Amie Gordyk - Manager

My name is Amie and I have been working in childcare for 17 years. I have a real passion for watching children grow and learn through natural curiosity, something that is slowly becoming obsolete due to the reliance on technology. I have a Level 5 in Early years and would like to gain my Degree in Early years within the next 2years. I always wanted to become a teacher when I was younger, however early years is most definitely where I want to be now I am older. Being the first educator in a child’s life (after the parents of course) gives you the most amazing sense of pride as you wave them off to school knowing you helped to shape their curious mind, helped them to problem solve, helped them to express themselves and encouraged their individuality. In my home life, I enjoy arts & crafts, walking my dog and reading, you will quite often find me cuddled up with a cup of tea and a good book.

Gemma Smith - Deputy Manager

My name is Gemma, I have been working in childcare for 5 1/2 years. Before this I worked in the elderly care industry for 11 years as a Senior Care Assistant. I started working with Sally as one of her first assistants back in 2019 after the birth of my first son and we soon became a fantastic childminding family as it grew from 6 children daily to 12. I am looking forward to helping Sally achieve her goals, whilst expanding my knowledge within childcare and taking on higher responsibilities within a professional setting. My favourite part of working in childcare is watching them explore the world whether that’s through outings or through their imagination during role play. I enjoy seeing the world through their eyes. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my two young boys, creating things in my craft room and spending time with family and friends.

Laura Farrar - Early Years Supervisor

Hi everyone. My name is Laura, my career in childcare actually started from as young as maybe 12 when my own mother was a childminder. I loved helping during the holidays and after school and it soon became clear that childcare was going to be my career! I started with a Level 2 qualification at my local college and went on to work in a nursery shortly before having my daughter, Imogen in 2011. I then worked as a home carer for children with disabilities and special needs. After having Imogen, I took a long break to raise her and when I did go back to work, I had a short spell at retail, fitting car seats and then into another nursery job where I completed my level 3. I then found my current place with Sally almost 3 years ago. I am so excited for Little Plums to open a whole new chapter of childcare for me. I love being outdoors enjoy going for long walks so the nature of Little Plums suits me quite nicely! I do eventually want to complete a level 4 qualification and progress from there. My favourite part of childcare is definitely story time. I love engaging children's interests in books and the written word and feel it is one of the most important things you can do with a child from a young age. Stories encourage children to use their imaginations and creative skills and I like to be a small part of those skills developing.

Alkistis Karavi - Early Years Supervisor

Hello! I am Alkistis and I have been working in childcare for almost 10 years now. I always wanted to work with children, since I was a child, and that's one of the reasons I moved to the UK, 10 years ago, to make my dream come true. I am a mother of two boys and three pets! Working with children is mesmerising for me as I find their little characters amazing, and they bring so much fun and joy. I enjoy watching them play and use their imagination and listening to their constant questions about life. I love being a part of their lives, comfort them when they are not feeling great and help them grow to fine young people. I enjoy doing puzzles, Legos, crafts, and changing my hair colour every few months! I'm so glad I joined little plums, as I have changed a few settings through the years trying to find the one that fits my personality perfectly, and finally it's here.