This week we are learning more about Louise, Officer-in-Charge at The Spinney at Bell Meadow.

Louise has worked in childcare for 11 years, and has been with us at The Spinney for 10. Louise is the friendly welcoming face at the front door of Bell Meadow and will usually be the one showing you around if you visit. She is highly qualified and first Aid trained. She’s also a big fan of Ken’s (our Cook) chocolate banana cake.

What does your role entail?

I look after the day-to-day running of the nursery: supporting staff, staff rotas, children’s rotas, dealing with enquires and showing parents around, overseeing menus and everything else.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
Put the kettle on!

What’s your favourite part of the day?

Definitely lunch time. Not only does the food smell so nice but you can sit at the table with the children and have a group chat. It’s lovely to share stories of their favourite meal and what mums and dads cook at home.

What is the funniest thing one of the children has ever done/said?

A little girl calls me “Aunty Louise” although I’m no relation. It makes me smile whenever she does – it just shows the children see us as part of the family.

What’s the strangest thing you have had to do at work?

With us being in a rural setting, we sometimes have some interesting visitors. One was a newt who dropped by to see us. The children were fascinated by her, we all went to the pond to release her back to the wild.

What’s the best thing about working with the Spinney?

Meeting some great children and their families, it is lovely to see the children grow and have a part in it.

If you could be a Super Hero which one would you be?

Cat woman! (I like cats.)

What is your favourite children’s book,

When I was younger I used to love Matilda and The Witches. I love to read Tabby McTat to the children.