Donna Ross (Belfast) - Kids Play Den

I have worked in the Early Years sector as an owner, director and manager of multiple playgroup and out of school settings for over 20 years. I have training and experience in autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, speech and language difficulties, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, developmental delay and supporting children with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and from the ‘looked after’ sectors including foster and kinship care.

I have over 30 years’ experience working with children in the voluntary and paid sectors, including SEN support, Cross Community and Development Programmes, as a Young Enterprise tutor, a Dyslexia tutor and as a Brownie Guide Leader. I have a life-long interest in children’s pedagogy and have experience delivering most approaches from Montessori to Forest School. I recently completed the Wanderlust programme and my own approach is based around nurture in a relaxing homely setting (hygge), spending time daily outside (forest), and lots of opportunities for curiosity and adventure so each child develops their own individual interests, strengths and pathways for the future.

Qualifications:  BSc (Hons) Queens University Geography, Psychology and Sociology, Post Graduate Certificate in Management, Level 5 Management, Leadership and Development, Level 3 Children’s Care Learning and Development, PRINCE 2 Practitioner Certificates held in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding including DCPO, Food Safety, Fire Safety, Safety and Manual Handling.

Pick up / Drop off: St Bernard’s Primary School (Wynchurch), St Ita’s Primary School, Knockbreda Nursery School, St Ita’s Nursery School.