Karen D.

Experience

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  Chawn Hill Church

  May 1997 - Jul 2004

  My introduction to Early Years management and an absolute pleasure! The role included all aspects of managing a pre-school, from admissions to inductions, planning the early years curriculum, leading the team and imparting the vision. Writing and planning nativities, celebrations, stories and rhymes......... Oh the joy! My introduction to all things early years began here. Way back in the days of Desirable Learning Outcomes (those things before Early Learning Goals) Enjoyed the role, but definitely wanted more challenge (which came along). Had additional responsibilities for planning the then funded 4 year old's curriculum. Key worker to a small group.

  • Pre-school Manager

    Jan 2000 - Jul 2004

  • Pre-school Supervisor

    May 1997 - Dec 1999
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  Dudley Council

  Aug 2004 - Oct 2005

  Kindergarten Manager

  As the Kindergarten Manager for a new full day care provision within a phase 1 Children's Centre located in a maintained nursery provision, I was responsible for development of all aspects of the provision additionally to prepare for kindergarten's first full day care inspection and continuing growth and sustainability. I was responsible for staff supervision, deployment and development.

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  Action for Children

  Oct 2005 - Sept 2007

  Childcare Manager

  As the Childcare Manager for a new full day care provision within a local Sure Start program, I was responsible for implementing and developing the provision, integrating it within the larger sure start provision. My role included developing policies, procedures and practice. Staff development, recruitment, supervision, preparation for first Ofsted inspection and working towards capacity for sustainability

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  Barnardo's

  Sept 2007 - Apr 2010

  Children's Services Manager

  My responsibilities included leadership and management of a Sure Start Children's Centre (Phase 1), two full day care nurseries across split localities and breakfast and after school club provisions.

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  Dudley Council

  Apr 2010 - Jun 2014

  Children's Centre Manager

  As Leader of a Sure Start Children's Centre with on site nursery and extended school provision I am responsible for service development which is designed to meet local community need, staff and volunteer development through training, supervision and appraisal. Health and safety including legislation, regulations, statutory and inspection requirements for Children's Centre and nursery. I implement appropriate monitoring and evaluating processes for the Children's Centre and nursery, including Self Evaluation Forms, action and development plans which set clear targets, measuring progress. I prepare detailed reports for regular meetings, including financial updates. Show less

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  Birmingham

  Oct 2014 - Jul 2019

  Area Nursery Manager

  Open to new challenges, passionate early years leader possessing an in depth knowledge of early years and quality. Highly developed leadership skills, strives for excellence and able to train and develop staff teams broadening their knowledge and improving outcomes for children through application of skills and mentoring. Extensive knowledge in robust self evaluation and action planning procedures, measuring and evidencing progress and impact. Confident in leading and chairing meetings with stakeholders and partners. Ability to build rapport with external agencies achieving positive impact for all. Show less

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  (not disclosed)

  Oct 2019 - Aug 2021

  Head Of Operations
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  Halesowen College

  Nov 2019 - Apr 2021

  Sessional Lecturer

  I lecture on learning support to part time and full time students undertaking completion of their degree.

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  Safe Families for Children

  Oct 2021 - Dec 2021

  Family Support Manager
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  Self-employed

  Jan 2022 - Nov 2022

  Charity Founder

  Presently in the grass roots stages of developing a mission based ministry and gaining full charity status.

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  Forget Me Not. Funeral Celebrant Services

  Apr 2022 - now

  Independent Funeral Celebrant
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  Birmingham Location

  Sept 2022 - Dec 2024

  Quality and Compliance Leader
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  Sandwell Location

  Oct 2022 - Feb 2023

  Area Nursery Manager
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  Teacher Development Trust

  Nov 2022 - Oct 2024

  Facilitator