Staff

Farida Kondwilkar, Nursery Manager/Finance Administrator/HR/DSL/SENCO

Farida joined the team in December 2013. She has 18 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 bought along with herself 16 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 and Special Educational Needs.

Joanna, Early Years Practitioner

Jo started work at Fernbank in 2006, and is qualified as a level three practitioner.   Previously she 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.

Hannah, Early Years Practitioner

Hannah started at Fernbank in 2016. 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 speech and language activities within nursery.

Farheen, Early Years Practitioner

Farheen joined Fernbank in 2016. Farheen has a level 2 qualification in Childcare, level 3 Health and Social care and 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.

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.