Farida Kondwilkar, Nursery Manager/Finance Administrator/HR/DSL/SENCO
Farida joined the team in December 2013. She has 23 years childcare experience. She previously worked for Keystage supply whilst studying for her Foundation Degree in Children’s Learning and Development. Prior to her supply work Farida was a nursery manager in a private setting where she managed the setting for a number of years as well as being the SENCO and safeguarding officer. At Fernbank, Farida has bought along with her all her knowledge and experience as a competent nursery manager. Farida has gone on to further her professional development through doing training including Human Resources (HR), Designated Safeguarding Lead and Special Educational Needs.
Rachael Eldridge, Deputy Manager, Early years teacher, DDSL, SENCO
Rachael joined Fernbank in September 2014. Rachael has 20 years of childcare experience and has completed her BA Honours Degree in Early Years combined with Special Needs followed by Early Years Practitioner Status (EYP) Rachael has furthered her professional development whilst completing her Designated Safeguarding Lead training. Rachael is passionate about supporting our children with special educational needs.
Joanna, Early Years Practitioner
Jo started work at Fernbank in 2006, and is qualified as a level three practitioner. Jo has 20 years childcare experience. She previously worked for a local out of school club. Jo is responsible for a group of keyworker children. Jo enjoys reading stories to the children and is enthusiastic in preparing children to be school ready. Jo enjoys communicating with parents using our evidence me learning platform.
Hannah, Early Years Practitioner, Nursery language lead
Hannah started at Fernbank in 2016. She now has 8 years childcare experience. Hannah has a BA Honours Degree in Early Years and is responsible for a group of key children. Hannah is passionate about developing children’s speech and language skills by implementing lots of different activities. Hannah is trained to deliver speech and language interventions in nursery.
Farheen, Early Years Practitioner
Farheen joined Fernbank in 2016 and has 7 years childcare experience. Farheen has a level 3 qualification in Childcare and level 3 Health and Social care. Farheen is responsible for a group of key children. Farheen is passionate about providing a stimulating learning environment for the children by doing lots of arts and crafts activities. Farheen enjoys baking with the children.
Narinder, Early Years Practitioner
Narinder is a level 3 practitioner and brings 35 years childcare experience with her. Narinder brings lots of new ideas into nursery from her experience of working in different settings. Narinder is passionate about interacting with children and extending their learning through planning in the moment.
Humera, Early Years Practitioner
Humera is a level 2 practitioner and brings lots of fresh knowledge to nursery since recently completing her qualification. Humera enjoys reading to the children and takes the children to our weekly library to swap their books to take home.
Training
Staff undergo training on Safeguarding, First Aid and Food Hygiene on a rolling three year programme. This ensures we are up to date with current thinking.
Students
We currently support students from Blackburn College, St Wilfred’s and Tauheedul 6th Form College and Blackburn University Centre. We have previously supported students from Birmingham University and Preston College, providing all of them with a good understanding of how we implement the Early Years Foundation Stage, as stated by these students in their feedback to us.
