Meet the Staff

The staff at the Plymouth Centre for Young Parents bring together many years of teaching, nursery and childcare experience. Together we have created an environment that provides young parents with the education, skills and support they require to adjust to parenthood and meet their long-term aims.

Below are some of the staff at the Centre:

Liz Salway, Headteacher

It is hard to believe that I am starting my 5th year at the Centre. Last year we have had a record number of students on roll, including two from Year 12 and we really hope they did well in their GCSEs. This September we will have an unusually smallnumber of students for the start of the year 5 students andonly 2 babies from age 6 weeks to 15 months.
No doubt they will keep us on our toes!

John Butcher, Director of Campus

My role as Director of Campus is to coordinate and link partners together to gain access to a fantastic range of resources whether that be buildings, staffing or teaching materials. On a day-to-day basis you will see much of the nursery and children up to 5 years old. This will give you opportunities to gain first hand experience of how children and young people develop. Furthermore you will also have the opportunity to engage with older students on site who are doing similar course work to you.

I am always impressed with the day-to-day environment and caring ethos of the Centre for Young Parents. You will have your challenges but rest assured the support and guidance offered to you whilst on our campus is of the highest quality.

Kim Palmer, Counsellor for Young People

I am available on a weekly basis to offer a safe, confidential space where all your worries and concerns can be listened to. Pregnancy and motherhood can be a very emotional and sensitive time for some of you, but by sharing your thoughts and feelings, it will enable us to understand and explore ways of coping. Your situation is unique and you can be sure your individual needs will be considered.

Teenage Pregnancy Midwife

As the specialist Midwife, I visit the Centre for Young Parents at least once a week during term time. I work closely with all the other midwives who work in Plymouth and can offer additional support and advice to students and their families. Each week I hold an antenatal clinic at school where those students who are pregnant can receive their antenatal check-ups, discuss any concerns or just pop in to listen to their baby's heartbeat.

I also provide preparation for the birth sessions at the Centre for those students who are coming up to their due date. We cover things like Labour, Pain Relief and what to expect when you become a parent. We even manage a tour of the Maternity Unit!

I can also support students who wish to link in with things that are going on for young parents in Plymouth, arrange appointments for housing or benefit advice and also visit at home if a student is unwell or has just had her baby. Any student can pop in and see me with any health concern whenever I am at the Centre and I will always do my best to provide appropriate support and advice.

Amy Bedingfield, Connexions

I make sure I meet all the young parents who attend the Centre and discuss their ideas for the future. I can identify any extra support they may need to enable them to consider all options available for the future.

Ele Phippen, Teaching Assistant

During your time here at the centre, we'll see quite a lot of each other. I'll be around to help out whether you are in lessons, spending time in the nursery or generally around the centre. Being such a small unit, we all get to know each other pretty well so if you have any worries or just need a chat, I'll try to help or put you in touch with someone who can. Looking forward to meeting you soon.

Joanne Warn, Administrator

You'll see me around and about the Centre, when you sign in the mornings, ordering lunches and dealing with transport for you and your babies. I also deal with all the Centre's administration work and generally help out when needed by the Headteacher and staff. I'm always available for anyone who needs a chat or some help and a quick cuddle with the babies!

Jo Tyrrell, Education Welfare Officer

I drop in regularly to keep an eye on the attendance figures, as without doubt regular attendance is the only way you are going to achieve the best for yourself and your baby. I also work with other agencies to support families and young people.

Sandra Hallows, Tanya Swaffield, Tamsin Lewis, Nursery Nurses

Sandra, Tanya and Tamsin are fully qualified Nursery Nurses (NNEB) with additional qualifications in First Aid and Health and Hygiene. Before you return to the Centre from maternity leave, Sandra will arrange a home visit to talk with you (and the baby's dad and your parents if you would like) about your baby's needs, comforts and routines. We provide support and advice from day one through our Parenting programme where you will spend time with your child's key care worker down in the nursery.