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Debbie Moore-Grundy, Manager
I joined the Hollies in April 1999, running the preschool jointly with two other supervisors.
At the time we were situated in the scout hut in Lawrence place, so a pack-away setting, offering mornings and a couple of afternoon sessions.
In 2009 after many fundraising efforts (including the Yorkshire 3 peaks!) we were able to purchase the building and move over to the site here at Lower Park. There were big changes to the sessions, offering breakfast club right through to afterschool.
I have always been and continue to be very passionate about all aspects of my role and very privileged to have been able to support many families and children over the past years. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Hollies and of our outstanding OFSTED judgement.
Rachel Willoughby,
Administrator
I joined the Hollies as the administrator in September 2014.
Previously I worked in the NHS as a medical administrator.
I am proud to work in this outstanding busy setting, all the children make me smile each day.
I also enjoy leading a music session with the pre-school children once a week.
Wendy Simpson,
Pre-School Supervisor, Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion & SENCO
I started working at Hollies in 2011 when my youngest son left Hollies Preschool and started primary school.
Even though I have two children of my own, I had never considered working with young children until I was introduced to The Hollies.
I made the decision to completely change career direction and once I started working in the preschool I was hooked.
My role now is Preschool Supervisor and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator).
I am passionate about all aspects of my role and I am proud to be a part of an 'Outstanding' preschool.
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Charlotte Wootton,
Before & After School Supervisor
I joined the Hollies in September 2022 and have really enjoyed my time here. I love getting to know all your wonderful children, chatting to them and hearing about their day. I enjoy lots of different games, crafts and spending time outside.
Viv Scott,
Early Years Practitioner, Before School Assistant & Makaton trained
I joined the Hollies in September 2003. I thoroughly enjoy engaging the children with my own personal passion of gardening. Many a seed we have sown. I also like being creative with them through arts and crafts
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Marie Davies,
Early Years Practitioner, Equality & Diversity Officer & Makaton trained
I love being part of The Hollies team. I especially enjoy taking part in children's imaginative play and having interesting and often hilarious conversations with them; I love to read and of course love mud, sand and glitter!
Joanne Weatherall,
Early Years Practitioner, Team Leader & Early Language & Literacy Lead
I have worked at the Hollies since October 2016. Before that I worked at another pre-school setting and as a childminder after having a change of career when my own children were born.
Every day at the Hollies is as unique as every child in the Hollies family. It is a great privilege to be a part of your children’s lives as the early years are so important and crucially the foundation to their journey in education.
I love reading stories, building dens, playing outside in the mud kitchen, and providing lots of exciting mark making opportunities. Your children may come home dirty but remember that they are busy trying new things, experimenting, investigating and most importantly, making wonderful memories.
Melissa Davis,
Early Years Practitioner, After School Assistant, WellComm Lead & Makaton trained
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I joined the Hollies in June 2019 and have welcomed every moment since. I love going on lots of different adventures with the children and making up different activities, suc. I enjoy spending time doing crafts and drawing, favourites being; paper aeroplanes, phones and crowns.
Lucy Hadfield,
Early Years Practitioner, Holiday Club Designate Supervisor & 2 Year Lead
I joined the Hollies in October 2016 and have loved every moment since. I love spending time with the children and hearing all the fabulous stories they tell me, some of which you would not believe! Whilst at Hollies I like to spend time reading with the children and often find myself taken to ‘jail’ and being chased around the playground. At home I enjoy spending time with my dogs and love sitting down to read a good book.
Joy Hoyle,
Early Years Practitioner , 2 Year Support, Breakfast & Afterschool Assistant
I started working at the Hollies in 2004 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with all the children I have met over these years. Working with and supporting the younger ones in our Caterpillar groups is very fulfilling. I enjoy reading stories, playing games outside and helping the children with our jigsaws.
Karen Jacob,
Early Years Practitioner
I have been part of the Hollies team since June 2019 and thoroughly enjoy my role. I love spending time reading to the children and discussing the books, thereby increasing their vocabulary and literacy skills and also joining in with all the fun activities and games that the Hollies provides outside in the fresh air. Outside of The Hollies, I enjoy getting out into the countryside and walking and sometimes cycling, although on both counts, now my children are older and faster than me, I am now shown up as the slowest member of our household! I also enjoy reading, although it's sometimes hard to find a quiet moment to myself and catching up with friends.
