Staffing at The Red House

The Red House has a very high staffing ratio. The highly skilled and highly qualified teaching bring a wealth of experience and expertise to The Red House including learning from Masters degrees in Education, Management organisational change,  Special Educational Needs, and Leadership.  Other graduate expertise includes: Forest School practice and leadership, Drama, Movement, Media, Education Studies, and Drama therapy, Theatre Arts. There are currently 5 Qualified Early Years Teachers with postgraduate qualifications in teaching specialising in Early Years. Other Practitioners have level two or three qualifications in Early Years and childcare.

The Collective Qualifications of the current Team include:

 

Maggie Kirby

MEd. B.Ed (Hons). BA, Qualified Teacher Status. (Q.T.S)

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Maggie trained as a teacher at Worcester College of Higher Education specialising in Early Years, Movement and Dance and her teaching career began in Bristol following her interest in Special Needs. Maggie gained a further Professional Studies Certificate in Children with Learning Difficulties and an Advanced Certificate in Children with Behaviour Difficulties. Maggie taught Movement and Dance on adult courses, Professional Development courses for Teachers in Bristol and nationally. The courses were linked to all areas of Education including Special Needs and Initial Training of Teachers. She also taught movement at the then Nursery Nurses College and Kingsweston Special School. Maggie was Deputy Head Teacher and then Head Teacher of Baptists Mills Infant and Nursery School (Millpond St) and Head Teacher of Doncaster Road Infant and Nursery School (Badock Wood School). During a year’s secondment she gained  a 1st class Hons. Degree in Special Educational Needs and a Masters Degree researching Pre-School Intervention in the Early Years at Cardiff University. After leaving Doncaster Road Maggie lectured at St Mary College, Cheltenham training teachers in Early Years and Special Educational Needs. Working as a Research Associate in Movement Education at Bristol Polytechnic, Faculty of Education Maggie became Group Tutor and Early Years Lecturer on the Early Years Post Graduate Teacher course. She was appointed as Director of the Post Graduate Primary Course and  Director of Initial Teacher Education. She also ran in-service courses for serving teachers. Publications include Concorde film ’A matter of Confidence’ and a chapter ‘Creativity’ in Upton, G,ed on Special Educational Needs In 1988 Maggie and her husband, Neville opened The Red House. Maggie became a founder member of the Bristol Early Partnership trained and worked as an Ofsted Nursery Inspector. Maggie has been Chair of Governors for the College of Care and Education.

 

Maggie Kirby

MEd. B.Ed (Hons). BA, Qualified Teacher Status. (Q.T.S)

Marco Giannerini

PGCE BA Hons (First Class) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Louise Edwards

B. Ed (Hons) EYPS, BTEC Nat Dip in Caring Services (Nursery Nursing), CACHE Advance Practice in Working with Babies

Marisol Marin Rojas

BSc Psychology, PhD in Management

Natasha Mullen

BTEC Health and Social care level 3

Lloyd Campbell

City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2,  Certificated by Hotel and Catering International Management Association, Certificate of Royal Institute for Public Health and Hygiene

Lorna Elson

 P.G.C.E (Early Years) BA Hons, NA for SEN

Sarah Fuller

 P.G.C.E (Early Years) BA Hons

Juliet Evans

M.Ed Educational Technology, MA International Education, PGCE Early Years, BSc (Hons) Psychology

 

Helen Fernandes

Post Graduate Diploma In Playwork and Leadership. BA (Hons) in Education and Psychology. Level 3 Diploma in Playwork

Charlotte Brewster

Bsc Sociology, Msc Social Work

Joanna Haywood

PGCE in Early Years with qualified teacher status

Farah Al Fakhiri

BA (hons) in Media Practice, PGCE in Early Years

 

Jemma Jago

City & Guilds NVQ in Children’s development and learning

Jake Arrindell

BA (Hons) Education in Professional practice

 

Bethan Kingston-Powell

BA Hons Early Childhood and PGCE with qualified teacher status

 

Claudia Gibbons

Ba(Hons) Fine Art

 

Sarah Jones

Bachelor of Education, Qualified teacher status

Nasima Chowdury

CACHE level 1 in Children ‘s Care, Learning Development and BTEC 1st Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning Development level 2

Dave Coulstock

 

Luke Richards

 

