Nursery

Mrs Dickinson – Welcome to an exciting new year in Nursery. Whether your child is only just beginning their journey with us at St John Vianney Nursery, or is returning for the new academic year, I am absolutely delighted to be teaching them this year.  Mrs Willingham and I are very lucky to be sharing the teaching responsibility in Nursery as we begin the year and we are blessed to be supported by our wonderful Teaching Assistants, Mrs Drozdek, Miss Thornton and Miss Gallagher. 

I am very lucky to have been a part of the St. John Vianney family for an incredible 22 years. During my time here, I have had the privilege of teaching every year group, from Nursery right through to Year 6; therefore, I have an excellent understanding of the educational journey your children are embarking upon.  Most recently, for the past four years, I have been extremely lucky to have taught in both Reception and Nursery and it is safe to say, Early Years is where my heart is and I feel honoured to be teaching at the route of our St John Vianney family.    

As EYFS Phonics and Early Reading Lead, my genuine love of reading and sharing stories is at the forefront of my teaching philosophy and I look forward to sharing this passion for stories and the importance of reading with all children, even from this very young age. 

I am a mummy myself, so completely understand your feelings as a parent when your child starts school for the first time.  My approach to teaching and nurturing your child’s development is grounded in patience and empathy.  I believe that every child is unique and deserves the utmost care and compassion in their educational journey. My dedication to the whole child means that I prioritise not only academic growth but, also your child’s emotional and social well-being, supporting them with the skills they need to regulate themselves and communicate effectively.  

I want you to know that your child’s well-being and development are of the utmost importance to me. I am here to listen, understand, and work collaboratively with you to support your child’s growth. Together, we can create a nurturing and inspiring environment where your child can thrive.  I look forward to a year filled with creativity, exploration, and countless opportunities for your child to grow and develop into the wonderful individual they are destined to become. 

Mrs Willingham – I would like to say a huge welcome to all our new and returning children.  I am delighted to be in Nursery to help your children develop and grow in so many ways.  I will be working the second half of the week with Mrs Dickinson working the first half. We are both extremely passionate about the Early Years.  We are very fortunate to have Mrs Drozdek as our teaching assistant and Miss Thornton as our nursery nurse.  Both ladies have worked in the Early Years for many years and are nurturing and knowledgeable practitioners.  I, myself have had the privilege of working at St John Vianney’s for the past 17 years. My experience is within Early Years and Key Stage One, and I have worked in the Nursery since 2016.  I am extremely proud of our Nursery, the people who work in it and the wonderful children and families that come through the doors.  I am also the Design and Technology coordinator and lead this throughout the school as well as leading clubs and whole school projects relating to this. 

At St John Vianney Nursery we believe in providing a safe and caring environment for our children.  I strongly believe that a language rich environment is immensely important, and I will work hard to ensure that your children grow in confidence with their oracy skills as well as developing the characteristics of effective learning (playing and exploring, active learning, creative and critical thinking). 

 I am very excited to see the journey that your children will go on this year as they embark on or continue this early part of their education.  I understand what a big step starting nursery is for both the children and their parents. Please just ask if you have any questions. 

We are made in the image of God, and through Jesus we use the talents we have been given to achieve the best we can. 

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