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The Team

Alan JohnstoneAlan Johnstone

Hi, I’m Alan Johnstone and I’ve been the Centre Manager at First Steps since 2001.

I’m responsible for recruiting and managing the team and ensuring we meet government targets of Every Child Matters.

Carole McCourtCarole McCourt

Hi, my name is Carole McCourt and I have been with First Steps for 7 years in the post of Business Manager.

I am responsible for the programme budget together with finance reporting to Lancashire County Council. I am Team Leader and in that role I assist in the management and development of staff and the programme. I enjoy my work, in particular meeting families and developing services to meet their needs and playing a small part in children’s development.

MarkMark Bailey

Hi my name is Mark and I’m currently covering Rebecca’s position as receptionist in Tanhouse while she is on maternity leave.

I really enjoy meeting everyone at reception, and helping out wherever I can. I have a degree in Physical Education and am really looking forward to meeting everyone.

Rebecca RobertsRebecca Roberts

Hi my name is Rebecca Roberts and it’s usually me who meets you at the door, although not at the monent as I’ve just had my first baby.

I am the receptionist at First Steps Tanhouse and have been working here since August 2007. I’m currently doing my NVQ in Business Administration.

Val GleaveVal Gleave

Hi my name is Val. I am the Receptionist/ Programme Administrator at First Steps Children's Centre Digmoor. I have worked here since August 2006 and enjoy meeting and greeting people as they arrive in the building.

Karen BurkeKaren Burke

Hi my name is Karen Burke and I am the Children’s Centre Teacher, Deputy Centre Manager and Special Needs Co-ordinator [SENCO].

I have been working full time at First Steps Children’s Centre since Jan 2008 and my role includes working closely with our partner nursery Bright Beginnings and other Early Years settings in Sklemersdale.

Shirley MansleyShirley Mansley

Hi, my name is Shirley Mansley and I have over 20 years experience of working with children and families.

I have worked at First Steps since August 2008 leading the Health and Family Support Team.

Nicola SquiteDaSilvaNicola Squire da Silva

Hi I’m Nicola and I’m an Outreach Worker specialising in child development and offering support in the centre to parents and carers.

I plan and deliver parent and child groups ’stay and play’ sessions and outdoor play sessions.

I am also involved with specialist groups to support literacy & development and attention & listening skills.

Jill ScottJill Scott

Hi my name is Jill Scott and I have worked at First Steps since 2003. I am a qualified nursery nurse and now work as an Outreach Worker.

A big part of my job is family support and visiting families at home. Additionally I am a le Leche League Breast Feeding administrator, have Unicef Breastfeeding Management Training and facilitate 'Positive Parenting' and 'The Incredible Years' parenting support programmes, and run baby massage courses.

Dorothy GouldingDorothy Goulding

Hi I’m Dorothy Goulding. A big part of my role as an Outreach Worker is providing family support, visiting families in the home and supporting them in the centre.

My outreach role is to go out into the community informing them of the services of the children’s centre.

Dorothy GouldingAli Alderman

Hi my name is Ali Alderman. I have worked at First Steps since May 2005. I am an Outreach worker and run Baby Stay & Play and Toddler Stay & Play sessions as well as doing some home visits

Louise WalshLouise Walsh

Hi my name is Lousie Walsh and I’m an Outreach support worker at First Steps Children’s Centre.

My role is to run certain groups within the three centres including Let’s Get Arty, Active Kids and Stay and Play sessions. I also work as part of a team to support parents, carers and young families.

Vicky CritchleyVicky Critchley

Hi my name is Vicky Critchley and I have worked as an Outreach support worker at First Steps Children's Centre since May 2010, although I have worked in various areas of child care and education for the last 11 years.

You will see me leading and supporting groups such as, Active Kids, Mini Movers, Toddler Stay and Play and Baby Stay and Weigh across our three centres.