Our Flying Start Family

Hi, I’m Kirsty! I’ve been part of the Flying Start family since April 2022, and it’s been an amazing journey. I’m a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, Level 4 Teaching Assistant, and Level 3 SEN Coordinator, with a real passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). As the SENCO and Designated Safeguard Lead, I’m dedicated to making sure every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to shine. In June 2024, I proudly became the manager here at Flying Start. It’s been a joy to help create a warm, family-oriented environment where children feel safe, happy, and excited to learn. I love watching their curiosity grow and their confidence blossom. At home, I’m a proud mum to two teenage daughters who keep me on my toes! I’m soaking up every moment with them before they spread their wings and fly the nest. Being a parent has given me a deep appreciation for how precious these early years are, and I’m committed to helping families make lasting memories here at Flying Start.

I am one of the two pre-school Room Leaders at Flying Start and have been here since August 2013. I am a qualified teacher and I use my qualifications and experience to encourage and develop the children in the pre-school room to get ready and (as importantly) look forward to going to school. There is a fine line between being three years old and needing cuddles and care and being encouraged to find your independence to help you on the next step of the journey. I really enjoy watching the children as they move through pre-school with us. I work part time due to having a family of my own. I am one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads at the setting.

I joined Flying Start in March 2019 and have really enjoyed getting to know the children during lunch times and cookery sessions. I have been working in kitchens for over 20 years with a couple of breaks to raise my own children. I have experience working in school kitchens as well as various others kitchens. During my cooking career I have maintained and gained high food hygiene ratings - we're a five star kitchen here!

I have worked at Flying Start since March 2021 and have progressed from apprentice to joint room leader alongside Jess. In the toddler room I like to encourage the children to use their imagination to develop their communication skills through taking on different roles within their play. Outside of work I have a keen interest in keeping fit and healthy and love spending time with my family.

Hi, I am Jess. I joined the Flying Start family in September 2022 after relocating from Bristol. I worked at my previous setting for 8 years. I have a level 3 in childcare but the learning doesn't stop there. I have training on Makaton, Forest school, Outdoor education and plenty of experience with a wide range of ages. I have a passion for being outdoors (with many weekend trips in my campervan) and love exploring the world around us with the children while at nursery. I now work part time since starting a family of my own.

Hello, I joined Flying Start in February 2023 after working with horses for a year. I joined as an apprentice but am now a fully qualified member of the team! I have had experience with children when looking after my cousins etc. I have a photography business on the sideline which really helps me be creative and imaginative when it comes to activities with the children. I absolutely love being outdoors which is why I love taking the children on trips and playing outdoors. I also love art which I love to use when creating images of animals or creating fun things for the kids to do.

Hi I am Gaia. I have been working with children since I was 18. I worked abroad for TUI in the children's clubs in the Summer and then swapped to the slopes in the Winter for skiing and looking after the babies. I have been with Flying Start since June 2024 and am enjoying my joint Pre-School room lead job. I have a real passion for art and crafts and am always using recyclable materials with the children to create works of art. I am currently studying for my Level 5 qualification as well as planning my Wedding! In My spare time I enjoy playing rugby for my local club.

Hi, I'm Amy. I joined Flying Start in June 2023. When I was younger I always wanted to be a teacher and follow in my mum's footsteps. I have always loved being around children as I can be creative, bubbly and not take myself too seriously! I love the endless cuddles I get and the smiles on the children's faces. Flying Start is a great team to be involved in and I love seeing the children grow into the best little characters.

Hello, I'm Mia, I've been working in childcare for over 8 years now and have recently returned home from a 2 year backpacking trip around Asia and Australia, where I worked in nurseries in Australia and that's where I found my passion for working with babies. I love watching the babies grow and see them develop their own little personalities. In my spare time I enjoy running and going on hikes with my dog and any opportunity I can I am on a plane to explore as much as the world I can.

I have worked at Flying Start on and off over the past few years as no matter where in the world I am living, I cannot stay away for long.

Hi I'm Ros, I help out at Flying Start as and when I'm needed!

I have recently joined Flying Start as the new apprentice working mainly in the baby room. I am very much looking forward to getting to know all the children in the setting and getting to grips with my course.

A reserved sort so we had to write this for her! Pam is a mum and a granny with years of experience with children. Pam mainly covers staff lunches and shares her passion of books and puzzles with the children during “quiet time”. She is very popular with the children that leave us to go to school each year as she sees them around Fairford or on their way to school!

The nursery has been part of our lives since Harriet our daughter (now 18!) joined when the nursery first opened. Our son Bill joined two years later (now 16) and the next year we bought Flying Start. It truly is a family nursery as everybody is involved, Pam is our real 'Granny' and so many of the fabulous team that make up Flying Start have been with us for such a large part of the journey - we love them all!