Marco Giannerini

PGCE BA Hons (First Class) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

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Marco started his career with children volunteering as a play worker for an Italian independent charity promoting Children’s Rights in deprived areas, while studying for his Philosophy Degree. He decided to study for a PGCE at the same time, and, once obtained a BA (First Class, Honours), started to pursue this interest professionally, working as an educator with unaccompanied migrant minors, and then with children and adolescents from ROMA gipsy communities for ten years. These two experiences shaped his professional identity around multi-agency work and the complex needs of children and families from deprived and multi-lingual contexts. Meanwhile, he started working in Early Years settings for the same organisation, still focusing on Inclusion and Special Needs, but developing an interest that begun with his experience as a father of three children. Marco moved to the UK in the winter of 2013, and, after a brief experience in Waldorf education, worked as a Family Support Team Leader at St Pauls’ Nursery School and Children Centre, before gaining recognition of his QTS status, and then as a Specialist Teacher for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities at Ilminster Avenue Specialist Nursery School, where he collaborated within a multi-agency team with OTs, Physiotherapists, Educational Psychologists in an Inclusive Early Years setting. Marco joined The Red House in April 2018.

Phoebe Mayer

BA Hons East Asian History and MA Postcolonial Culture and Global Policy

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Phoebe has always had a passion for engaging children in learning and creative play and has accrued experience in primary and early year’s settings throughout her studies and employment. This started initially through her musical training in the Suzuki method, which used a child centered and play based approach to teach violin from the age of four. Building on this, Phoebe began teaching piano informally to children she childminded and later during her roles as a nanny whilst living in London. In addition to teaching classical, Phoebe particularly enjoys teaching blues improvisation which she believes encourages confidence in children to have ownership of their learning journey. Between her undergraduate at SOAS and masters degree at Goldsmiths’, Phoebe worked as a reception year teaching assistant and nursery practitioner at children’s centres where her recognition of, and passion for, the importance of early years education was firmly embedded. She went on to volunteer as a nursery assistant for charities in India and Guatemala before moving to Bristol to work in Education Policy and Funding. During this employment, however,  Phoebe ‘supplemented her office job’ working as a mentor and ‘reading buddy’ for children with Dyslexia and English as a second language, and has decided to make her passion for early years teaching and child development a full time career.

Juliet Evans

M.Ed Educational Technology, MA International Education, PGCE Early Years, BSc (Hons) Psychology

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Juliet has over 20 years experience working with young children in several different countries. She graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Psychology, and then completed a PGCE in Early Years. She has taught at preschools and nurseries in Australia, Japan and Mexico. In Mexico she taught Reception age bilingual children at a large international school in Guadalajara, later becoming a teacher-librarian and administrator of the school’s libraries. During this time she studied a Masters in International education and another in Educational technology, both through American universities. Since moving to Bristol, Juliet has worked as a supply teacher in Reception classes at various schools throughout the city. Juliet joined The Red House in February 2018.

Louise Edwards

B. Ed (Hons) EYPS, BTEC Nat Dip in Caring Services (Nursery Nursing), CACHE Advance Practice in Working with Babies

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Louise began her childcare and education career in 1989 and qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1992. Louise also studied Primary Education, majoring in Art, and taught English as a Foreign Language  in Austria. After graduating Louise taught at various schools in South Wales, mainly nursery classes as well as coordinating and teaching a ‘Creative Science’ module in a FE college and mentoring students on placements. During summer vacations Louise worked as a freelance nanny in South Wales and Majorca. In 2000 Louise relocated to Bristol and worked mainly in one setting until 2018. During this time she achieved distinction in Advanced Practice in Working with Babies and also achieved EYPS in 2008. Louise also participated in arts based action research and set up a Reggio inspired art space and in 2014 helped set up a new sister nursery in Keynsham where she ran the after-school club and inducted new staff. Louise has experience of mentoring childcare students and management of a nursery. In February 2019, Louise worked at The Red House as agency cover and was astounded by how child focused, innovative and homely The Red House is. Louise is very knowledgeable and passionate about play, engagement and interacting with children. She loves to create and provide open-ended sensory experiences and resources that ignite curiosity and sustain thinking. Louise’s Early Years passions are emergent writing, mathematical play and schematic play. Louise joined The Red House team in March 2019.

Natasha Mullen

BTEC Health and Social care level 3

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Natasha Mullen is working as a nursery practitioner for The Red House having previously volunteered with us while at Sixth Form. This past year she has been completing an apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in a local primary school, where she has gained lots of useful knowledge and experience in looking after young children within the foundation stage. Here she supported the classroom teacher in taking the children to Forest School, created supportive materials, and provided one-to-one support. Whilst completing her studies Natasha volunteered on a regular basis at numerous Bristol nurseries, where she gained invaluable experience for working with children aged 6 months to school age. Natasha joined The Red House in 2018.

