Ella Hey –Play leader Manager

My background and aims for Play Den

I have been employed by Play Den as a Supervisor since it opened in June 2005. As of February, 2007, my role now includes Managing the Club.
I have had many years experience working with children, and those with Special Needs in particular. My work background has made me aware of the need for respite care for parents and the lack of Clubs suitable to the needs of these children. To offer a Saturday Club that was Inclusive to all children sounded a wonderful project to me, and one that I am proud to be part of. I find the children inspirational. They are all so unique with individual qualities and characters that inspire me with enthusiasm and keep me challenged.
My aim is to continue to make Play Den a happy, friendly, caring place where children can come, have fun and feel safe, happy, make discoveries and just be themselves. The success comes down to the dedicated staff, the team of volunteers who come each week, to the support of the Committee and parents, but most of all to the children themselves.
I began my career, having left College, working as a Residential Child Care Officer, for NCH and then at a Boarding school for Hearing Impaired children (now part of Penn sch). When I had my Son, I retrained to work with under 8’s at College and worked at a Day Nursery in Beaconsfield and as a Childminder. In the past I have worked as an LSA in a local special school for 6 years and in a mainstream primary school in an ASD department for 4 years. I now work for Bucks County Council as a Portage Worker, supporting children under 5yrs with special needs in their home. I have recently gained my BA in Early Years

Staff Update News Autumn 2010

This summer we have said farewell to our Deputy Manager Carol, who is going onto further study, and to Play Workers Jacqueline and Dawn who have taken on new weekly employment. We wish them all well in the future.

In August we promoted Sharon as Deputy Manager and welcomed Sean, Nelam and Kim as permanent Play Workers and Amy as a regular supply Play Worker.

All staff have now taken and passed their Team Teach - positive handling technique certificate.

Three members of staff have begun an NVQ3 in Play Work this autumn.

Volunteers

We are always grateful to our volunteers who come regularly, alternate weeks am or pm. They are usual aged 16 plus and come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have lots of enthusiasm and many skills between them. They would attend an Induction course, soon after they begin volunteering which we hold at the Club. During their time with us, they learn valuable skills, can attend further training courses and gain knowledge often to help them in their chosen career. Having volunteers enables the Club to offer a higher level of support to the children, keeping our child:adult ratio high.

All Staff and Volunteers are CRB Checked.