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**UPDATE - Due to heatwave, we are open for Breakfast Club ONLY - Thursday 25th June. Please monitor for updates**
All of our staff have the skills and experience to be able to meet the different needs of our children, along with the necessary childcare qualifications. Our staff are also enthusiastic to ensure that the services provided are to the highest standards in helping the children settle into their setting.
The setting is run by a Manager, a Play Leader and multiple Play Assistants.
A key person will be allocated to every child who attends the setting, who will ensure that your child's developmental needs are met.
Records will be kept and parents will be updated on the progress of each child.
Our current staff structure is set up as follows:-
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
Corinne started working at First Steps in September 2025. Corrine started out working with animals, dogs to be more specific. As Corrine's three children started school, she decided she would like to follow a new career path.
Alongside working at First Steps, Corrine attends college one day a week to achieve a Level 3 in Early Years.
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.
Tori Holly - Play Assistant
Tori first joined First Steps a child, so the playgroup has always held a special place in Tori's heart.
Returning years later to begin an Apprenticeship has made the experience even more meaningful.
Tori is currently developing skills and confidence through hands-on experience and training, while supporting children in their early years
development each day. Tori feels very proud to be part of the same playgroup that once played such an important part in her own
childhood.
Andrea Aggett - Administrator
Andrea has many years of admin experience. Andrea worked for Stoke Hill Federation, for six years, as part of the Admin Team. After a short break, Andrea joined us in January 2026.
Andrea was part of the First Steps Committee from 2013 to 2016. Initially as the Playgroup Secretary and then Vice Chair, when her youngest daughter attended the group.
Andrea assists with the day to day running of the playgroup, by providing admin support.
Our Manager, Play leader and Play Assistants are hold certificates in Safe Guarding Children and Paediatric First aid.
Our Staff have designated roles within their Job descriptions these are as follows:-
SENCO - (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) - Louise Smith/Laura Thomas
SGO & CP Officer- ( Safeguarding Officer & Child Protection Officer) - Louise Smith /Laura Thomas
Health and Safety Officer - Lauren Andrews
Equality and Diversity Officer - Louise Smith
Administrator - Andrea Aggett
All staff hold the required OFSTED and Criminal Records checks (DBS) carried out, and continue to update their skills and participate in relevant training through various agencies.
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