Gemma Smith

Role: Manager & Training SENCO

Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years & Training SENCO

My name is Gemma and I have been working in childcare with Sally for over 7 years. Before this I worked within the elderly care industry for 11 years as a Senior Care Assistant whilst completing a Level 3 in Health & Social care & a Level 2 in British Sign Language – although I’m a bit rusty now!

I started working with Sally as one of her first assistants back in 2019 after the birth of my first son. I wanted to remain in the care industry but decided I wanted to learn more about the younger generation. Together we have worked hard to build the setting up from 6 children daily to 16 with a new beautiful setting at the Scout Hut in Cheddington.

Whilst working with Sally I have obtained my Level 3 Early Years qualification & am currently in the process of completing my SENCO training. I love furthering my knowledge within childcare & understanding how their amazing little brains work!

My favourite part of working in childcare is watching them explore the world around them whether that through outings or through their imagination during role plays. There is nothing better than seeing the world through the children’s eyes.

I am passionate about supporting the children through life’s hurdles, whether this is learning to put their coats on or creating support plans to help them achieve their milestones throughout life.

During my free time I love creating memories with my two boys Ollie & George, creating things in my craft room, sitting in the tattoo chair or at a Drum and Bass festival dancing until my heart is content!

Danielle Fisher

Role: Room Leader

Qualifications: Level 3 Early Years

Hi, my name is Danielle and I’m 26 years old!

I have always found such a passion working with children! I am a big kid at heart too so I genuinely enjoy being silly, playful and getting involved in their world, whether that’s playing games, getting creative, exploring outdoors or simply enjoying the little things together. I find it incredibly rewarding to watch children learn, grow and develop their own personalities, and I love creating a warm, fun and safe environment where they can feel confident to be themselves.

Even after a long day with the children I enjoy keeping active and taking part in exercise classes every evening after work and ticking off park runs on Saturdays! My aim is to complete the alphabet! I also love to spend time with my family and friends, and make the most of my free time enjoying music events (particularly drum and bass) and eating good food! I’m very spontaneous and love going on little adventures, trying new things and making plans as I go. I think this sense of fun and adventure is something I bring into my work with children too!

Laura Farrar

Role: Early Years Supervisor

Qualifications: Level 3 & Training Level 5 Early Years

Hello everyone! I’m Laura and I have been working with Sally for 5 years! I have been working in childcare for as long as I can remember starting early as my own Mum was a childminder herself.

I am an advocate for reading and the written word. I love to read to the children and encourage them to use their imaginations as much as possible while we are reading. I think my favourite books to read are The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I remember reading these same three to my own daughter on a daily basis when she was younger!

I am very excited to be starting an apprenticeship for a level 5 qualification this year and hope to be able to learn even more and put new ideas in place from my experiences.

In my spare time, I love going to theme parks. I am a thrill seeker and go multiple times a year especially to Thorpe Park and Alton Towers! I also love to shop with my teenage daughter and go out for yummy treats but I would also call myself a home girl. I love snuggling up at home in the warm with my two cats (Molly and Nala) who are the latest additions to my little family.

Paxton Campbell

Role: Apprentice

Hello!

My name is Paxton but most of you know me as Pax! I am 17 years old and love the drama world.

I am new to the world of childcare but I am loving getting to know more about children’s development. I love seeing the kids learning and growing every day – the early years are so important and I love having the opportunity to be a small part of the journey.

Growing up there wasn’t many males figures in my early years to look up to and I hope to be a good example for those within the Little Plums family.

I spend my spare time with family and friends creating memories and going on adventures. I also have a passion for playing the guitar, going to find new places for scenic walks and taking part in local drama productions whether that is on the stage or behind the scenes.