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Wesley Methodist Church |
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Staff Profiles
Fiona Carruthers: Head Teacher / Proprietor
Qualifications: NNEB
Experience:
Fiona successfully completed her NNEB training in 1989 and since then has gained extensive experience and knowledge of child development whilst holding a variety of positions. She has performed exceptionally well in a number of nanny positions.
Whilst in England she worked for five years in a government school in the reception (P1) class where she competently supervised individual, group and whole class sessions. She was responsible for planning and implementing purposeful and enjoyable activities catering for the needs of the individual child.
Whilst in Bermuda Fiona has worked in a reputable Nursery for five years, working her way to the position of Head Teacher. She undertook responsibility for a class whilst also maintaining responsibility for the daily management of the Nursery. She thoroughly enjoyed this leadership role and was constantly praised on her level of proficiency.
As the Head and proprietor of Once Upon a Time Fiona brings a multitude of experience and a variety of qualities and skills. She will undertake the leadership and management of the school with passion and vigour. She is determined to provide an excellent learning environment for all children, and aspires to provide high quality, meaningful and rewarding education for all children. She will work relentlessly to give parents the peace of mind of knowing their child will receive excellent care and a high quality education.
Linda Kerr: Deputy head Teacher/Pre-School teacher
Qualifications: Honours Degree in Educational Studies, Post graduate Certificate in Education
Experience:
Linda graduated from the University of North Wales, Bangor with an Honours Degree in Educational Studies in 1985. A year later she gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Primary). Linda has taught children in the 3-11 year age range for 25 years and has some experience in Team Leadership and Management.
From 2001 -2008, Linda taught in the 3-5 year age group at one of the top 50 outstanding schools in the UK. She had special responsibility for Language and Literacy as Language Co-ordinator for the whole school (250 children).
Linda has introduced the UK based 'Foundation Stage Curriculum 0-5 Every Child Matters' to the Nursery and much of the teaching and learning is based loosely on this model. Once Upon A Time Nursery strives to offer a 'balanced and broad based curriculum' that offers opportunities for all children and their skills and abilities through creativity.
Linda has a particular interest in the teaching of Communication, Language and Literacy Skills and has experience of piloting a program of Early Reading Development back in the UK. She has also introduced a highly successful reading scheme which has been implemented in Once Upon A Time Pre-School class since January 2010. Linda loves to teach children to read and is excited by children's progress and love of literature which hopefully becomes a skill for lifelong learning.
Linda also enjoys the arts especially Music and Painting and enjoys seeing the children expressing themselves through a variety of media and techniques.
Linda is passionate about teaching and learning, essentially through play. She sees it as a great privilege to be working with such interesting young people on this beautiful island. Her aspirations include 'returning to school' herself and hopefully studying for a Master's Degree in the not too distant future.
Linda has been a member of the Once Upon a Time team since September 2008.
Rodericka Griffiths: Class Teacher
Qualifications: Child Daycare Management Certificate
Experience:
Rodericka gained her Child Daycare Certificate in 2002-3. Rodericka has also gained a Certificate of Training in "Al's Pals: Kids making Healthy Choices" in 2010. Rodericka has CPR and First Aid training for Adults and Children.
Rodericka considers herself to be a great team player. She is keen to develop and implement age appropriate lessons that encourage physical, emotional, social and academic development. She strives to incorporate hands-on, activities in order to help the children to 'learn by doing'.
Rodericka enjoys the family atmosphere at Once Upon A Time and the encouragement from all staff members. She appreciates the love of the children who attend Once Upon A Time and is thankful for wonderful parental support and involvement on a day-to-day basis. The Staff, Parents and Children are indeed "one big happy family".
In the future, Rodericka hopes to further her studies in order to enhance her teaching skills.
Rodericka has been a member of the Once Upon a Time team since September 2010.
Gwen Ward: Class Teacher
Qualifications: N.N.E.B (Nursery Nursing Examination Board)
Experience:
Gwen has been teaching for thirty years, and most of this time has been spent here in Bermuda!
She is qualified as a Nursery Nurse and has trained to work with autistic children through B.A.S.E. She has attended many courses both here and in the USA in order to enhance her practice.
Gwen considers herself to have a firm but loving and caring nature and loves to teach children through story telling.
Gwen enjoys working with the children very much and appreciates the Parent/Teacher relationships that are built as the children enter Nursery and continue their learning journey throughout Once Upon A Time. She is happy that parents are actively encouraged to take an important role in their child's time at the Nursery and finds parents extremely supportive.
Gwen would like "to make a difference in the lives of all those children that pass her way!"
Gwen has been a member of the Once Upon a Time team since January 2011.
Claytina Swan: Classroom Assistant
Qualifications: Claytina is currently attending Bermuda College in order to gain the Associate Degree in Arts (Human Services)
Experience:
Claytina has been developing her skills in childcare whilst working with the Team at Once Upon A Time.
She considers herself to be a firm but loving member of staff who is caring and nurturing. She also enjoys being creative with the children in her care.
Claytina loves “the joy that the children bring to me everyday”.
Claytina is keen to gain as much knowledge and experience as she can whilst at Once Upon A Time and has ambitions to one day own her own Nursery/Pre-school.
Claytina has been a member of the Once Upon a Time team since September 2009.