Maddie Rostron - Deputy Manager, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Outings Lead, Keyworker
I have a longstanding love of working with young children and have been practising professionally for 6 years in a childcare setting; I achieved my Level 2 in Childcare in 2017 and completed my Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Early Years education in early 2020 just before joining Windmills as an Early Years Educator. In the summer of 2022 I took over the role of Deputy Manager working alongside Natalie. In my spare time I focus on my fitness and attend the local gym several times a week.The best part of working at Windmills is helping children persevere with something which has been a challenge for them and seeing their resilience grow when they succeed.
Stacey Iona - Early Years Practitioner, keyworker, one-to-one
I have previously worked with young people and children at the Youth Offending Team for eight years, which is a multi-agency team working with young people who find themselves in the criminal justice system and who work to prevent further offending. Following this, I trained as a therapeutic private foster carer and spent two years caring for looked after children. I then undertook my Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce at another nursery setting where I also provided additional support to a child for two years. I spend my spare time with my partner and children exploring the Island and what it has to offer. I also enjoy sports photography, specifically football action shots. I am pleased to join the team at Windmills and have the opportunity to help children learn through play and interaction, whilst helping the team provide a caring and nurturing environment.
Della Berryman - Early Years Practitioner, ELKLAN, speech and language
My story in education started when my first son began preschool in the '90s where I volunteered. I progressed to graduating as a Specialist Teaching Assistant L4 at Roehampton University. This gave me the opportunity to work with children with a wide variety of special educational and behavioural needs in mainstream schools. Since relocating to the Island 17 years ago I have endeavoured to bring my training up to more current levels, including Early Years Education L3 and Elklan L3 (Speech and Language). I decided to use my skills within preschool as this age group sparks my passion and have enjoyed working with many children and their families. My interests include spending time with my family, reading, arts and crafts gardening and interior design. I am delighted to be a part of the team here in Bembridge and am sure I will enjoy many happy years supporting local families in the community.
Donna Long - Early Years Practitioner, Keyworker
Prior to joining Windmills in January 2023, I worked in a preschool for 14 years, firstly in a baby room & then in the 2-3 years room. I have a level 3 Diploma in Nursery Nursing. I am a mum to two girls, Mia & Demi & in my spare time I enjoy walking, going to the gym & attending car shows. I find it so rewarding to watch the young chldren in our care gain confidence & flourish.
We are a warm and welcoming preschool and support those training in the early years field.
We offer student placements on a regular basis and have experience
in mentoring new practitioners.
EDUCATE PLAY LEARN
Rachel Clark - Office Administrator and Voluntary Director
I have lived in Bembridge for twenty years and have two children. Prior to moving back to the island I lived in West Oxfordshire for sixteen years working for Oxford University as Head of Commercial Operations based in the Bodleian Library. Over the course of my career I have been responsible for recruiting and leading a team dedicated to tourism and trading. I was also Chair of the U.K. wide Association for Commercial Enterprise. I have a degree in English Literature and two post graduate diplomas in business management. I enjoy sailing, swimming, reading, art and crafts, piano playing, music and running. It is a privilege to be involved in such a nurturing environment - I have been a voluntary Director of Windmills for over fourteen years.
Natalie - Practice Manager, Safeguarding Lead, Planning Lead
I was delighted to join the dedicated team here at Windmills Pre-school in 2016, working as bank staff initially and then as an EYP and DSL. For many years, my career was in sales. However, after studying for a Bachelor of Arts Degree with the Open University and exploring an interest in working with young children. I trained and practised as an Ofsted registered childminder. I enjoy the daily variety that working with children can offer and I have discovered a passion for watching a child learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. I have two teenage children, and when I am not working, my 'happy place' is my garden. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know your children.
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Sarah Keenan - Early Years Practitioner, Keyworker
Karen Jackson -Early Years Practitioner, Keyworker, First Aid Lead
I have two grown up boys of my own and have lived on the island for the past 16 years. i joined Windmills
originally as maternity cover in 2017 and then was kindly offered a permanent position with them in January 2018. My past experience with the under 5's stretches back over 22 years and prior to my position at Windmills i worked with the 2 year age group in another island setting for five and a half years. Going back further than that, i worked with pre school age children within settings on the mainland - this is where i gained my level 3 diploma in pre school practice. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with children over the many years and find that being a practitioner is very rewarding. "A child will always make you smile" and i hope its reciprocated too. My interests at home include walking(with my dog) music, nature and family time.
Dionne Gough -Early Years Practitioner, Keyworker, Bank
I have worked in the pre-school setting for 20+ years in between bringing up my 4 sons and although I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies I love photography and take lots of photos in my spare time.I have a level 3 in childcare and really enjoy working at windmills; it has the friendliest of atmosphere’s for all children and lots of great learning opportunities for children as well as staff!
Charity No. 1103864
Website updated 26.11.19
01983 873575