& about out
What do ylsou do? Michelle Samue
Michelle Samuels, one of two Deputy Managers at Marsham Street Community Nursery in Pimlico, talks about her seven-year career with LEYF. “One of the best things about LEYF is they put everything into their staff. They find out about our individual needs and provide us with support and training. In turn, this helps us to work better with the children and their parents. Always learning “I’ve recently started studying for my foundation degree in Early Years education. It’s great that LEYF has given me these learning opportunities. My studies have made work mean so much more to me, because I can bring the
My
theory I learn into the nursery each day. It’s helped me to help the children and the parents as well. Getting out and about “Like all LEYF nurseries, at Marsham Street we don’t just stay in the building and play with Lego. We take the children out to do exciting things, like visit Tate Britain or Vauxhall City Farm. We give them opportunities they might not get otherwise. The parents come along too, and it’s great to see them having fun with their children.
about “The best thing g my job is watchin w.” the children gro sham ls, Mar Michelle Samue y Nursery Street Communit
Francesca Markes
When Francesca Markes arrived at LEYF’s Micky Star Community Nursery to see her daughter Ottilie up to her elbows in green mashed potato, she was delighted. “Ottilie just loves getting messy,” says Francesca. “Particularly playing in sand or anything with texture. She also loves dancing and physical games – even though it’s difficult for her to join in.”
Making a difference “The best thing about my job is watching the children grow. It’s great knowing you helped at the very start of that child’s life, that you’ve made a difference to them and to their parents.”
“We’re also there for parents if they need help or guidance with something.
experience
Parent Francesca Markes really appreciates the support LEYF staff give her daughter Ottilie.
They can talk to any of the staff here and one of us will be able to help.
Ottilie, who is four, has cerebral palsy and isn’t able to sit up or eat or drink without support. Her communication and movement are limited. “But Ottilie always knows what she wants,” says Francesca, “and she always wants to join in with what the other children are doing.” The nursery staff make sure Ottilie is included in everything. “They’re great,” says Francesca. “They adapt the activities so she can do them from her standing frame. It’s not always
the time “She’s beaming by ; she she arrives at nursery .” just loves going there
Work matters: Michelle Samuels is studying for a foundation degree in Early Years education
easy, but they do manage it and are very enthusiastic.” Ottilie has one-to-one support during her time at nursery, and staff have learnt how to feed her and use her special picture book. “They really took it and ran with it,” says Francesca. “They didn’t hold back in learning and engaging with her.” “She’s beaming by the time she arrives at nursery; she just loves going there.”
Learning together: Ottilie’s one-to-one nursery support has helped her develop
rent Francesca Markes, pa
5