MEET THE TEAM!
We have a fantastic team, so its only fair that I introduce them
Name- Leah Cardey
Position - Manager/owner
Qualifications/experience
- Bsc (Hons) Social Work
- NVQ 2 Early years care and education
- NVQ 3 Early years care and education
- Paediatric first aid
- Safeguarding officer
- Child Protection officer
- Mum to two children (8yr old and 11yr old)
I have worked in childcare for over 15 years. I have been privileged enough to work within a mixture of settings and children giving me a wide range of knowledge and experience. I specialised in Child Protection social work for 5 years before opening up Dream Catchers Childcare.
I am at Dream Catchers most days, however if you need to contact me direct my number is 07368222965
Name - Kim Benford A.K.A - "Nanny Kim"
Position - Supervisor
Qualifications
- Qualified Nurse
- Degree in Education
- Safeguarding officer
- Mother to 3 children (29yr old, 31yr old and 33yr old!)
-Nanny to 4 children
Kim is unintentionally known at Dream Catchers as "Nanny Kim!" this is because Kim is my mum and my own children call her Nanny Kim. The other children have picked up on this and now most of the children, parents and staff call her this too. Kim has worked in education, supporting people with special needs for 24 years. Kim was Head of Curriculum in foundation studies at the college for many years before retiring in 2017. Kim has now joined the Dream Catchers team as she loves children and supporting their development. Kim's main role at the after school club is supporting children with their homework and extended learning.
Kim works Monday-Thursday at our after school club and Tuesday and Thursdays at our Breakfast cafe.
Name - Pauline Clements
Position - Play assistant
Qualifications/experience
NVQ 2- CARE
NVQ 3- CARE
We are incredibly lucky to have Pauline as a part of the Dream Catcher team. Pauline worked in the NHS for 44yrs in the maternity unit as a maternity support assistant. Pauline was passionate about her job and caring for the parents and babies who she crossed in her 44year career. Pauline has brought many of her skills and qualities to Dream Catchers and is extremely caring and considerate of all our children. Pauline is very often found sat on the floor getting stuck in with a game.
Pauline works on a Monday and Friday at our after school sessions.
Name - Polly Lodge
Position - Breakfast Team Leader
Qualifications/experience
Student support worker (secondary school)
Attendance officer
Lunchtime assistant - Solent Infant School
Mother to two children.
Polly is a valuable member of the Dream Catchers team - mainly for her famous "Pollys pancakes"! Polly certainly knows how to cook up a storm in the kitchen for the children in the mornings! Polly is also a smiley, friendly, familiar face for the children as she has a high presence around the schools. We are lucky that Polly is a part of our team!
Polly works Monday-Friday at our breakfast sessions.
Name - Sharron Rogers
Position - Supervisor
Qualifications/experience
Mother to two children
Grandparent to 4 children
Childminder for many years
Florist (so very creative!)
Sharron joined the team in September 2018- Since then our team has become stronger and stronger and I have her to thank for that. Sharron has picked up every day to give the children consistency, Sharron is a kind and caring character who is a true credit to our team. Not only does Sharron work extremely hard, she is also very creative and is always thinking up new activities to do with the children. Sharron is defiantly a hit amongst the children and staff!
Sharron currently works Monday-Friday at our breakfast and after school sessions.
Name - Stephenie
Position - Play-School Manager
Qualifications/experience
Level 3 in Childcare
Paediatric first Aid
Stephenine joined the team in September 2019! For the first part of Stephs journey wth Dream Catchers - she worked at Court Lane after school club. Stephenine is such a strong team member - who's knowledge in childcare shines through on her everyday practice! Stephenie has been a true asset to our team and we have seen first hand how much she is adored by the children and the staff! In January 2020 I pinched her from after school club to manage the Playschool alongside myself. Iv told her that she is never allowed to leave- so Steph is in this for the long run!
Stephenie currently works Monday - Friday at our Play school in Bedhampton
Name - June
Position - Play Assistant
Qualifications/experience
Retired teacher
Safeguarding Lead
June and I crossed paths many moons ago whilst I was a social worker and June worked in a school. I loved her easy going, caring, down to earth- but professional attitude then! So I was ecstatic that June decided to join the Dream Catchers team in January 2020.
June has shown the children nothing but care, humour and warmth, whilst offering colleagues support and a trusting hand 100% of the time.
Finding staff that have all of these attributes is hard ..... and thats why I'm keeping her in handcuffs so she can't leave!!
June currently works Monday - Friday at our breakfast club,
Name - Mel
Position - Play Assistant
Qualifications/experience
Mel is a loving mother to two children.
I first met Mel back a few years ago when she put her own children into Dream Catchers. since this time she has become an avid advocate for our service and expressed on a few occasions about joining the team. In January, the opportunity showed itself and we were more than happy to welcome her into the team with open arms.
Mel has a great in-built intuition and awareness around children and its been a pleasure having her on board. The children love Mel and know that they can always approach her with anything!
Mel has not only experienced Dream Catchers as a parent, but now also as a colleague. Please feel free to ask her any questions you may have!
Mel currently works Monday - Friday at our Court Lane Club
Name - Melika
Position - Play Assistant
The day Melika came for her interview, I instantly felt at ease with her! Her smile is infectious and she radiates warmth! How could I not employ her?????
Since Feburary Melika has become a well trusted team member who the children literally ADORE!! Melika is our crocheting, you-tubing, full of life, vibrant team member and we are so happy she belongs in our team!!
Melika currently works Monday - Friday at our Solent Club and Monday,Wednesday and Fridays at our breakfast club.
Name - Amber
Position - Play Assistant
Amber is one of those ladies that you would want to look after your children! Amber has her own children and her maternal insticts shine through. She is a great role model to children. Amber also works with victims of domestic abuse along side Dream Catchers- which demonstrates that she was born to care, nurture and love in her job roles.
Like Mel- Amber also has a child that attends Dream Catchers, so holds experience from both sides of the coin.
Amber currently works Monday - Friday at our breakfast club.
