! I have a genuine passion for nutritious cooking and I love baking. 

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In my kitchen I have a view over the beautiful gardens and I love hearing the children playing and laughing whilst I'm preparing their meals.