Michelle McCullough,
Early Years Practitioner & Team Leader
I started working at the Hollies in October 2020 and I love every minute of it. I have worked with children since I graduated from University and love seeing them thrive and grow through their learning and play. I enjoy role playing with the children, reading, singing and exploring the outdoors with them. They make me smile and laugh everyday and I love being apart of their learning journey.
Joanna Evans, Early Years Practitioner
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I enjoy reading stories to the children, making them laugh and talking about their interests and experiences.
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Leanne Johnson,
Early Years Practitioner
I started working at the Hollies in November 2020. I love engaging in all activities but my particular favorites are creating with the playdough and role play. A quiet story is a lovely way to end our fun filled days.
Sandra Wells, Breakfast, Afterschool & Holiday Club Assistant
I started working at the Hollies in September 2014.
I love playing all sorts of games with the children, pool, table football, I'm not at all competitive!!!
Liz Eugene,
Early Years Practitioner
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Liz Bennett,
Afterschool & Holiday Club assistant
I arrived at The Hollies in March 2020 after serving 11 years at Lower Park working as a Midday Supervisor. My children were very grown up and I needed a change. It was the best move I have made. After only a very short time, I had formed lovely relationships with the children in Afterschool Club and thoroughly enjoy coming to work. Every shift is totally different and the children make me laugh all the time and each one a real character. I enjoy being silly and playing games so perfect for this job really. At home I love cooking, reading and spending time with my family.
Meeka Allen,
Afterschool & Holiday Club assistant
I joined Hollies in September 23. I have loved getting to know the children during my time here and love sitting down with them to read a story or have a chat. I enjoy lots of crafts and doing art activities with them.
Catherine Jenkins,
Early Years Practitioner
Beth Wootton, Afterschool &
Holiday Club Assistant
I started working at the Hollies September 24. I enjoy playing games outside with the children such as football and building stuff with the crates. I also love doing arts and crafts activities with the children such as drawing as I am a creative person myself.
Dan Jacob,
Afterschool & Holiday Club assistant
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I started working at Hollies in September 23. I love spending time outside, playing football, tig and other outdoor games with the children. I also enjoying baking and reading.
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Lottie Barr,
Afterschool & Holiday Club assistant
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I started working at the Hollies in September 24. I love doing arts and crafts with the children. It was my favourite activity when I used to come to preschool and afterschool 15 years ago. I also enjoy chatting to the children about their day at school. ​
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Isla O'Hara,
Afterschool & Holiday Club assistant
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Sian Bennett,
Holiday Club Assistant
I have been working at The Hollies since September 2018 and each and every moment has been different. I enjoy playing and making up lots of different games with the children, and love anything and everything involving mess! Paint, slime, sand and especially a water fight. It's lovely coming back in the holidays and seeing lots of familiar faces.
Poppy Shield Holiday Club Assistant
I started at Hollies in September 23. I love doing anything crafty or creative and like to be busy, so working here is perfect for me. I enjoy spending time with the children dancing, singing and baking.
Billy Wootton Holiday Club Assistant
I started working at the Hollies in September 2022. I love playing outdoor games with the children such as football and chase.
I love chatting with the children to hear about their day and a quiet moment helping with a jigsaw is great.
Bethany Windscheffel, Holiday Club assistant
I started working at Hollies in September 22. I enjoy doing craft activities and seeing how different each child's looks. I like to play different games with the children, ones that include music and dancing are usually the best.
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Emily Plumb,
Holiday Club assistant
I joined the Hollies several years ago and enjoy exploring and creating music with the children. I also love outdoor play, exploring all the natural resources that are on offer. ​
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Maddie Chadwick, Holiday Club assistant
I joined Hollies in September 21 and have had a great time during my time here. I enjoy doing baking activities with the children and doing lots of building with all different resources. I love when the children do jigsaws as that's also a favourite of mine.
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Lucy Fraga,
Holiday Club assistant
Since I started at the Hollies I have enjoyed doing lots of crafts and games with the children. I really enjoy baking yummy treats with them aswell.​
Hannah Tonks, Holiday Club assistant
I joined the Hollies in September 2021. During my time here I have loved spending time outside playing different games, football and Tig are always fun. I love drawing and making pictures and the children always have something exciting for me to create.
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