Meet Our Team

Barbara Ball

Owner

Photo of Barbara Ball

I have previously taught reception and pre-school as well as assisted in class with 11-17 year olds for 5 years. I have volunteered for Home-Start, helping mums with new-borns up to the age of 5. I ran my own swim school in South Africa for 6 years where I taught children and babies to swim.

I believe in working very closely with parents and treat each little one as a unique individual who has specific needs. I also think that play is most important and we spend a lot of time outdoors, thus embracing the Forest School ethos.

I am fully Ofsted registered and received my 2nd OUTSTANDING grading in October 2022.

I am fluent in English and Afrikaans and use the Jolly Phonics programme to acquaint the children with letters and sounds.

Qualifications

  • Swimming SA instructor certificate
  • CACHE  Level 3 Diploma in the Children and Young People’s Workforce (CYPW)
  • QCF Level 3 Understand How to Set up a Home Based Childcare Service
  • Current paediatric First Aid Certificate
  • Safeguarding children training
  • PACEY Member
  • Ofsted DBS
  • CYPOP5 childminder certificate                                    

Experience

  • 1986 - Present: Mum
  • 2001 - 2006: Swimming Instructor
  • 2001 - 2007: Home Tutor to our daughter
  • 2007 - 2008: Reception Teacher
  • 2009 - 2012: Assistant Teacher to KS3
  • 2007 - 2012: Home Start Volunteer
  • 2012 - Present: Childminder
  • 2021 - Present: Chair of Trustees at FoSADA Charity

Michelle Ford

Manager

I have been working in the Brambles family since 2016 after working at a summer camp in America. I started with my level 2 in childcare at the local college and then progressed onto my level 3. My favourite time of day is music class as I love to sing and dance with the children. I'm a great animal lover, and in my spare time I'm normally spending time with my dog, bunnies, or horses.

qualifications

  • Level 2 Childcare
  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the  Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)
  • CACHE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare

I have been working in the Brambles family since 2016 after working at a summer camp in America. I started with my level 2 in childcare at the local college and then progressed onto my level 3. My favourite time of day is music class as I love to sing and dance with the children. I'm a great animal lover, and in my spare time I'm normally spending time with my dog, bunnies, or horses.

qualifications

  • Level 2 Childcare
  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)
  • CACHE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare

Michelle Ford

Manager

Photo of Michelle Ford

Emily Ball

Childcare Assistant

Photo of Emily Ball

My name is Emily and I've enjoyed working with children for over 16 years now. In my spare time I love being with my family and friends, reading and going for long walks.

qualifications

  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
  • Paediatric First Aid

Emily Ball

Childcare Assistant

My name is Emily and I've enjoyed working with children for over 16 years now. In my spare time I love being with my family and friends, reading and going for long walks.

qualifications

  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
  • Paediatric First Aid

My name is Mia and I love working in childcare, I have been in childcare for 2 and a half years. As soon as I finished school I went to college and studied my level 3. I always knew I wanted to work with children as in my spare time I do a lot of babysitting which I love. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out for meals and going for days out.

qualifications

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce

Mia Beresford

Childcare Assistant

Photo of Mia Beresford

Mia Beresford

Childcare Assistant

My name is Mia and I love working in childcare, I have been in childcare for 2 and a half years. As soon as I finished school I went to college and studied my level 3. I always knew I wanted to work with children as in my spare time I do a lot of babysitting which I love. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going out for meals and going for days out.

qualifications

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce

Lisa Withers

Childcare Assistant

Hi, I’m Lisa. I have worked in Childcare for 33 years. My hobbies are Yoga, crafting and up-cycling.

qualifications

  • N.N.E.B Diploma
  • CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Lisa Withers

Childcare Assistant

Photo of Lisa Withers

Hi, I’m Lisa. I have worked in Childcare for 33 years.My hobbies are Yoga, crafting & up-cycling.

qualifications

  • N.N.E.B Diploma
  • CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce