Karen Marks
South Harrow ,Middlesex
Summary
Experienced Nursery Deputy Manager with a passion for working with children and early years education. I am organised, hardworking and professional with an energetic personality; able to work well on my own initiative as well as with others. Highly skilled in building good relationships with parents, families and children. Enthusiastic to continuously learn new skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Deputy Nursery Manager
Palm Tree Day Nursery
Harrow, England
09.2016 - 07.2022
- Worked in partnership with the Manager and stepped into the Nursery Manager role in their absence.
- Acted as Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure that all children were protected, by being fully responsible for child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Acted as SENCO for the setting ensuring children had the correct provision for any SEND or additional needs.
- Worked in partnership with parents and staff to provide consistent high-quality childcare and education that met each child's and family's needs.
- Assisted the manager in ensuring that staff were helped to develop professionally.
- Ensured that the nursery was operated efficiently within the policies and procedures and assisted in making new nursery policies and procedures to match ongoing legislation changes.
- Adhered to and promoted equal opportunities
- Kept accurate financial records and budgetary control in the nursery.
- Maintained records of attendance and fees received with
clear and concise reports and invoices. - Developed and monitored staff skills and carried out staff observations.
- Checked staff observations for their key children.
- Promoted a positive physical and emotional environment for staff, children, parents and visitors to the nursery.
- Showed around new families and assisted with transitions of starting and settling in.
- Dealt with any emergencies that arose.
- Worked with outside agencies like the local authorities (Harrow) early year’s team and kept up to date on the local offer.
Nursery Practitioner
Palm Tree Day Nursery
Harrow, England
11.2015 - 09.2016
- Designed educational activities for young children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and took part in weekly planning sessions.
- Followed key children's development with written reports and observations.
- Built strong relations with key children and families.
- Updated the online Tapestry learning journal for several key children.
- Created stimulating learning environments to motivate educational engagement and development
- Ensured that daily risk assessments were complete.
- Applied paediatric first aid and managed incidents with calm and composure.
- Supervised and supported children during meal times with strict attention to detail to mitigate risks.
- Boosted literacy and numeracy attainment using innovative games and exercises.
- Promoted emotional and social development of children, encouraging learning through play and sensory activities.
- Developed trusting relationships with children, parents and staff.
- Maintained clean, safe play environments, disinfecting toys and surfaces regularly.
- Attended regular training opportunities to expand professional knowledge and further career progression.
- Raised safeguarding concerns with senior staff to maintain positive child security and wellbeing.
- Handled nappy changes while keeping detailed log sheets.
- Encouraged physical fitness and well-being through outdoor activities.
Childrens Party Entertainer
South Harrow Sports and Social Club
South Harrow , England
12.2002 - 04.2016
- Planned parties, working with families to work out their wants and needs.
- Set up equipment and any decorations required on days of events.
- Adapted performance styles to align with various themes, maintaining flexibility and versatility on the day of events.
- Entertained guests by arranging, adapting and improvising popular music.
- Built positive rapport with children and parents to enhance overall entertainment experience.
- Used skills such as singing and operating karaoke equipment.
- Minimised hazards and risks when preparing staging areas and worked in a safe manner which involved minimising risks during events and acting quickly to keep children safe.
- Encouraged creativity and fun through storytelling, dancing and games.
- Employed techniques to build tension and excitement for dynamic shows.
- Gave performances in front of large crowds.
- Choreographed and rehearsed new material for fresh and original performances.
- Improvised in front of live audiences to navigate unexpected situations.
- Handled feedback well, incorporating suggestions to improve performances.
- Coordinated well-organised meet and greet activities.
- Performed with energy and enthusiasm to fully engage audiences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Working in Integrated Services for Children and Young People
Foundation Degree in Arts - Early Years Care and Education
Level 2 - Principles of Team leading
Level 3 - Diploma in Children’s learning and development ( Early Years Education)
Level 2 - Information and communication technology (ICT)
Level 2 - Mathematics
NCFE Cashe level 2 - Early Years Education and Care
GCSEs - English
GCSEs -
Skills
- Excellent knowledge of child development
- Strong EYFS curriculum knowledge
- Vast Experience in Safeguarding and Child Protection and great knowledge in legislation for working in Early Years
- Skilled leadership skills
- Excellent communication and listening abilities
- Experience with OFSTED and good knowledge of the inspection framework
- Record maintenance
- Special needs support
Qualifications and Other information
August 2023
Paediatric First Aid
Up-to-date DBS
Certificates are available on request for other qualifications and CPD training in Safeguarding, SEND, Neurodiversity, Health and Safety, and more.
Hobbies and Interests
- Music and singing
- Reading
- Travelling
- Walking, running and hiking
- Spending time with my children and family
References
References available on request
Timeline
Deputy Nursery Manager - Palm Tree Day Nursery
09.2016 - 07.2022
Nursery Practitioner - Palm Tree Day Nursery
11.2015 - 09.2016
Childrens Party Entertainer - South Harrow Sports and Social Club
12.2002 - 04.2016
University of West London - Bachelor of Arts, Working in Integrated Services for Children and Young People
University of Portsmouth - Foundation Degree in Arts, Early Years Care and Education
Training and Qualifications UK - Level 2, Principles of Team leading
Pearson Edexcel with Hawk Training - Level 3, Diploma in Children’s learning and development ( Early Years Education)
Pearson Edexcel with Hawk Training - Level 2, Information and communication technology (ICT)
Pearson Edexcel with Hawk Training - Level 2, Mathematics
College of North West London - NCFE Cashe level 2, Early Years Education and Care
College of North West London - GCSEs, English
Rooks Heath High School - GCSEs,
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