Marisol Marin Rojas

BSc Psychology, PhD in Management

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M

Farah Al Fakhri

BA (hons) in Media Practice

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Farah graduated in 2014 with a BA (hons) in Media Practice at University of the West of England. Farah’s interest in working with children started whilst working as a customer service advisor where she once had to cover in a soft play area in Bath. She enjoyed it so much that she then started volunteering for a private company that runs after school club for young children whilst she worked full time. Her passion for working with children grew, as she wanted to make more of an impact on children’s lives. In 2017 Farah moved to Bristol to start her journey in gaining experience and knowledge in Early Years educational setting. She has done agency work, which allowed her to work in many different nurseries, picking up various skills and valuable experiences along the way. She hopes to have amassed a broad range of experiences working with early years as well as knowledge of the most effective type of pedagogy through study and practice that she will gain by working as an Early Years practitioner at The Red House and aspires to complete her PGCE.

Liza Tondel

BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts

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Liza studied Theatre Arts at Middlesex University in North London, and achieved a 2:1 BA (hons) degree. Throughout her studies she explored a wide range of theatrical genres, from immersive/physical theatre through to theatre and education, running workshops with outside members of the community with physical and special needs. During the holidays Liza’s interest in working with children was sparked by her time spent at Claremont Special School in Bristol, working as a support assistant for children with complex needs during easter and summer holiday play schemes. On graduating, Liza’s love of the Arts lead her to work at Richmond Theatre, where she took on various roles as Front of House, Backstage Assistant and a Dresser in the Wardrobe Department. She also worked as a Musical Theatre Singing Teacher and Drama Assistant for the Creative Learning Department of the theatre.

In 2018 Liza returned to her home city of Bristol to study for a TEFL qualification. This enabled her to gain work at a secondary school in Murcia, Spain where she learnt some invaluable teaching skills, and fully immersed herself in Spanish lifestyle and culture.

Prior to the Red House, Liza worked as a supply nursery assistant in various pre-school establishments across Bristol, which enabled her to gain further experience and knowledge in Early Years education. Liza has a great passion for all the creative arts, particularly music, singing and drama. As she begins her role as an Early Years Practitioner at The Red House, she hopes to bring this experience and enthusiasm to her work with the children.

Helen Fernandes

Post Graduate Diploma In Playwork and Leadership. BA (Hons) in Education and Psychology. Level 3 Diploma in Playwork

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Helen graduated in June 2005 with a BA (Hons) in Education and Psychology at Cardiff University. Helen’s administrative experience within educational settings includes, extensive work in the City of Westminster College London and in Bristol Secondary Schools. Her teaching experiences include working as a Classroom Assistant for Kumon, a programme which involved supervising Maths and English for Primary school aged children.  Helen joined The Red House in April 2006 with responsibilities for the organisation of administration related to children and families and their access to care and education at The Red House. In 2009 Helen was awarded a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork and undertook the leadership of the Out of School Provision at The Red House by becoming Playleader whilst remaining in the Administrative role. In addition Helen has completed a counseling course for children and adults and achieved a CWDC Post Graduate award in Management and Leadership of Integrated Services in Playwork through the University of the West of England. Helen Joined The Red House in April 2006

 

Charlotte Brewster

Bsc Sociology, Msc Social Work

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Charlotte has been interested in working in Early Years since completing work experience placements as a teenager, and volunteering for a charity that supports children with disabilities and their families. Since then Charlotte has spent time working in a Bristol secondary school, supporting children who found literacy more challenging. Charlotte also worked as a Family Support Practitioner with Action for Children in her MSC placement. This involved working with families at the risk of Social Care involvement and supporting the running of a separated parents information programme. Charlotte also worked as part of a study by University of Bristol into obesity prevention in Early Years. Since qualifying as a Social Worker, Charlotte worked in Adult Social Care before deciding that her passion lay in direct work with Early Years children. Charlotte joined The Red House in March 2018.

Claudia Gibbons

Ba(Hons) Fine Art

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Claudia studied fine arts at University of East London, focusing on Sculpture and large scale abstract work. During this time Claudia was fascinated by the wealth of culture in London leading her to work in a bespoke bakery working with people from all over the world. This experience inspired her to travel and work abroad. After working in several Spanish speaking countries, she returned to Bristol to begin her long term goal of working in education. Coming from a large family and babysitting since early teens, Claudia has always been interested in creative ways in which to support the intellectual, personal and social development of children. Her passions include Arts, crafts, nutrition, nature and foreign languages. Claudia works at The Red House as a professional artist, within her role Claudia works alongside the children and utilises her professional practice to demonstrate artistic methods, creating projects that encompass literacy, mathematics and storytelling enabling children to access their unlimited inner creativity to use as a learning and therapeutic tool. Claudia joined The Red House in March 2017.

