Centrepoint
Centrepoint
Centrepoint has been at the heart of Jersey’s child care industry for over 35 years as a trusted, caring place where children can thrive and flourish. Our knowledge and understanding of the local environment means that we are properly equipped to support families with the challenges and of parenthood in Jersey. Whether you are looking for nursery care, or care before school, after school or during the holidays, we cater for all of your child’s needs. Our two easily accessible nurseries based at Green Street and La Pouquelaye offer childcare for babies from 3 months old, toddlers and pre-schoolers, providing the perfect foundation to enable them to reach their full potential in preparation for their next big step into school.
Our charitable status means that we’re not restricted by business pressures, allowing us to invest more time and care into our relationships with our families, the children and each other. This understanding permits true flexibility in how we deliver our care for the benefit of all.
Parents can also access the free 30 NEF hours at our two nurseries.
Whether it’s reading or listening to stories, or wiping up paint off the floor for the 5th time, we believe that patience is essential when working in childcare. Children appreciate being given time and understanding, and because of this, they feel comfortable around our staff. Children are more inclined to engage in learning and development activities, knowing that we give them plenty of time, respect and understanding. This in turn will enable them to try for themselves and become independent learners.
We believe that the key to providing the most loving, warm, cheerful and caring environment is passion. Being passionate about our work is clearly reflected in the contentment and happiness of the children we care for. It’s this passion which impels us to constantly reflect on our practice, so that we can ensure we provide the best care to our children as we possibly can.
Relationships are an important building block for providing good care, establishing trust and getting everything perfect for the children in our care. This includes listening actively to the voice of the child. Building good relationships maximises the children’s learning. We pride ourselves on making time for our parents and having direct daily communication with them, as we understand the value this brings as they entrust their children into our care. Having a honest relationship with our children, families and practitioners maximises the outcome for our children. This includes supporting our children and families when needed.
Respect is an essential part of our relationship with families, colleagues, ourselves, the world we live in and, just as importantly, the children in our care. Respectful practice is one of our corner stones in perfecting the care we provide to our children. Part of this respect is allowing time for special care moments, which we achieve by allowing children plenty of time to undertake things for themselves, encouraging independence, curiosity and exploration. Independence is a foundation for lifelong learning and resilience.
Creativeness is perhaps one of our most cherished traits; We strongly believe that having a playful attitude is not only entertaining for children, but can stimulate them to learn new skills and develop. And our staff enjoy it too! Children love our staff because we constantly use our imagination and enter their world. We value creativity on multiple levels, such as finding solutions to individual needs of our children, helping families to access our services, developing the care we provide and the running of our facilities.
Michelle joined the Board in 2014 and is now our Chair. She is married and has two children, one of whom is a regular attendee at Centrepoint’s holiday club.
Michelle is a Jersey Advocate working at Benest Corbett Renouf and acts as Centrepoint's legal counsel.
James Barrett
Governor – Vice Chair
Tanya Harrison
Governor – Treasurer
Carol Le Cocq
Governor
Martin Elks
Governor
Tracy Burns
Governor
Lady Jersey was educated locally at La Moye Primary, Les Quennevais School and Highlands College as well as studying at Elmhurst Ballet School, Laban Conservatoire for Movement & Dance and the Royal Academy of Dance in the UK. She is a qualified Dance Teacher, Holistic Aromatherapist (having studied at The Tisserand Institute in London), DDMIX Dance Instructor and a mother of 4.
Prior to working as a Teacher and performer Lady Jersey was a Trust Administrator working at Ernst & Young and Sierra Trust, after retiring from performing full time Lady Jersey returned to teaching, combining her work with treatment of dancers in her aromatherapy practice. She also worked as an Agents Assistant for Waring & McKenna a theatrical agent in the West End, looking after actors in TV/Film and Theatre and spotting new and upcoming talent.
Lord & Lady Jersey returned to the Island in 2005 to takeover running of the family estate after the passing of the Dowager Countess of Jersey, they have since added a holiday let business to the estate, which Lady Jersey manages.
“Growing up with two working parents my brother and I were very fortunate to have our grandparents around to help out with childcare. However, as a community we no longer necessarily live where our families live and Centrepoint gives children a safe and engaging environment in which to learn and grow. They not only provide childcare but engage the children in new activities and support both them and their families during some of the most difficult and challenging situations”.
“As a mother of 4 children I am acutely aware of the challenges our children face and how vulnerable they are. They are the corner stone of our future and we have a duty of care to protect, encourage and educate them in a manner that allows them to feel confident as individuals and with the necessary tools to support them in their future lives”.
“I am incredibly proud to be the Patron of Centrepoint and to support the work of such a caring and hard-working team of staff who work tirelessly to enhance children’s lives”.
