Meet the Team
Name: Donna Cartmell-Fry
Role Title: Senior Practitioner Children’s Centre and Early Years Inclusion
You can find me: At the Children’s Centre
What my role involves: I am the lead for the Children’s Centre and Early Years Inclusion. Together we support Rutland children and their families to grow and reach their potential.
Additional information: I have a background in Early Years and Early Help. I am always happy to talk to families, to provide support or gain their feedback.
Name: Amy Kitching
Role Title: Family Hub Early Years Co-ordinator
You can find me: I work full time and spend most of this time based at the Children’s Centre.
What my role involves: I work alongside Donna to co-ordinate a lot of the Children’s Centre Services and shape our delivery plan. I have a focus on supporting all families into the Children’s Centre and work closely with a range of other local support services to do this. I oversee a range of the Children’s Centre services and manage some of the Children’s Centre Team.
Additional information: My background was initially in nursery settings and then delivering a range of services in Children’s Centre, from Early Years Groups to courses for parents. Until September 2021, I was an Early Help Worker based at the Children’s Centre providing 1:1 support for families.
Name: Gail Jenkins
Role Title: Visions Support/Data Officer
You can find me: On the Reception at the Children's Centre, Oakham – Monday, Tuesday and Friday. I work from home Wednesday and Thursday.
What my role involves: Supporting and providing all aspects of the “behind the scenes” tasks to ensure that the Children’s Centre runs smoothly and safely for our visiting families. I also cover Receptionist duties whilst on the reception.
Additional information: I have a military background (RAF) and started working in the Children’s Centre in 2009. During this time, I have seen hundreds of families who have thoroughly enjoyed their time spent at the varied and enjoyable sessions/ courses held at our venues. Many of our parents have met long term friends when they have attended sessions/courses here and others also have found much needed support from our staff and other parents.
Name: Stephanie Holmes
Role Title: Early Help Worker
You can find me: At the Children’s Centre two days a week, I work 3 days a week in total
What my role involves:
Additional information: I have a background in parental support and health, which links with the support Visions delivers to families. I facilitate a range of courses including The Social Baby and look after the Parent Champions and Volunteers here at Visions.
Name: Caitlin Chapman
Role Title: Early Help Worker
You can find me: At the Children Centre, I’m based there 4 days but work full time.
What my role involves: Supporting families at home and in the centre.
Additional information: I found a passion for supporting families through my previous roles of a support worker for young people with autism, learning disabilities and severe challenging behavior. I started this role after I graduated from university holding a BSc in Psychology. Since then, I have increased my knowledge and experience in education becoming a teacher at a specialist SEND residential school. I now aim to use my experience to work with families in the home to provide the best outcomes for each individual.
Name: Emma Taylor
Role Title: Early Help Worker
You can find me: At the Children's Centre (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
What my role involves: Support for families, co-ordinating young parents' group and co-delivering parenting courses.
Additional information: My background consists of Early Years and primary/secondary education, Early Years assessing, Intervention learning support (ILSA) and ELSA counselling. With a specialist qualification and interest in child psychology, I have a wealth of experience in supporting vulnerable children and children with additional needs.
Name: Jo
Role/Title: Lead Family Support Educator
You can find me at: The Children’s Centre Tuesday-Friday and at our outreach venues, Kendrew Barracks, St. Georges Barracks and Uppingham Scout hut.
What my role involves: You will find me delivering our ‘Grow together’ session both in the children’s centre and in the community.
Additional information: I have worked in early years for over 20 years, mainly based in a nursery setting.
Name: Victoria Hilliard
Role Title: Early Help Support
You can find me: On the Reception at the Children’s Centre on Wednesday and Thursday
What my role involves: Covering Reception desk duties,
Additional information: I’m a full-time working mum. I work in other areas of Rutland County Council’s Early Help team the rest of the week, but I love meeting the parents and children that come into the Children's Centre whilst I am on the reception.
