Our Staff

Louise Smith - Manager 

Louise joined the team in September 2013. She has always been involved with the Playgroup, as Louise's three children attended in
recent years.

Louise has helped out many times in the Playgroup with the day to day running and has a natural talent, reassuring children when they start with us and supporting them to develop to their full potential. She holds various qualifications, including NVQ Level 3 in Child Care Learning and Development, First Aid, Safe Guarding Children Level 4, Level 3 Safeguarding and Food Hygiene. 

Louise accepted the Playleader role in November 2019 and became Manager in September 2021. Louise is Equality and Diversity officer and Special Educational Needs coordinator. Louise has attained a vast knowledge in SEN through training and experience within the playgroup. 

Laura Thomas - Play Leader

Laura successfully joined our team of staff in February 2017. Laura has always had a keen passion to work with children and is very dedicated to their care and welfare. Laura has previous experience working with children.
Qualifications include Level 2 & 3 Childcare Learning and Development, Safeguarding Level 2 and Food Hygiene certificate.
Laura shares the role of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) with the Playleader and Child Protection Officer with Louise. 

Aimee Moulder - Play Assistant

Aimee is a highly experienced member of the team. She has worked in various childcare settings and has supported children of all developmental stages, Aimee joined First Steps Playgroup in the summer of 2016, supporting our  holiday club.
Aimee's two children both attended the playgroup.
Qualifications include NVQ level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene & Safeguarding level 2.

Corinne Barnett 

Anna - Cecelia Lawrence -Play Assistant

Ana has been a Volunteer since 2011, attending three days per week throughout the year, whilst enrolling on the Childcare Learning and Development Level 3 course. She completed this in November, 2011. On 5th October 2015 Ana-Cecilia successfully applied for a position at the setting and has since become a welcomed addition to our team. She has a passion to work with young children to support their development and further their learning. Ana has also attained her Safeguarding awareness level 2 and Food Hygiene. Ana left us in 2018 to join her family abroad and has returned to us in September 2021. 

Lauren Andrews - Play Assistant/ Clubs Leader

Lauren is a Level 5 qualified practitioner, having studed her level 3 qualification at Exete College and then furthering her education at the college by completing her Foundation Degree in Early Years Childhood studies to attain her level 5. 

Lauren states " I was very fortunate to find employment with First Steps shortly after graduating and  had two years developing myself and my confidence as a practitioner before flying the nest and moving to Brighton for two years. Coming back to Devon there was only one setting I wanted to be at and luckily I was invited back with open arms to continue my journey as a practitioner, here at First Steps”. 

Lauren is also a qualified Paediatric First Aider  and holds Level 2 Safeguarding and Food Hygiene.  

Lucy Northcote - Play Assistant

Lucy  first joined First Steps in 2013, when she accrued a vast knowledge through training courses , developing her knowledge and skills in childcare.  

Qualilifications include NVQ level 3 in Childcare, Learning & Development, Paediatric first aid, Safeguarding Awareness
Level 2. 

Lucy left us for a short time to spend time with her two children, returning in January 2024 and has naturally settled back into her role as Play Assistant/Key person.