Our Childcare Team
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Lisa MacIntyre
Childcare Manager
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I am Cairndow Community Childcare's Manager, and have been with the childcare here for sixteen years, starting off as a student and working my way up to be Manager.
I hold an SVQ4 qualification and a BA in Childhood Studies.
I am enjoying the challenges of growing the centre and creating something special.
My passion lies in making a difference to children, families and staff.
I am fortunate enough at Cairndow to be able to make a difference and input new and creative strategies in learning.
I am available for children, staff and parents to talk to when needed, so please come and speak to me anytime.
My direct e-mail address is lisa@thefyneden.com or press here for direct link -
Jessica Smeaton
Support Worker
I have been at nursery since 2006 and in that time I have worked with all the different age groups within nursery and seen lots of boys and girls grow and graduate to Primary One and beyond!
I am a trained book bug leader and love to sing and tell stories and I also enjoy spending time outdoors playing and learning with the children. In 2018 I completed a Woodland Activity Leader Training Course.
Outside of nursery I have lived in Inveraray for 14 years with my husband and our kids. I enjoy walking, reading, holidays and meeting up with friends and family.
SVQ3, with us since 2006
Katie Wilson
Support Worker
I am a local girl, born and bred in the village of Strachur on the shores of Loch Fyne, and it never fails to astound and delight me on a daily basis.
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I have worked in various local business's throughout my working life gaining a large amount of experience in the varied roles I have enjoyed.
I am excited to have joined the child-care team here at Little Learners at The Fyne Den and really relish the ever-changing needs and challenges I come across daily in helping the childcare setting run as smoothly as possible. No two days are the same and the joy of watching the wee ones play, develop and grow is so rewarding.
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I love volunteering at Strachur Youth drama in my spare time, encouraging the children to be creative and have fun in their performance activities. Its such a worthwhile pursuit for the young people in the local community, I still get a huge buzz when seeing them gain confidence and have the best fun, the same as I now get everyday at the Den.
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SVQ2 Qualified
Jacqueline Downs
Tots Practioner and Floor Supervisor
I'm Jacqueline and I live in Cairndow with my husband and children Lexie and William. I am originally from Central Scotland but moved to Cairndow for a more rural life.
I currently have a SVQ3 in Early Learning Childcare and Development. I love spending time with children and watching them grow and learn, no two days are ever the same and every day is an adventure.
Any spare time I have is mostly taken up with family life enjoying spending time outdoors with our dog Minnie.
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Working towards SVQ4 in Social Services (Children & Young People)
Ross Anderson
Toddler Practitioner
I have always had an interest in working with children and learning about their development and what makes them tick. To be given the opportunity to work and train and learn from my colleagues at Cairndow Community Childcare has been an ambition fulfilled and I am working hard to take my education further.
I get as much from the children as they do from me.
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Joined Cairndow Childcare in 2019 and SVQ3 qualified.
Orla Murphy
Baby Practitioner
Originally from Ireland, I have travelled and worked in various locations including New Zealand, settling in Cairndow a few years ago.
I have always worked in community settings with children and young people, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring my skill set to The Fyne Den.
I transferred from the Adventure Zone to Little Learners childcare facility at the end of last year and am qualified at SVQ3, and loving it.
Cara Blyth
Early Years Practitioner
I find myself coming full circle with Cairndow community childcare as 19 years ago I was under the care of (now) manager Lisa, and Jessica, and I now find myself the ELC practitioner. I love working with children and have recently moved nursery jobs from dunoon to be somewhere closer to home. Family means a lot to me and I find that Cairndow brings a family feel to it, with strong family relationships. I am also currently furthering my education with a a Bachelors degree in Primary Education. Any free time I have I enjoy spending it with my dog Lola!
Meg Renton
General Assistant
SVQ3 qualified.
Hannah Ford
Admin Assistant & Adventure Zone Supervisor
I started working at The Fyne Den in 2022 after looking to get back into work after having my daughter. I enjoy the creativity of my role in the Adventure Zone, whether I'm setting up toddler session activities, fundraising campaigns or working on big events.
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MA Hons English & History.
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Our Directors
Alison Hutchins
Director/Chair
Cairndow Resident and previous user of childcare facilities for her children, now moved on to schools
Director of Dawnfresh Farming Ltd
Director of Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre
Director of British Trout Association
RSPCA Freedom Food assessor, ISO 14001 lead auditor and business development experience within the Salmon and Trout industry.
Virginia Sumsion
Director/Secretary & Treasurer
Involved with Cairndow Community Childcare since 2004.
Trustee of S.J.Noble Trust since 2012 - working to assist business development in Argyll.
Self- employed event organiser, catering provider and consultant on Tourism and Food business development.
Founder member of Food from Argyll Group in 2007/8. Co-ordinator for the group 2010 to present.
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Alan Boyter
Director
Cairndow resident
Director of Dignity HR Solutions Ltd, and also Stoirm Ltd.
Vice Chairman of Dundee Contemporary Arts
Subject expert member of the People Committee of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.
Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee.
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Hugh Johnston
Director
Local resident and representative for Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
Worked for Loch Fyne Oysters for many years within Sales, HR and Accounts Dept.
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Owen Hutchins
Director
Cairndow Resident and previous user of childcare facilities for his children, now moved on to schools
Career in fish farming and husbandry, currently Manager Cairndow Salmon Hatchery
Vacancies
We are recruiting for a new team member to join our centre!
This vacancy is for a part time role mainly based in the Adventure Zone play area, covering the duties of an Adventure Zone host as well as a parties and special events.
The working hours are weekends and some weekdays during the school holidays. This is a public facing role with lots of scope to help develop the facility.
If you think you can bring some fun, enthusiasm & creative flare to this role then we want to hear from you!
Full job description available by contacting info@thefyneden.com