Meet The Foundation Stage Team

My name is Katie Sams and I have been teaching at West Rise for the past seven years. I have a degree in English Literature and enjoy teaching early reading and writing. I absolutely love working with children - there is never a dull moment and I honestly think teaching is one of the best jobs in the world! I treasure the time I get to spend with the children here at West Rise and it is amazing to watch them grow and shine. I had my first child in April 2020 and now teach part-time so I get to enjoy some time with her as well.

Hello my name is Caroline and I lead the Nursery and I am the Special Education Needs Co-ordinator for the Nursery. I work closely with Lynne Weir the Headteacher and the Reception teachers within the umbrella of the Early Years Foundation stage.

My West Rise journey began in 2002 as a parent helper and as a ‘Friend’ on the PTA Committee.  In 2007 I became a member of the West Rise family working as a Nursery Practitioner. For a short time  I moved into Reception as a Teaching Assistant to support my studies. Then in 2014 I job shared with the Nursery Manager in my spare time leading the Nursery until she left in 2016, I then became the sole lead. I have NVQ levels three and four in Childcare, Learning Development 0-16 years, an Open University Certificate in Early Years Practice and a Foundation Degree in Early Years. I am proud to lead such an amazing team and I really enjoy getting to know all the wonderful children and their families who attend our Nursery.

I enjoy watching musicals, reading and swimming. I have three boys to keep me busy.

‍

Hello my name is Kim and I am an Early Years Practitioner. I have been working with Children for many years now and within that time I have been on many courses to help develop my skills with the children’s development in all areas. 

I also hold a level two qualification in Food and Hygiene. I am married to my husband Michael and have four grown up children and four grandchildren that keep me very busy.In my spare time I like to try and keep fit by doing lots of walking and riding my bike along the seafront, but my guilty pleasure is going out for a cappuccino with family and this happens most weekends.

Hello my name is Lavinia but I think it sounds too posh for me so I prefer to be called Vin and I am an Early Years Practitioner.

I have worked within the Nursery in different settings for over 16 years and I hold NVQ level two and three in Childcare and Education.  I live at home with my husband and three grown-up children who have all been through the Nursery.

I love gardening in my spare time and I like visiting open gardens and going to flower shows to pick up ideas for my own garden.

Hello my name is Hayley and I am an Early Years Practitioner. I have worked in Early Years Childcare for many years. I have a BTEC National Diploma level three in Early Years.

I joined West Rise Nursery in February 2019 and love being part of the amazing team. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to support and help the children develop their skills in a caring and exciting Nursery.

In my spare time I have three boys and two dogs that keep me busy. I enjoy walks along the seafront, watching movies and baking with my family.

Hello my name is Chelsea and I am an Early Years Practitioner.

I began as a student at West Rise Nursery in 2015 and after I completed my early years education level three, I was lucky enough to be offered a permanent position.

I enjoy working in our Nursery’s warm and friendly environment and being part of the nursery team and helping children to build confidence and self-esteem gives me a sense of achievement.

I enjoy baking, spending time with my family and taking my two pugs for a walk.

Hello my name is Katie and I am an apprentice Early Year Practitioner. I am currently working towards my Early Years Educator qualification level three.

I used to attend West Rise Nursery and school and it feels perfect to come back and work here! I enjoy being part of the nursery team and am finding it interesting learning about how children learn and develop.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friend and family. I love musicals and singing.

Hi. My name is Vera Meirinhos or Mrs M to the children! I became a teacher in Portugal where I have specialised in Primary School teaching and Special Educational needs, and I have been working in schools for the past few years.

The EYFS and languages are my passions. I love West Rise Infants for all that the school stands for and feel grateful to be part of it all.

I am a football coach for children with SEND, including my son.

I am the Early years Leader and class teacher in Amethyst class. I have worked at West Rise for over 8 years and I love to make learning fun, exciting and practical. I have 2 little girls, who light up my life. I enjoy swimming, dancing and baking. My favourite food is cheese and crackers? I love the outdoors and making up songs...Sometimes they are silly. I simply can't wait to meet your little ones and start their wonderful school journey with them.

I began my career in 2019 in a Reception class in Cambridge and have loved teaching in Reception ever since! I moved down to the south coast to work at West Rise Community Infant School and am loving the experience of teaching in Reception again.

I especially enjoy outdoor learning, including forest school and gardening. Another passion of mine is Art, where you can explore the various ways in which children can express themselves.

I am really enjoying my new adventure at West Rise!

‍

My name is Hannah Glover. My love for teaching began in 2009 when on a placement at West Rise Infant School. Throughout my teacher training I didn’t encounter another school anywhere near as special and innovative as West Rise, so I’ve been delighted to have the opportunity to build my teaching career here, mostly teaching in Reception.

My passion for teaching Early Years is driven by my belief of the importance of sparking a child’s love of learning early on to engage them in their future within education.

I’m a proud parent and have a daughter called Elodie.