About Us
We Are
We are part of Lakeside Elim Church and have actively been running our Pre-School for over twenty years in Southport. We have a tremendous reputation within the town and by the parents whose children attend here. All of our members of staff are highly qualified, fully CRB’d in accordance with national safeguarding policies, and have many years of experience between us. We would love to meet you, so if you’re interested in finding out more, why not bring your child along for a free one hour play session, and stay and chat about what we have to offer.
Our Priorities
- We believe that every child is important and unique and tailor make their learning experience here to fit in with their individuality.
- We go to great lengths to ensure that your childs learning experience is carried out in a safe, fun, and stimulating environment.
- We will help each child develop new skills and teach them the importance of keeping safe and healthy.
- We will help them develop their creativity and imagination.
- We will help them become more confident and independent.
- We will help them develop their social skills, making lots of new friends along the way.
We would love to meet you, so if you’re interested in finding out more, why not bring your child along for a free one hour play session, and stay and chat about what we have to offer.
Meet the Team
Annick Kirwan (Manager)
In 1995, I qualified as a teacher with a B.A. (QTS) from Edge Hill University College. I worked for a year as a reception/year one/year two class teacher at Holy Family Primary School. I then worked for a year at Great Crosby Primary School as a year one teacher. From 1997 until 2003, I gave up teaching to become a full-time mum to two children. During this time, I took a correspondence course on teaching special needs children and did some voluntary work at Peterhouse School. When my youngest child started full time at school, I took a refresher course in teaching and became a supply teacher. Although I have worked throughout the primary sector, most of my work was within foundation stage particularly in the year before joining Elim Pre-School. In October 2006, I joined Elim Pre-School as Manager.
My roles and responsibilities include administration duties such as ordering resources, dealing with correspondence, keeping all files, records and policies up to date. I prepare the long, medium, and weekly planning and complete evaluations and observations. Occasionally I take part in group work with the children and I often read at story time and I am occasionally involved in the singing and speaking/listening activities on the carpet. Recent courses I have been on are Paediatric First Aid and Child Protection. I am the Child Protection Officer for the Pre-School. You can contact me direct on preschool@lakesidecc.org.uk
Sarah Astley
Hello, I’m Sarah and I work full time at the Pre-School as Deputy Manager. I am qualified as a childcare practitioner. I worked in a nursery for four years before going to work in a residential house for children on the Autism spectrum. I enjoy working with young children and believe in learning through play – the messier the activity, the better. During my previous employment, I went of different training courses including first aid, food talks, medication, communicating skillfully, making effective transitions, SENCO and ICT.
Julie Gray
I have been working with children since 2000 and I am a qualified Playworker Level 3. My experience has led me along various different paths, working with Tumble Tots – developing physical agility and co-ordination in children from 6 months to 7 years, to working as a Pre-School Parent-Helper gymnastic coach, to various placements in nurseries. I enjoy getting ‘stuck in’ and getting right down to the children’s level and treat each child with respect as an individual. Recently, I embarked on studying for my degree in Early Years Foundation Stage which I am thoroughly enjoying and look forward to sharing my knowledge and understanding at this setting. Courses I have attended are Paediatric First Aid, Child Protection, ‘Boys Will Be Boys’, Making Effective Transitions, and Schemas.
Gail McNally
I am a qualified NNEB and I have worked with pre-school children for 26 years, which I really enjoy. Most of my working life has been at private schools but for five years whilst my own children were young, I worked part-time in playgroups. I have worked at Elim Pre-School since September 2005, and I really enjoy it here as the staff and children are wonderful. My strengths include being creative, adaptable and fun-loving. Although I have lots of experience with children, I feel I am learning all the time. Recent courses I have been on include Child Protection, 101 Things To Do Outdoors, Understanding Children’s Behaviour and Paediatric First Aid.
Victoria Kenyon
Hi there, I’m Victoria and I work part-time here at the Pre-School, in the mornings and over lunchtime. I am the key worker for the youngest children. I qualified as an early years/primary teacher in 1996 with a BA (QTS) honours degree and I have had lots of experience in working with children in the foundation stage and beyond. Both my own children came to Elim Pre-School and thoroughly enjoyed it and I always felt assured that they were being well looked after and being given plenty of exciting learning opportunities. I have always loved working with children and feel they have so much to teach us. I am also a member of Lakeside Elim Church.