At Minus Five we are proud of the high ratio of adults to children, we exceed the EYFS Statutory requirements of 1:4 for 2 year olds and 1:8 for 3-4 years olds. This ensures individual attention to the needs and development of each child. The staff are responsible for providing activities, which cover the EYFS, and for keeping individual records of these achievements. All staff attend regular training courses, and are parents themselves, allowing them to totally understand your thoughts and feelings regarding your child. Each member of staff has an enhanced DBS disclosure, and is committed to providing a fun, caring environment in which children can learn and play. At Minus Five we are extremely proud of our low staff turnover.
Shiobon Reed
Preschool Manager/SENCo
Level 3 Qualified
Paediatric First Aid trained
Makaton Level 1
Shiobon has worked at Minus Five for 16 years. She has 2 children, who both attended the preschool. She has a wealth of experience and is passionate about her role as SENCo. Shiobon has recently received a Level 2 in Children’s Mental Health Awareness, so is able to support children with the challenges of the current climate. Shiobon has also recently achieved the Level 3 qualification in Early Years SEN Co-ordination.
Debbie Swindley
Deputy Manager/Designated Safeguarding Lead (SSCB modules 1 and 2/GCP2)
Level 3 Qualified
Paediatric First Aid trained
Makaton Level 1
Debbie has worked at Minus Five for nearly 4 years. Both of her children attended the preschool, at which time Debbie was an enthusiastic member of our committee. Prior to working at Minus Five Debbie was a childminder.
Maria Franklin
Supervisor
Level 3 Qualified
Paediatric First Aid trained
Makaton Level 1
Maria has worked at Minus Five for over 30 years. She has 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Maria has seen generations of families come through the preschool, and remains as committed and enthusiastic as when she started.
Claire Anderson
Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Qualified
Paediatric First Aid trained
Makaton Level 1
Claire started working at Minus Five in September 2022. She has many years of experience working with young children as a Nanny. Claire has a young son.
Cath Foster
Early Years Practitioner
Cath has been working at Minus Five since February 2023. She has experience of working at preschools previously, as well as forest school experience. Cath has 2 children.
Gill Parry
Admin Manager/Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Level 3 Qualified
Gill has worked at Minus Five for the past 27 years, 11 of which she was the Manager. She undertakes and processes all the paperwork that is now involved in an early years setting. Gill has 2 children, and 2 grandchildren.