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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.

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.

I’m currently on maternity leave but hope to be back soon.

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.

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.

Sue DowlingSue Dowling

Hi I’m Sue and I have only recently joined the team at First Steps as Outreach Worker on the Best Start Project.

My role is to support schools and families of children aged 4-7yrs, as we work together to ensure all of the children reach their full potential. I have worked with children, schools and families for many years and I am keen to support the development of this new initiative.