Louie Milliken
Gorebridge
Summary
A dedicated professional with extensive experience in early childhood education, specialising in supporting children with additional needs. Demonstrates strong communication skills, adept at collaborating with teams and leading under pressure. Proficient in record keeping and technology use, with a deep understanding of attachment theory and safeguarding procedures. Committed to enhancing parent-child relationships and advocating for children's rights. Career goals include furthering expertise in childhood practice standards and contributing to multi-agency initiatives.
Experienced childcare professional with a focus on early childhood education and management. Proven track record of creating nurturing environments and implementing educational programmes that enhance child development. Skilled in team leadership, parent communication, and operational oversight to ensure high-quality nursery standards.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Foster Carer
Midlothian Council
Midlothian
2012.09 - 2026.03
- We are a fostering family. However, my husband is the primary stay-at-home foster carer. We have permanent foster children who live with us, and they have done so for over 10 years now. My own youngest daughter, who is currently aged 13, came to live with me as a 6-month-old foster baby with additional needs. We then legally adopted her when she was 4 years old.
- I have vast experience in attending children's hearings and panels. I write reports, which agencies then share with others. I have advocated for children in the worst instances of neglect and abuse. I can work with external agencies, such as social work, police, and women's aid, to ensure the safety of children at risk. This will remain an ongoing role for the household, but I stepped back to focus on progress in the early years, and my husband now carries it.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing living environment, promoting a sense of security.
Creche Manager
Nuffield Health
Edinburgh
2024.02 - 2025.05
- Manage a small team and ensure the smooth running of the creche. Create a nurturing environment and ensure compliance with regulators, such as the Care Inspectorate and the SSSC. Work in partnership with others and senior management. Create staff rotas, hold staff meetings, and book children into the creche daily. Work through problems, be professional, and communicate well with parents and members. Support the team's well-being and offer guidance, support and feedback when necessary. Ensure the team complies with all mandatory training, relevant legislation, and the Care Inspectorate Quality Indicators.
- Led performance reviews identified areas for improvement.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to secure repeat business.
Nursery Manager
Blossom Day Nursery
Edinburgh
2023.02 - 2024.02
- Managed a small team and ensured the smooth running of the nursery setting. Create a nurturing environment and ensure compliance with regulators, such as the Care Inspectorate and the SSSC. Work in partnership with others. Create staff rotas, hold staff meetings. Work through problems, be professional, and communicate well with parents and members. Support the team's well-being and offer guidance, support and feedback when necessary. Ensure the team is compliant with all mandatory training and relevant legislation.
- Provided a safe and stimulating environment for children, promoting their learning and development.
- Secured resources such as toys or teaching materials that promote early childhood education within budget constraints.
- Regularly updated child records accurately reflecting the current developmental stage and any special requirements.
- Handled recruitment process for new staff, ensuring the best fit for nursery needs.
Early Years Practitioner
City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
2018.08 - 2022.06
- Work as part of a team in a school nursery setting. Write learning journals and reports. Hold parent meetings. Create a stimulating and nurturing environment for all children. Work with children with additional support needs in an area of high deprivation. Complete relevant early-year training and keep up to date with the necessary mandatory training. Collaborate with colleagues to foster a positive environment for everyone.
- Fostered parent-child relationships through regular communication about progress and concerns.
- Developed children's language skills by organising regular storytelling sessions.
- Observed and recorded child behaviour to identify developmental issues.
- Encouraged social development with group play and interaction.
Childminder
Rainbow Roses Childminding
Midlothian
2006.09 - 2012.08
- Established childminding business successfully for several years.
- Received five-star ratings in all care inspectorate inspections.
- Developed comprehensive policies and procedures for effective operation.
- Collaborated with parents to foster a stimulating and welcoming environment.
- Maintained thorough records and documentation to support child development.
Early Years Support Worker
NHS Lothian
Edinburgh
2005.01 - 2006.09
- Assisted nursing staff in a children's hospital.
- Promoted mental stimulation through conversation, reading and games, resulting in enhanced cognitive function.
- Participated in regular team meetings, enhancing the quality of care provided.
- Provided play activities to distract children prior to surgery.
- Supported parents during difficult end-of-life care situations.
Education
PDA Level 9 - Childhood Practice
Glasgow Clyde College
Glasgow, Glasgow City 09/2023 - 04/2025
Access Course - Access to Nursing
Telford College
Edinburgh 08/2002 - 07/2003
Standard - English, Science, Maths, Computing
Portobello High School
Edinburgh 08/1991 - 08/1995
SCQF Level 7 - Early Childhood Philosophy and Practice
Inverness College - UHI
Inverness 08/2012 - 08/2013
SCQF Level 8 - Childhood Studies, Children and Childhoods, Children and The Family
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh 08/2015 - 08/2016
HNC - Early Education and Childcare
Jewel Esk College
Midlothian 08/2010 - 02/2012
Skills
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem-solving
- Multi-agency coordination
- Calm under pressure
- Professional report writing
- Knowledge of childhood practice standards
- Attachment theory expertise
- Parent-child relationship development
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures
- Record-keeping proficiency
Qualities and Skills
Proven track record of raising Care Inspectorate grades at inspections. Skilled at Quality Assurance, policy writing and knowledge of current and relevant legislation.
Timeline
Creche Manager
Nuffield Health
2024.02 - 2025.05
Nursery Manager
Blossom Day Nursery
2023.02 - 2024.02
Early Years Practitioner
City of Edinburgh Council
2018.08 - 2022.06
Foster Carer
Midlothian Council
2012.09 - 2026.03
Childminder
Rainbow Roses Childminding
2006.09 - 2012.08
Early Years Support Worker
NHS Lothian
2005.01 - 2006.09
PDA Level 9 - Childhood Practice
Glasgow Clyde College
09/2023 - 04/2025
Access Course - Access to Nursing
Telford College
08/2002 - 07/2003
Standard - English, Science, Maths, Computing
Portobello High School
08/1991 - 08/1995
SCQF Level 7 - Early Childhood Philosophy and Practice
Inverness College - UHI
08/2012 - 08/2013
SCQF Level 8 - Childhood Studies, Children and Childhoods, Children and The Family
University of Edinburgh
08/2015 - 08/2016
HNC - Early Education and Childcare
Jewel Esk College
08/2010 - 02/2012