Staff practice what they preach
Last updated 11:11, Monday, 18 August 2008
With two members of staff gaining their BA Honours degrees in education and another well on their way, the staff at Footsteps Nursery are passionate about raising standards and promoting lifelong learning.
Karen Fisher runs the Footsteps nursery. She worked as an advisor for the LEA but took up the challenge of starting the Footsteps project and providing a vital resource for working parents in Workington.
The staff's commitment to learning is backed up by their own achievements. Karen and her colleague Lorraine Edgar have both earned honours degrees in education. Another member of staff is well on their way, another is starting a foundation degree.
Karen said, "We've got a highly trained staff who are highly motivated which is vital for a nursery. If we can pull in additional funding and improve quality through staff training then we raise the profile of the nursery and create a positive environment for the children which is a great boost for the area."
The nursery caters for children aged from 3 months to five years old and is a vital resource for working parents. Predominantly local, the nursery is also used by parents working around Westfield.
Karen said, "Parents feel more comfortable if they have their children close to them while they are at work. Many of our children come from outside of the area but are dropped off by parents with local employment."
Over 100 children take advantage of the flexible service offered by the nursery and its staff of childcare experts. A commitment to teaching, healthy eating, outdoor play, benefits advice and accessibility for working parents with seasonal employment all contribute to the success of the Footsteps nursery.
Karen said, "It's a simple philosophy. We're here to provide local, affordable and easily accessible childcare in the heart of the community."
