Statement

My first experience of working with arts in an early years setting was while I was on my degree course. I had a placement with Drumcroon, who place artists in schools, mine in an infants school. This experience made me realise that I wanted to work with children as well as create my own artwork. It was such a refreshing and stimulating time; which led to my degree thesis being on art education in early years. Then I spent a year on their artist in schools scheme. Gaining knowledge and experience in a variety of settings, I have continued to work in schools and more recently in several early years settings. This is an area I really enjoy working in, you learn to expect the unexpected and can never underestimate children. I think by offering children a quality learning experience in a safe environment, one is able to encourage children to; explore, interact, problem solve, exchange ideas and share feelings and experiences. Through experimenting with the media, children are able to develop their creative skills and gain in confidence. It is important to give the children time to reflect and build on past experiences enabling them to make choices about their own work. By being able to express their thoughts/ideas in a visual way helps children to make sense of the world around them. I try to work with staff to help to develop their knowledge and skills in order to feel more confident in delivering future sessions.

Experience

Art in education experience

2003 Artist in Residence - Silk painting with nursery pupils and staff, arts week. St Columba’s RC Primary School, nursery, Bolton

2003 Artist in Residence - Batik and silk painting with nursery pupils and staff, arts week. Charles Saer County Primary School, Manchester

2003 Artist in Residence - Silk painting and printmaking, reception, year 1 and year 2, book week. Bishop Bridgeman School, Bolton

2002 Artist in Residence - Silk painting and printmaking with pupils and staff. Bamford Pre-School Playgroup, Bamford

2002 Workshop Leader - Arts INSET training for nursery nurses in special schools. Bolton Authority, Bolton

1999 Artist in Residence - Textile hanging weeks, nursery, reception, year 1 and year 2. Oldhams School, Bolton

1992 Artist in Residence - Printmaking project with pupils from inner city schools with special needs. Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

1990-1991 Artist in Residence - Artists in Schools Scheme, working in many infants, primary schools. Drumcroon Education Arts Centre, Wigan

Qualifications

1996 PGCE (FE), University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield

1990 BA Hons, Embroidered Textile, Manchester Polytechnic, Manchester

1987 NWRAC Certificate in Foundation Studies, Arts and Design, Rochdale College of Arts and Design, Rochdale