Staff
Happy Hours would be nothing without its dedicated staff and committee - they all work hard to make every child's time at pre-school the best it can be.
Staff
All our staff are fully trained in Safeguarding Children and have current Paediatric First Aid Certificates.
Manager - Kate Cromar
Kate is responsible for the day to day running of the Happy Hours and setting its long-term vision, with the support of the Committee. Kate has worked at Happy Hours since 2006 and has a Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice and a Level 4 in Management and Business. In 2015, she also completed a Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Management. Kate is our Lead Safeguarding Practitioner and Lead Language Practitioner, and is trained in paediatric first aid and food safety. Kate has 2 children who are both at university. When she does have spare time she sings in a choir and loves riding her motorbike, AJ.
Deputy Manager - Hilary Chapman
Hilary is our longest-serving staff member and has worked at Happy Hours since April 2004. She helps with day-to-day organisation and deputises in Kate's absence. Hilary has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care and is our Assistant Safeguarding Practitioner. She is also trained in paediatric first aid and food safety, and is a designated safeguarding practitioner. Hilary's favourite part of the day at Happy Hours is singing and bringing stories to life for the children. She is married, with 3 grown-up daughters. She enjoys coffee and cake with friends and walking her sausage dog, Ralph.
SENCo - Gemma Alford
Gemma joined us in 2009 and is our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). This means she coordinates the resources and support for our children with additional educational needs. She supports colleagues with the implementation of speech and language tracking, writes inclusion plans to help any children who need them, and attends many meetings to keep up to date with the current requirements. Gemma has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care and is trained in paediatric first aid. Gemma is also in charge of gardening and anything involving nature. She is married, has 2 children, and enjoys gardening and wildlife.
Senior Staff Member – Julie Purton
Julie is our second-longest-serving staff member, having joined in September 2004. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid and food safety. Julie is our craft coordinator and can often be found covered in glitter at the craft table! She is married, with a grown-up son, and enjoys gardening, walking, and eating out with family.
Early Years Educators
These four are our all-round superheroes - they do so much here at Happy Hours.
Fiona Kendall
Fiona joined Happy Hours in 2014. She is NNEB qualified, has 28 years of Early Years experience, and is trained in paediatric first aid. Fiona is our outdoor activities coodinator and also helps with craft ideas. She is married, with a grown-up daughter and twin boys. Fiona likes eating out with friends, reading, and walking Willow, the family's black Labrador.
Jean Pettitt
Jean joined Happy Hours in 2007. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid and food safety. Jean is our cooking and science coordinator. She has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren, and loves gardening and eating out.
Becky Leong-Kee
Becky has been at Happy Hours since 2011. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid. Becky loves helping with craft ideas and food activities. She has 3 children and enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her dog, Kiki.
Paula Beard
Paula has been with Happy Hours since 2005. She has an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, and is trained in paediatric first aid. Paula is responsible for sourcing everything for our practical activities - from baking to birthdays. She is married, with 2 grown-up children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys reading as well as walking her 2 Chihuahua-Jack-Russell-cross dogs - Amy and Jake.
Committee
Happy Hours is run by an elected committee of parents who are critical to our fundraising and key decision making.