Big changes at Shining Stars

Shining Stars Nursery, part of Marine Academy Plymouth has made some exciting changes to its team and, its provision.

Ruth Smith, the Nursery’s new manager applied to work at Shining Stars because she was ready for a full-time manager’s role, Ruth has carved a professional career working in various Early Years settings and has moved from Earlybirds Nursery in St Budeaux where she was Deputy Manager. Ruth has a BA (Hons) in Early Years and has achieved Early Years Professional (EYP) status.

Ruth said: “I was delighted to be offered this position, this is a lovely facility for children and the support from the Marine Academy has been, out of this world.

“This is a more responsible role for me and I will be leading learning for the staff as well as the children. I am very fortunate to be able to utilise the skills of the existing team, their established relationships with both the parents and the children are really important.”

The Nursery’s is also opening a new baby unit to care for the under twos. Not yet open, it’s already got five babies enrolled.

Ruth added; “Shining Stars will be opening a baby unit next week, it is a new venture for the Nursery and I felt it extremely important to recruit a professional with experience and we’re very lucky to have Laura.”

Laura Chivers (22) has worked at a number of nurseries in Plymouth including Earlybirds and Kings’ Nursery and will be responsible for the new baby unit. She did her initial Early Years training at City College Plymouth and went on to complete a foundation degree (FdA) at UCP Marjon followed by the BA (Hons). Most recently Laura has achieved her EYP status.

Laura said: “I really like it here at Shining Stars, the space and the facilities are designed to help ensure that we are building the vital foundations for parents and children. This is high quality childcare where children can learn through play, can learn socialising skills, attachment and routine.

“I love working with the babies and see this as part of the bigger picture. Consistency, quality and meeting the parents’ needs are what we are focusing on, I’m really pleased to be here.”

The new baby unit at Shining Stars is open from the 5th September and has the capacity to care for 10 under twos. For more information call 01752 213939