Meet the Team
At Up Up and Away, we are incredibly proud of our dedicated and passionate team. Each member plays a vital role in providing a warm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Together, we create a space where children feel supported, inspired, and loved.
Our team is made up of experienced early years educators, each committed to giving children the best possible start in life. We believe in continuous professional development and work closely together to ensure we provide high-quality care and education.
Key Person Approach
At Up Up and Away, we follow the Key Person Approach, which means that each child is assigned a dedicated staff member who will be their main point of contact throughout their time with us. This staff member, known as the "key person," is responsible for building a close, supportive relationship with the child and their family, helping to ensure that the child feels secure, valued, and understood.
The key person gets to know each child’s individual needs, preferences, and developmental milestones, and they tailor activities and support to suit the child's unique interests and learning style. This approach helps foster a sense of trust and continuity, as children develop a strong bond with their key person, making transitions between home and preschool feel smooth and reassuring.
The key person also works closely with parents and carers, providing regular updates on their child’s progress and well-being. We believe this partnership between home and preschool is essential in supporting children’s emotional and developmental growth. Through the Key Person Approach, we create a nurturing, personalised experience for every child, ensuring they feel confident, happy, and ready to learn.
The Role of Our Preschool Committee
Up Up and Away is a charity-run organisation, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated Committee made up of volunteers from our community. This includes current and ex-parents, as well as other local residents who are passionate about supporting early childhood education.
The Committee plays a vital role in the overall management and direction of the preschool. They work closely with the staff to ensure the preschool runs smoothly, maintaining a high-quality, safe, and welcoming environment for the children. The Committee is responsible for key decisions, including overseeing finances, fundraising efforts, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
As a charity, we rely on the support of our Committee members to help us continue providing the best possible care and education. Their time, expertise, and commitment are essential in helping our preschool grow, develop, and remain an integral part of our village community.
We are always looking for new members to join our Committee and contribute to the success of our preschool. If you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference, please get in touch or attend our next Committee meeting to learn more about how you can help.
Staff
Laura Mitson
Manager, SENCO & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Qualified Primary and Early Years Teacher
Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider
Dan Gray
Deputy Manager & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Level 5 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider
Jodie Sanders
Level 6 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Vicky Seymour
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Becky Young
Level 3 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider
Jess Dervin
Level 3 Apprentice Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Kellie Dickerson
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider
Ruth Wall - Welly Wednesday & Bank Staff
Level 3 Early Years Educator
Level 2 Safeguarding Training
Paediatric First Aider