Staff

Hi, I'm Andrea Brown.  I am a mother of two boys, age 7 and 4, who both attended Nutkins.  I started volunteering at Nutkins while doing my NVQ 2 in Child Care Learning and Development, and have been lucky enough to gain permanent employment here.  I am now studying for my Level 3 and enjoying both work and studying! 
 
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, running, travelling, cooking, camping, music, films and art.  I have completed the Plymouth Half Marathon and beat last year’s time!

Cindy’s the name, well Cindy Lou for advertising material! My son, Bradley, left Nutkins 12 years ago and I started on a short term contract to cover a sickness absence! I don’t do singing in any shape or form - I have other skills –cooking, especially when I burnt the chocolate for the Pudsey bears cake sale!

I enjoy exercise, playing badminton each week and attending different fitness classes. I enjoy socialising and look forward to my Friday evening Chinese Take Away!

I’m Clare. I have 2 children and I have been at Nutkins for 8 years. Life will never be the same again as I enjoy every minute of the children’s and staff company. I share the role of SENCO and throw myself into all aspects of Nutkins life. I have recently discovered Jolly Phonics and can be heard singing the songs at any time of the day or night!

I enjoy holidays, socialising and fitness classes. I am Cindy’s nemesis at badminton and winning is all important!

Paula is our own “Mary Poppins”; she came to us “on the wind from the east” 3 ½ years ago. She was a well-established and much revered childminder before joining our wonderful team. She was no stranger to Nutkins as her own 2 grown up sons had formerly attended.

Paula has a level 3 qualification and enjoys ongoing training. She is our ENCO (equalities named co-ordinator).

Paula has been married to “her Al” for 30 years and lives in Beacon Park. They enjoy family gatherings and breaks away in their caravan.

Lynda is our Welsh contingent! She has been a past parent, as both her children came to Nutkins, Chair of the directors and a member of staff since 2007.

If you can’t see her, you’ll probably hear her! She is an enthusiastic exponent of music and singing sessions; with particular directorial accreditations during the annual nativity. She can be seen regularly leading the entertainment at the Hope Baptist Community Café on the occasions when Nutkins visit. As yet Simon Cowell has not been in contact!

Lynda is the proud owner of a Wheatan Terrier, Jessie; she regularly regales us with her latest mischief and she obviously loves her dearly.

Lynda is a keen participant in sports, particularly racquet ones, with a passionate desire to “win at all costs”!

Dyha da from Sue; that’s hello for the non-Cornish. Sue first came to Nutkins with her youngest child in 2006 and has since become a member of staff. She has attained her level 2 and is working towards her level 3.

Sue is a keen cook and the staff benefit from tasting all the goodies; only Vegetarian Cornish pasties though!

Sue enjoys socialising, family time, enjoying a glass of wine or 6! She enjoys watching sports at her annual trip to Wimbledon; but don’t mention football! Sue is a fanatical supporter of a London team – think it may rhyme with “furs”!

Since a nasty injury to a leg Sue is back to near full strength and is now trying her hand (!) at Salsa dancing.

Mandy has been working in childcare for 24 years; at times taking her overseas. The past 4 years she has been employed at Nutkins following the attendance of her 2 children. Mandy has recently renewed a level 3 qualification; which she achieved in double-quick time. We benefit greatly from Mandy’s artistic flare and creativity, which she puts to good use, involving the children.

Mandy is happily married, enjoying family life and socialising. She enjoys travel and DIY projects.

Carole has been a member of staff since 2 of her daughters were here – they are now 16! Carole has achieved her level 3 qualification and has served us well in parent partnership and BLAST (boosting etc) sessions, in addition to supporting running the sessions. She also controls the finishing line at sports day!

Carole has a keen sense of humour which combines well with a smidgeon of clumsiness!

Carole is an ardent darts player, with a string of successes. She enjoys socialising and dancing.

My name is Gill Knight (Gillian when I’m in trouble!).  I first came to Nutkins as a volunteer 12 years ago; trained to complete my levels 2 & 3 in childcare and then became a member of staff 11 years ago. Where those 11 years have gone I don’t know; throughout them all I have been supported by my husband, John. My children, Claire and Matthew are both now grown up, still enjoying the comforts of home life. I am also honorary “Granma” to Claire’s 2 rabbits!

I enjoy walking and fitness classes to keep my energy levels up for the children! I also enjoy travelling as I relax in school holidays and spending time with family and friends.

I have been associated with Nutkins for 27 years, since my eldest son attended. My second son & daughter also attended and I was a regular “parent helper”. At the same time as being a swimming teacher in the city,

I was educated locally, at Montpelier Primary school and Devonport High School for girls. My children continued the trend by attending Montpelier school where I was involved in the PTA, management committee and a swimming teacher. I officiated on the finishing line at sports day for 12 consecutive years!

I have an evil sense of humour! I like to see positives in all aspects of life; living by the expression carpe diem.

I am involved with running the badminton club at the local YMCA; both social and the league teams. I enjoy travel, socialising, pub quizzes and etymology.