Lloyd Campbell

City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2,  Certificated by Hotel and Catering International Management Association, Certificate of Royal Institute for Public Health and Hygiene

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My name is Lloyd Campbell and I am a qualified chef. I joined the Red House in August 2020. I spent four years at Brunel Technical College where I gained my City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2. I have also qualified in Design and Decoration in Flour Confectionary – also I have part A of the HCIMA and I have a certificate of Royal Institute for Public Health and Hygiene. I have worked in catering for over thirty years and places of work include schools, industrial premises such as BA and the M.O.D. I have mostly worked in hotels including the Marriott in Bristol and The Mercure in Gloucester. In my spare time I play the piano and am currently studying with the Open University for a degree in Humanities.I have chosen to work at The Red House because I feel I have plenty to offer especially in the new menu which is globally influenced. In offering choice to the children, we hope they will go on to develop a national and international palate which may stay with them throughout their lives.

Vanessa Garcia Sanchez

English Studies, TEFL certificate

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Vanessa is a Spanish national who has been living in Bristol for about 6 years now. She studied English Studies at UJI, a university near Valencia, Spain, and started giving private English lessons to young children and teenagers, whilst still doing her GCSE and A Levels in Spain, then continued whilst studying English Studies at Uni. After getting a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) she started working at the English Academy in Valencia, preparing students of all ages to get their official Cambridge certifications. There she discovered her passion for teaching, and in particular for teaching the younger children. Vanessa decided to move to England in 2015, and started working at TRH occasionally, as an agency worker, until she was offered a permanent role. Since then, Vanessa has become a mum herself, and her daughter attends TRH with her. She is now looking into gaining an Early Years qualification while continuing to work at TRH.

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Nasima Chowdury

CACHE level 1 in Children ‘s Care, Learning Development and BTEC 1st Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning Development level 2

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Nasima has worked with children since 2007, when completing a CACHE level 1, her placements included   primary , nursery and reception classes Nasima worked in schools for 18 months; at the same time she registered with an agency  and worked with many settings between  March 2007 and  May 2013 Nasima has also worked across Manchester and Stockport in primary schools, pre- schools and day care centres, as a nursery nurse, child care, crèche and a Teaching Assistant before taking on a  permanent position at a primary school.  Nasima also worked in the Chinese Women’s Society as a crèche worker from June 2008 to May 2010. In August 2014, Nasima moved to Bristol to be closer to  family and secured a part time position in a Bristol  primary school. Nasima has always been  interested in working with children. she  has three boys of her own and the experience of motherhood has been challenging yet very rewarding. This increased my passion to work with other children.

Jake Arrindell

BA (Hons) Education in Professional practice

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Jake graduated in July 2014 and achieved a first in his BA (Hons) Education in Professional Practice from the University West of England.  During his final year Jake completed his dissertation with research in to children and adults attitudes to gender.  Jake has worked in varying roles and in different areas across the nursery environment. Jake has 2 young sons and is also a registered and practicing  foster carer.  Through fostering Jake has attended a number of courses specialising  in theories of children’s emotional development and attachment.. Jake is very interested in sport and fitness and plays a significant part in role modeling an active lifestyle to the children.  In 2005 Jake completed a Diploma in Personal Training and Fitness Instruction and worked for 2 years as a Personal Trainer. Jake joined The Red House in February 2011

 

Dave Coulstock

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Dave lives locally and has been regularly volunteering at The Red House for over 30 years – almost from the day that the Nursery first opened. Dave has particular responsibilities for helping children preparing the Nursery lunch times and overseeing the provision of resources This includes helping children mix and replenish paint, preparing paper for children to use and ensuring that there is always sufficient sand and clay available.  Dave takes an important role in all outside activities. In addition Dave takes responsibility for organising stock deliveries. Dave joined The Red House in 1988

Lorna Elson

P.G.C.E (Early Years) BA Hons, NA for SEN

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Lorna has worked with children and families ever since leaving school. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse and worked as a Nanny, a Classroom Assistant, a Pre School Supervisor and in a Romanian orphanage before returning to study in 2002. In 2005 Lorna achieved a First class honours degree in Early Childhood Studies and became involved in family support work within Children’s Centres. She subsequently decided to train to become a Teacher and studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Early Years) at Bath Spa University. Lorna has seven years teaching experience and has worked within schools in the Somerset area. Alongside teaching full-time she also gained the national Award for Special Educational Needs, a Masters level qualification to assist her role as Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) alongside classroom based teaching. Lorna is also an approved Foster Carer for the Somerset Local Authority. Lorna Joined The Red House in March 2018.

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