Amanda Jane Feltham

I have over 30 years teaching experience across the EYFS and Key Stage 1 in a variety of schools and settings across Bucks. I have been fortunate to have had different levels of responsibility ranging from Deputy Head Teacher, Safeguarding Lead, Head of Early Years and Key Stage 1 Lead. However, it is with the children where I am happiest and feel most fulfilled.

I am lucky to say that I have loved my career in Early Years. I consider being actively involved in a child’s life at such a crucial stage a huge privilege. The opportunity to work closely with parents in supporting them to become more involved in their children’s education has been most rewarding and it really made a difference with having developed such strong partnerships.

My last teaching role was Head of Early Years at Castlefield School in High Wycombe. I was also one of the Deputy Heads, leading the Early Years. I continued to teach a Reception Class (0.6) as I felt it was important to continue to have a class responsibility whilst leading the Department. This enabled me to keep my knowledge and experience in the EYFS current and to lead by example, implementing the best Early Years practice that I could with my team.

During my time in education, I have enjoyed all aspects of the curriculum, providing opportunities for children to learn both inside and outside. I have a creative approach, making learning fun and practical with many opportunities for children to ‘bump into’ learning throughout the environment, maximising the learning opportunities provided by everyday activities. I enjoy making resources to support and extend what children have learnt previously, enabling them to practice and apply developing skills.

The role of exploration and play is key within the Early Years, enabling children to experiment and apply their skills in a variety of contexts. The adult has a key role in supporting this process, knowing when to join in, ask questions and provide a suitable challenge to motivate the children in their care. Adults should also provide plenty of opportunities for all children to develop effective communication and language skills, reflecting on their learning as they progress.

I am aware of the importance of assessment informing planning with all adults working with children, both at home and at school, feeding into the assessment process. It is imperative to observe children in a variety of contexts and situations to enable one to build up a clear picture of a child’s strengths, skills, experiences and identify next steps for learning. Effective communication and a consistent approach are necessary to maximise all learning opportunities, supporting development across all seven areas of learning within the EYFS. There need to be smooth transitions across the day and between activities/sessions run by practitioners to facilitate this process.

Being part of a child’s life at such a crucial stage is a real privilege. I enjoy a challenge and do not take the easy option, much to the frustration of friends and family. I strive to do my best and want children to be able to access the high-quality experiences that they deserve. My vision is for children to become confident learners in an environment in which they feel safe, secure, happy and cared for. In such an environment even the youngest children will become confident enough to take risks, develop awe and wonder and want to engage in the world in which they live.

Unfortunately, in February 2021, I was forced to leave my role at Castlefield School due to a long-term health issue which made teaching a class impractical. This was such a difficult decision for me, but my health had to come first. I returned to working in Early Years in 2023. It has been wonderful to be able to return to the world of Early Years where no two days are the same.

My degree in Speech & Language Pathology has led to a life-long interest in early language development and developing effective provision for Communication and Language in Early Years . It also provided me with a sound basis for working with children with additional needs which I have continued to draw on throughout my career.

• I enjoy cooking, gardening and watching live music/comedy.
• I am a member of a vocal harmony choir.
• I am a crafter, making cards and pictures which I sell locally.

Recent Relevant Training

Paediatric First Aid Training

Safeguarding training - GDPR, Prevent, FGM, on-line safety in the EYFS

The Role of the Key Worker

Supporting children with Autism

Step On training

Lauren Hamilton

Known to both referees as ‘Mandi’

*Please do not contact prior to interview*

Lauren Hamilton 

Nursery Manager ( Wendover ) 01296 706565

info@shepherdshutdaynursery.co.uk

Kate Cathcart

Early Years Lead (John Hampden School Thame) 07909555624

kemhall@outlook.com